A First-Timer's Guide to Nagasaki: Best Places to Visit and Tips

Nagasaki: Japan’s Historic Gateway to the West

Night view from Mount Inasa in Nagasaki. Photo by Pixta

Located in northwestern Kyushu, Nagasaki City blends Japanese identity with an international atmosphere.

During Japan's two centuries of national isolation during the Edo period (1603-1868), Nagasaki prospered as the nation's sole gateway to the outside world.

Foreign influence began when Portuguese ships arrived in the region bearing firearms and Christian missionaries. Later, the man-made island of Dejima served as the exclusive trading post for Dutch and Chinese merchants.

Today, this unique history leaves Nagasaki heavily influenced by Western and Christian culture. The city is also globally recognized for enduring the atomic bomb, drawing a steady stream of visitors to the Peace Park to pray for world peace.

Beyond its deep historical roots, Nagasaki delights travelers with vibrant seasonal events and a renowned culinary scene.

Perfect for first-time travelers, this guide highlights the best sights, day trips, local dining, and hotels to help you experience the rich heritage of Nagasaki.

• Table of Contents
• Nagasaki Area Guide
• Shimabara, Hirado, and Sasebo
• The Goto Islands and Gunkanjima
• Weather in Nagasaki and What to Wear
• How to Get to Nagasaki
• Getting Around Nagasaki
• Nagasaki Day Trips: Discover History and Island Culture
• The Best Places to Visit in Nagasaki
• The Ultimate 1-Day Nagasaki Itinerary
• Nagasaki Festivals and Events
• Nagasaki Souvenirs
• Shopping in Nagasaki
• Dining in Nagasaki
• Nagasaki Hotels

Nagasaki Area Guide

Surrounded by the sea and three mountains, Nagasaki’s hilly landscape offers stunning panoramic views, culminating in one of Japan's most famous nighttime cityscapes when viewed from above.

As Japan's sole international gateway during its era of isolation, the city is packed with historic landmarks like Dejima and Glover Garden. Nagasaki is also home to the Peace Park, a poignant memorial dedicated to the tragic history and recovery from the atomic bomb.

Shimabara, Hirado, and Sasebo

Shimabara is located in southeastern Nagasaki. Shimabara Castle and old samurai residences are still standing, and you can feel the history of the area.

Once known as the Water Capital, channels of clear, beautiful spring water run through the whole town. The active volcano Unzen Fugen-dake and the volcanic mountain Mt. Heisei Shinzan tower over the western side of Shimabara, which is also home to the Shimabara Onsen resort.

On the northwestern tip of the island of Kyushu, you will find Hirado and about 40 other islands of varying sizes. Hirado is known for its castle, its Dutch hall, temples, and churches. It has a distinctive look, with a combination of Eastern and Western architecture.

Sasebo is most famous for the Huis Ten Bosch amusement park, but also has many other fascinating places to visit, including the 99 Islands, nature spots, and hot springs, as well as fresh seafood to enjoy.

The Goto Islands and Gunkanjima

Photo by Pixta

With 971 islands, Nagasaki has the most islands of any Japanese prefecture. Among them are the Goto Islands, an archipelago of around 140 islands off Kyushu's western coast. This area features 50 churches, which are part of the UNESCO World Heritage designation: "Hidden Christian Sites in the Nagasaki Region."

Another notable destination is Gunkanjima (Battleship Island). Though now an uninhabited ghost island open to tourists, it once served as a major industrial facility that fueled Japan's rapid modernization.

Weather in Nagasaki and What to Wear

Nagasaki weather is typically warm, with few extreme temperature swings, but winter temperatures can be freezing, depending on seasonal winds, so dress warmly. The cold will persist until about March, so bring a heavy coat or jacket.

During the rainy season in June, the air will be damp and humid. Summers are hot even in the morning, so buildings may have their air conditioning at full blast. If you can, prepare extra layers of clothing, like a long-sleeved shirt or cardigan.

Fall temperatures are comfortable but can get chilly in the mornings and evenings, so have a light jacket or coat at the ready.

How to Get to Nagasaki

Photo by Pixta

From Tokyo to Nagasaki via Airplane

When traveling from Tokyo, flying to Nagasaki is much faster and often cheaper than taking the Shinkansen.

Major airlines—including JAL, ANA, Solaseed Air, and Skymark—operate flights from both Haneda and Narita airports. One-way fares typically range from 10,000 to 20,000 yen, depending on the season and airline.

Upon arrival, Nagasaki Airport is about a one-hour bus ride from Nagasaki Station and major sightseeing spots. Click here for details on getting to the city center from the airport.

From Tokyo to Nagasaki via Shinkansen

To reach Nagasaki from Tokyo via Shinkansen, take the Nozomi train from Tokyo Station to Hakata Station (approx. 5 hours).

At Hakata, transfer to the Relay Kamome limited express to Takeo-Onsen Station, then cross the platform to the Nishi-Kyushu Shinkansen (Kamome) for the final leg to Nagasaki Station (approx. 1.5 hours total from Hakata).

If you are using the Japan Rail Pass, take the Hikari train on the Tokaido Shinkansen to Shin-Osaka, transfer to the Sakura train on the Sanyo Shinkansen to Hakata, and then follow the same Relay Kamome and Shinkansen connection to Nagasaki.

From Osaka to Nagasaki via Airplane

Several airlines offer direct, 80-minute flights to Nagasaki Airport from the Kansai region:
- ANA and JAL fly from Itami Airport (approx. 9,000 to 15,000 yen one-way)
- Skymark flies from Kobe Airport
- Peach (an LCC) flies from Kansai International Airport, with one-way budget fares usually ranging from 5,000 to 7,000 yen.

From Osaka to Nagasaki via Shinkansen

To get to Nagasaki from Shin-Osaka, take either the Nozomi or Sakura Shinkansen to Hakata Station (approx. 2.5 hours).

From Hakata, transfer to the Relay Kamome limited express to Takeo-Onsen, then switch across the platform to the Nishi-Kyushu Shinkansen (Kamome) to reach Nagasaki Station (approx. 1.5 hours).

From Fukuoka/Hakata To Nagasaki

From Hakata Station, you can reach Nagasaki by train or highway bus:

- By Train: Take the Relay Kamome limited express and transfer across the platform to the Nishi-Kyushu Shinkansen at Takeo-Onsen. The total journey to Nagasaki Station takes about 90 minutes.

- By Bus: The Kyushu Kyuko Bus takes about 2.5 hours, costing roughly half the price of the Shinkansen route.

Getting Around Nagasaki

From Nagasaki Airport into the City

An airport bus runs directly to Nagasaki Station. The ride takes about 40 to 45 minutes and costs 1,400 yen one-way.

The Streetcar Lines

Trains and streetcars offer a convenient way to navigate Nagasaki City. Alongside the JR lines, the Nagasaki Electric Railway operates four streetcar lines that are incredibly helpful for visitors.

Streetcars charge a flat rate of 150 yen per ride, but tourists can save money by purchasing a 600 yen all-day streetcar pass. A similar one-day pass is also available for the city bus lines.

Nagasaki Day Trips: Discover History and Island Culture

Photo by Pixta

Sasebo, Shimabara, and the Goto Islands are some of the best destinations for day trips from Nagasaki City.

Shimabara

To reach Shimabara from Nagasaki, take a local JR train or the Shinkansen to Isahaya Station (8 to 30 minutes), then transfer to the Shimabara Railway line for the final leg (70 minutes, 1,460 yen).

You can also explore the peninsula by taking a direct Nagasaki Kenei bus from Nagasaki to the Unzen hot spring area (100 minutes, 1,850 yen) and then catching a local connecting bus down to Shimabara.

Hirado and Sasebo

To travel from Nagasaki to Sasebo, take the scenic JR Rapid Seaside Liner along the coast (approx. 90 minutes, 1,680 yen) or a highway bus operated by Nagasaki Prefectural or Saihi Bus (90 minutes, 1,600 yen).

From Sasebo, you can continue onward to Hirado by taking the Matsuura Railway to Tabira-Hiradoguchi Station (80 minutes, 1,370 yen) and crossing the bridge into town via a short local bus ride.

The Goto Islands

Kyushu Shosen operates boat routes from Nagasaki Harbor to the Goto Islands ports of Fukue and Narao:

- High-Speed Jetfoil: The fastest option, reaching Narao in about 75 minutes and Fukue in 85 minutes (fares typically range from 6,000 to 8,000 yen one-way).

- Standard Ferry: A budget-friendly but slower alternative, taking about 2 hours and 40 minutes to Narao and 3 hours and 10 minutes to Fukue (fares range from 3,000 to 4,500 yen one-way).

Please note that all prices vary by season and fuel surcharges.

Gunkanjima

Several companies operate round-trip tours to Gunkanjima from Nagasaki Harbor, with the entire journey taking about 2.5 to 3 hours: - - Gunkanjima Cruise: 3,600 yen
- Seaman Shokai: 3,900 yen (online booking discounts available)
- Gunkanjima Concierge: 4,000 to 5,000 yen (includes admission to the Gunkanjima Digital Museum)
- Yamasa Kaiun: 4,200 to 4,700 yen (early-bird discounts available)

Please note that Nagasaki charges a separate 310-yen landing fee to step onto the island, which is collected alongside your cruise fare.

The Best Places to Visit in Nagasaki

1. Dejima Island

Constructed in 1636, Dejima served as Japan's sole hub for foreign trade during its era of national isolation. Though urban development has integrated the former man-made island into the mainland, the historic area has been reconstructed to its original appearance.

Today, visitors can explore how Dutch merchants blended Western lifestyles with Japanese traditions, or even stroll the historic streets dressed in a rented kimono.

2. Peace Park (Peace Memorial Park)

Photo by Pixta

Located at the atomic bomb's hypocenter, Nagasaki's Peace Park features the Peace Statue, which symbolizes both divine love and mercy. Its raised right hand warns of nuclear threats, its open left hand extends peace, and its closed eyes offer prayers for the hibakusha (atomic bomb victims).

The park's fountain—shaped like the wings of peace doves and cranes—honors victims who died crying out for water. Visitors frequently note the park's deeply reflective atmosphere. Also on-site, the Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum displays artifacts and documents illustrating the devastation of the blast.

3. Glover Garden

Photo by Pixta

Perched on a southern hillside, Glover Garden is a UNESCO World Heritage site and the former residence of Thomas Blake Glover, a Scottish merchant who helped modernize late 19th-century Japan.

Built in 1863, the main villa is Japan's oldest surviving Western-style wooden building. Its unique design blends British colonial bungalow architecture—complete with stone-floored verandas—with traditional Japanese craftsmanship, featuring local plaster walls and tiled roofs.

The open-air museum features several other beautifully restored Meiji-era foreign residences, including the Old Ringer House and Old Alt House. Visitors can enjoy lush, year-round floral displays while taking in panoramic views of Nagasaki Harbor and the cityscape below.

4. Sanno Shrine

Located just 900 meters from the atomic bomb hypocenter, Sanno Shrine is famous for its resilient landmarks. While three of its original four torii gates were destroyed, one survived the blast despite losing an entire support pillar.

Today, it stands as the iconic One-Pillar Torii (Ippon-bashira Torii). Additionally, the shrine's ancient camphor trees—initially scorched and stripped by the radiation—miraculously sprouted new buds in 1950, and their massive, rejuvenated canopies tower over the compound today.

Address: Nagasaki, Nagasaki City, Sakamoto 2-6-56

5. Meganebashi (Spectacles Bridge)

©JNTO

Spanning the Nakashimagawa River, Meganebashi (Spectacles Bridge) is famous for its twin arches, which resemble a pair of glasses when reflected in the water.

Originally built in 1634, it is celebrated as Japan’s oldest stone arch bridge. Designated as an Important Cultural Property, the structure was carefully restored using its original materials after being partially washed away by a flood in 1982.

Today, it is a highly popular, year-round photography spot where visitors hunt for about 20 heart-shaped stones embedded in the river embankments to wish for good luck in love.

Address: Nagasaki, Nagasaki City, Uonomachi

6. Nagasaki Shinchi Chinatown

©JNTO

Alongside Yokohama and Kobe, Nagasaki Shinchi Chinatown is one of Japan's three major Chinatowns.

Marked by traditional entrance gates at all four cardinal directions, the district hosts a spectacular winter lantern festival and features numerous Chinese temples that offer a fascinating contrast to local Japanese shrines.

While here, be sure to sample Nagasaki’s signature Chinese-influenced noodle dishes: chanpon and sara udon, both packed with fresh local seafood and a mountain of vegetables.

7. Oura Cathedral

Photo by Pixta

Built in 1865 by French missionaries, Oura Cathedral is a Gothic minor basilica and Japan’s oldest surviving church. Officially named the Church of the 26 Martyrs, it honors the Christians executed in Nagasaki in 1597 under the orders of Toyotomi Hideyoshi.

Shortly after its construction, local Kakure Kirishitans (Hidden Christians) emerged from centuries of hiding to reveal their faith to the resident priest. This stunning discovery of thousands of secret Christians led the Pope to declare it "the miracle of the Orient."

Adult admission to the church and its accompanying museum is 1,000 yen.

Address: Nagasaki, Nagasaki City, Minamiyamate-machi 5-3
Website: Oura Cathedral

8. Oranda-zaka (Holland Slope)

Historically, Nagasaki residents referred to all Westerners as "Dutch," leading them to name the hilly, cobblestone street lined with foreign residences Oranda-zaka (Holland Slope).

This hillside area—stretching past Kwassui Gakuin University, Shitanozaka, Kwassuizaka, and Jokoin Temple—remains famous for its beautifully preserved Western-style historic homes.

Address: Nagasaki, Nagasaki City, Higashiyamate-cho

9. Nagasaki Koshibyo Confucius Shrine and Historical Museum of China

Built in 1893 with the cooperation of the Chinese government, this mausoleum was made to honor Confucius, the founder of Chinese Confucianism. With a traditional beauty which rivals that of the original Chinese mausoleum, the building is brightly colored and is linked to a Chinese history museum.

Address: Nagasaki, Nagasaki City, Oura-cho 10-36
Website: Nagasaki Koshibyo Confucius Shrine

10. Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum

©JNTO

The Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum features comprehensive exhibits documenting the devastating impact of the nuclear blast and the timeline of events leading up to it.

The displays chronicle the global development of nuclear weaponry alongside Nagasaki’s gradual recovery from the ruins of war to the present day. The museum's exhibits culminate in a powerful, urgent plea for a peaceful world entirely free of nuclear weapons.

Address: Nagasaki, Nagasaki City, Hirano-cho 7-8
Homepage: Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum

11. Nabekanmuri-yama Park

Photo by Pixta

Situated at an elevation of 169 meters, Nabekanmuri-yama Park is a ten-minute walk from the second gate of Glover Garden.

Its observation deck offers spectacular panoramic views of the city and harbor, making it an exceptionally popular spot for nighttime photography and for capturing cruise ships pulling into port.

Address: Nagasaki, Nagasaki City, Izumo 2

12. Mt. Inasa

The 333-meter-tall Mt. Inasa in Nagasaki is world-renowned for its panoramic nighttime views, and on clear days, visibility extends as far as Unzen, Amakusa, and the Goto Islands.

To reach the summit, you can hike the trail, drive (the mountaintop parking lot is free for the first 20 minutes, then 100 yen per half hour), or ride the scenic Nagasaki Ropeway (1,900 yen roundtrip).

13. Suwa Shrine

As Christianity spread across Nagasaki, many local temples and shrines were destroyed. In response, Suwa Shrine was founded in 1625 to revive the local Shinto tradition.

The shrine is famous among locals for its unique komainu (guardian lion-dog) statues scattered across the grounds. It is also celebrated as the home of the spectacular Nagasaki Kunchi Festival, a major autumn celebration that has been held annually since 1634.

Address: Nagasaki, Nagasaki City, Kaminishiyamamachi 18-15
Website: Suwa Shrine (Japanese)

14. Ryoma Street

Towards the end of the Edo period, the legendary samurai Ryoma Sakamoto and his revolutionary comrades frequently used this steep hillside path, which is how it earned the name Ryoma-dori (Ryoma Street).

This area remains a beloved historic route for locals and history enthusiasts alike.

Address: Nagasaki, Nagasaki City, Teramachi, Kazagashira-machi

15. Siebold Memorial Museum

Built of striking red brick, the Siebold Memorial Museum honors Philipp Franz von Siebold, the German physician who famously taught Western medicine and science in Nagasaki during Japan's period of isolation.

The building's architecture is modeled after Siebold’s later home in Leiden, Netherlands. Inside, the museum chronicles his fascinating life, his deep impact on Japan's modernization, and displays a valuable collection of his personal artifacts and historical documents.

Address: Nagasaki, Nagasaki City, Narutaki 2-7-40
Website: Siebold Memorial Museum

16. Huis Ten Bosch

Huis Ten Bosch, a massive theme park in Sasebo City, meticulously recreates the charm of a Dutch town with its scenic canals and European architecture.

During the day, visitors can enjoy vibrant seasonal flower festivals, interactive games, and live entertainment. At night, the park dramatically transforms into a spectacular "Kingdom of Light," illuminated by millions of stunning, world-class light displays.

Address: Nagasaki, Sasebo City, Huis Ten Bosch-cho 1-1
Website: Huis Ten Bosch

17. Tenkaiho Observatory

Tenkaiho Observatory offers one of the most spectacular panoramic views of the Kujukushima (99 Islands) dotting the Sasebo coast.

The fields on the observatory grounds burst into vibrant color with yellow rapeseed blossoms in the spring and cosmos flowers in the autumn.

Address: Nagasaki, Sasebo City, Shimofunakoshi-cho 399

18. Hirado Dutch Trading Post

This trading post of the East Indies Company was set up in 1609, but was destroyed in 1640 after the ban on Christianity was imposed. The current structure has been restored, with exhibits that explain the historical situation, and it is a venue for various events.

Address: Nagasaki, Hirado City, Okubo-cho 2477
Website: Hirado Dutch Trading Post

19. Misojien Garden

Spanning 25,000 square meters in Unzen City, Misojien is a stunning hidden gem for autumn foliage enthusiasts.

Thanks to its higher elevation, the garden's vibrant maples peak at different times, allowing visitors to enjoy the brilliant fall colors over an extended season.

The grounds are particularly famous for their spectacular evening illuminations, which transform the fiery canopy into a magical night view.

Address: Nagasaki, Unzen City, Obama-cho, Minamikisashi
Homepage: Misojien Garden

20. Unzen Onsen

Taking a dip in the sulfur-rich, strongly acidic hot springs at Unzen Onsen can help with skin disease and skin beautification.

In the area known as “Unzen Hell,” sulfurous odors and blasts of steam waft towards visitors from 30 fuming pools. There are foot baths as well as mixed bathing facilities, and bathers can enjoy their soak while surrounded by the majesty of nature.

Address: Nagasaki Prefecture, Unzen City, Obama-cho, Unzen
Website: Unzen Onsen

21. Goto Islands (The Hidden Christian Churches)

Located 100 kilometers west of Nagasaki Harbor, the Goto Islands comprise over 140 islands surrounded by beautiful southern seas.

During Japan's ban on Christianity, many "Hidden Christians" fled to this remote archipelago to practice their faith and build churches.

These historic sites are registered as UNESCO World Heritage sites, making the islands a top destination for both cultural history and coastal sightseeing.

22. Gunkanjima, the Battleship Island

Photo by Pixta

Officially named Hashima, this island once thrived as a major undersea coal mining facility. After the mine closed in 1974, the island was completely abandoned.

Its towering, concrete apartment complexes and high sea walls give it the silhouette of a Tosa-class warship, earning it the famous nickname Gunkanjima (Battleship Island).

Registered as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2015, the island's eerie, ruined landscape has served as an international filming location, inspiring the villain’s lair in the James Bond film Skyfall and hosting the live-action adaptation of Attack on Titan.

The Ultimate 1-Day Nagasaki Itinerary

Make the most of a day in Nagasaki with this efficient, morning-to-night route:

- Morning: Start your day at the reflective Peace Park and Atomic Bomb Museum. From there, head into the city center to photograph the historic Meganebashi Bridge (Spectacles Bridge).

- Lunch: Stroll through Shinchi Chinatown and fuel up with a steaming bowl of Nagasaki's signature seafood and noodle dish, chanpon.

- Afternoon: Walk off lunch by exploring the reconstructed trading post at Dejima, then head up the cobblestones of Oranda-zaka (Holland Slope). Continue south to visit the historic Oura Church and the hillside views of Glover Garden.

- Evening Finale: End your day taking in one of the world's top night views from the summit of either Mt. Inasa (via the ropeway) or Nabekanmuri-yama Park.

If you have a few days to spare, extend your trip by taking a cruise to Gunkanjima, catching a ferry to the Goto Islands, or relaxing in the hot springs of Unzen and Shimabara.

Nagasaki Festivals and Events

Photo by Pixta

Nagasaki Tall Ships Festival

Held in late April, the Nagasaki Tall Ships Festival fills Nagasaki Harbor with majestic sailing vessels from around the world to celebrate Japan's historic ties with the Netherlands.

Visitors can admire the ships from the shore, step aboard for interior tours, join public harbor cruises, and participate in family-friendly maritime workshops.

At night, the festival atmosphere peaks as the illuminated ships are framed by a spectacular fireworks display over the harbor.

Nagasaki Harbor
Address: Nagasaki Prefecture, Nagasaki City, Kokubun-cho
Website: https://www.discover-nagasaki.com/en/events_multilingual

Nagasaki Peiron Championships

With over 350 years of history, the Nagasaki Peiron Championship is a thrilling summer tradition held over two days in late July.

Teams paddle sleek, 14-meter-long dragon boats through an intense 1,150-meter round-trip course, moving in perfect synchronization to the energetic rhythm of pounding taiko drums and clanging gongs.

Beyond watching the intense races from the harbor, festival visitors can even step into a dragon boat to experience rowing for themselves.

In Nagasaki Harbor (in front of the Matsugae International Cruise Ships Wharf)
Address: Nagasaki Prefecture, Nagasaki City, Matsugae-cho 7-16
Homepage: Nagasaki Peiron Championships

Nagasaki Kunchi Festival

Held annually from October 7 to 9, the Nagasaki Kunchi Festival at Suwa Shrine is the city's premier autumn celebration.

Originating in 1634, the festival has evolved over centuries to blend traditional Japanese rituals with dynamic Chinese, Dutch, and Western-inspired dance performances.

While the main stage is at Suwa Shrine, visitors can experience these vibrant, exotic acts at various venues across the city, including Yasaka Shrine, the Otabisho area, and Central Park (the city hall plaza).

Nagasaki Lantern Festival

Originally a local Chinese New Year celebration in Shinchi Chinatown, the Nagasaki Lantern Festival expanded city-wide in 1994 to become Nagasaki’s signature winter event.

Held annually over a 15-day period tracking the Lunar New Year (typically between late January and late February), the festival blankets the city in the warm, romantic glow of over 15,000 vibrant Chinese lanterns and massive light sculptures. It offers visitors a magical, otherworldly escape that fills the chilly winter season with color and warmth.

Website: Nagasaki Lantern Festival

Nagasaki Souvenirs

Photo by Pixta

Nagasaki Castella

Introduced by Portuguese merchants in the 16th century and adapted for Japanese tastes, Castella became Nagasaki's signature sponge cake in the 17th century with the addition of starchy sugar syrup for extra sweetness and moisture.

Fukusaya, founded in 1624, is said to be the original creator of Nagasaki castella. Bunmeido is also a venerable maker of castella, known nationwide.

Authentic castella uses no artificial preservatives and has a short shelf-life of 7 to 10 days, so enjoy it fresh!

Nagasaki Sable Cookies and 99 Islands Senpei

For a longer-lasting souvenir, try Nagasaki Sablé Cookies, which are baked using traditional European techniques to achieve a perfect melt-in-your-mouth crunch and feature distinctly local packaging.

Another excellent option is the savory Kujukushima (99 Islands) Senpei. Baked into lucky, six-sided turtle shell shapes, these crunchy crackers are studded with peanuts meant to represent the islands.

Unlike traditional rice crackers (senbei), these are called "senpei" because they are made from wheat flour.

Gunkanjima, Chinatown, and Huis Ten Bosch Goods

You can pick up unique local souvenirs at each destination: Gunkanjima offers themed clear folders and keychains, while Chinatown features feng shui charms and panda merchandise.

At Huis Ten Bosch, look out for exclusive park originals, including limited-edition Miffy goods and teddy bears.

Shopping in Nagasaki

Nagasaki Airport

While standard souvenirs like castella cake and chanpon noodles are readily available at Nagasaki Airport, you can also pick up unique airport exclusives. Notable items include Jagamel (a potato-caramel snack blend), Yu-brand shochu liquor, and Ourin meat buns infused with spinach.

The airport also stocks Gunkanjima merchandise, making it the perfect final stop to pick up any keepsakes you might have missed during your travels.

Amu Plaza Nagasaki

Amu Plaza Nagasaki is directly connected to JR Nagasaki Station, and handles all sorts of special Nagasaki products along with duty-free shopping.

The facility also houses Fukusaya, Sho-o-ken, and Bunmeido, three longstanding castella shops, so it’s quite convenient. In addition to containing more than 130 shops, Amu Plaza also has a movie theater and the JR Kyushu Hotel.

Address: Nagasaki Prefecture, Nagasaki City, Onoue-machi

Mirai Nagasaki Coco Walk

Linked to the bus terminal, the Mirai Nagasaki Coco Walk has a Ferris Wheel on the 5th floor, and a movie theater on the 6th floor.

This multipurpose commercial facility has over 100 shops, fashion boutiques, and gourmet restaurants.

Address: Nagasaki Prefecture, Nagasaki City, Morimachi 1-55

Holland Souvenir Hall

A Western building located below Glover Park and close to Oura Church, the Holland Souvenir Hall has all sorts of Nagasaki products, and the second floor has a restaurant where diners can gaze out at the harbor while they eat.

For more details about shops, check out their official website.

Dining in Nagasaki

The fresh seafood is great, but if you’re talking about Nagasaki food, you have to mention its two major noodle dishes: chanpon and sara udon.

Chanpon

Photo by Pixta

In 1899, the founder of Nagasaki’s Chinese restaurant Shikairo invented chanpon to provide a cheap, nutritious, and filling meal for Chinese exchange students.

Distinct from typical ramen, the thick noodles are unique for being simmered directly in a rich pork and chicken bone broth alongside the other ingredients.

True to its name—which translates to a "hodgepodge" or "mixture"—this satisfying dish is packed with a mountain of seasonal ingredients, including pork, shrimp, clams, cabbage, and carrots, all cooked together in a single wok.

Sara Udon (Plate Udon)

Also invented by the founder of Shikairo, sara udon was created as a pan-fried, yakisoba-style variation of chanpon.

Despite its name, it can be ordered with either thick, pan-fried noodles or crispy, deep-fried thin noodles, topped with a rich, savory seafood and vegetable glaze.

Depending on the shop, the noodles and toppings are either fried together or layered afterward, so it is best to ask when ordering if you have a preference. Locally, it is traditionally served on a large, communal platter for a group to share.

Toruko Rice (Turkish Rice)

A beloved comfort food staple in Nagasaki, Toruko Rice (Turkish Rice) is often called a "kid's meal for adults." The classic dish features a single plate piled high with pork cutlet, spaghetti, salad, and either rice pilaf or dry curry.

Popular modern variations include Seafood Toruko (featuring fried shrimp) and Teki Toruko (topped with juicy beefsteak).

Nagasaki Hotels

Nagasaki offers diverse accommodations across all budgets, starting with the four-star, European-style Hotel Setre Glover’s House near Glover Garden.

For budget-conscious travelers, excellent three-star choices (often under 10,000 yen) include the transit-friendly JR Kyushu Hotel Nagasaki inside the station, the modern Richmond Hotel Shianbashi, the highly rated Hotel Forza near Chinatown, and the cost-effective S-Peria Hotel.

Reliable two-star properties include Hotel Saint Paul near the Peace Park, alongside Fujiwara Ryokan and Business Kanko Hotel Ikeda, which both offer traditional Japanese-style rooms.

Backpackers and social travelers can find affordable stays at central hostels like Casablanca Guesthouse, Traveler’s House on the Road (featuring a communal kitchen), or Kakamiya, which sits just outside the city center with convenient streetcar access.

Main image by Pixta