Explore Nagasaki by Streetcar: 8 Must-Visit Historical Spots

Visit Historical Spots in Nagasaki by Streetcar

Because Nagasaki is built on steep hills, you won't see many people riding bicycles. Driving can also be a challenge for visitors unfamiliar with the city's narrow, winding roads.

Fortunately, getting around is easy: you can travel the entire city by streetcar!

The streetcar fare is a flat 150 yen per ride. You can pay with cash or major public transit IC cards, including Suica and Pasmo.

The 600 yen One-Day Pass is a cost-effective choice if you plan on riding the streetcar several times throughout the day.

Check the Nagasaki Electric Tramway official website for a full list of purchase locations. For convenience, passes are also sold at JR Nagasaki Station ticket counters.

Streetcar lines No. 1 and No. 3 run about every 5 minutes. Lines No. 4 and 5 operate once every 10 to 20 minutes.

Read on to discover eight historical sites located near streetcar stops in Nagasaki.

• Table of Contents
• 1. Nagasaki Peace Park
• 2. Urakami Cathedral: A Church Rebuilt After the Bomb
• 3. Sanno Shrine
• 4. Twenty-Six Martyrs Museum
• 5. Dejima
• 6. Meganebashi Bridge
• 7. Oura Catholic Church
• 8. Mount Inasa: One of the World's Top 3 Nightscapes

1. Nagasaki Peace Park

At JR Nagasaki Station, hop on board streetcar No. 1 and head to a stop called Peace Park. From here, we can easily access the Peace Park, Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum, and Urakami Cathedral. All three are important memorial sites.

On August 9, 1945, at 11:02, American forces dropped an atomic bomb that exploded in Nagasaki's Urakami Ward.

This was the second time in human history that a nuclear weapon was employed during military conflict. It's also the last time such a weapon has been used.

On the grounds of Peace Park, a stone monument marks the center of the explosion.

It's been said that the force of the bomb dropped on Nagasaki was 1.5 times that of the Hiroshima bomb.

Roughly 500 meters from ground zero stands Urakami Cathedral. After the bomb exploded, the cathedral instantly collapsed, leaving behind just one portion of a wall standing.

Remnants of this cathedral wall were relocated to the park precincts. Today, it serves as a stark reminder of the devastation caused by the atomic bomb.

Inside the park, there's a display featuring a stratum: a cross-section of the ground showing layers of rocks and soil.

Due to the intense heat that ensued after the bombing, a series of artifacts such as melted glass, house tiles, and bricks were buried in the ground. This display clearly shows the tragic consequences.

At the Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum, which is near the park, visitors can learn more about the damage caused by the bomb. There are also gripping testimonies from survivors on display.

Standing inside the park is the large Peace Statue.

The statue's right hand points to the heavens, reminding us of the threat of nuclear weapons. The left hand, extended and pointing to the horizon, symbolizes world peace. The figure has a solemn expression and offers a prayer for the victims of this tragedy.

2. Urakami Cathedral: A Church Rebuilt After the Bomb

Urakami Cathedral, devastated by the atomic bomb, was rebuilt in 1959.

After the war, the charred remains of the Statue of Mary's head were discovered in the ruins. Today, the statue is enshrined in one corner of the church, still praying for world peace.

Nearby, many remains, including the church's former bell tower, can be seen. They serve as graphic reminders of the horrors of war.

3. Sanno Shrine

Sanno Shrine is 20 minutes on foot from the Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum and Urakami Cathedral. Along with the cathedral, it conveys the damage caused by the bombing.

When traveling here by tramway, the nearest stop is Urakami Eki Mae. Take either the No. 1 or No. 3 streetcar from the Peace Park stop.

Sanno Shrine, located 900 meters away from ground zero, also sustained heavy damage. The main building was completely destroyed. However, one column and the arch from the shrine's torii gate still remain.

This torii—often referred to as the One-Legged Torii Gate—is a monument to the tragedy of the war and is loved by the locals.

On the shrine's grounds, there's also a giant camphor tree whose trunk was scorched during the bombing.

For a time, it appeared to be nothing more than a dead tree. But miraculously, some new buds emerged and it was reborn as the tree shown in the photos above.

This camphor tree is also the inspiration for a song titled "Kusunoki." It was written and performed by the Japanese singer-songwriter and actor Masaharu Fukuyama, who was born in Nagasaki.

Over the course of many years, this tree's formidable life force has been a source of hope and strength for the citizens of Nagasaki.

4. Twenty-Six Martyrs Museum

The Twenty-Six Martyrs Museum is about 30 minutes on foot from Sanno Shrine. This museum shares the history of Christians in Nagasaki.

The nearest stop is Yachiyo-Machi. To get here, take either streetcar No. 1 or 3.

The story behind this museum goes back to the end of the 16th century. To suppress Christianity, Japan's leader Toyotomi Hideyoshi issued an anti-Christian law.

As a public warning, he ordered the execution of 26 Christians, including missionaries and other followers who were accused of spreading propaganda. These 26 individuals were Japan's first Christian martyrs.

In 1862, the martyrs were canonized as saints by Pope Pius IX. A century after this canonization in 1962, the museum was built on the execution site.

The overarching theme of the Twenty-Six Martyrs Museum is the history of Christianity in Japan. It also details the lifes of these 26 saints who became martyrs, and the history of religious followers who observed their faith as underground Christians (senpuku kirishitan).

Outside the museum, there's a fence surrounding an outdoor space. The fence post that directly faces Oura Church, Japan's oldest Christian church, is painted white.

The official name for Oura Church, a national treasure, is the Basilica of the Twenty-Six Martyrs of Japan. This religious building is dedicated to these 26 martyrs.

5. Dejima

Photo by Pixta

During the Edo Period (1603–1868), Japan maintained a strict closed-door isolation policy. Dejima was the single exception.

Originally a fan-shaped artificial island facing Nagasaki Harbor, it served as Japan's only window to Europe, allowing Portuguese and Dutch merchants to live and trade here.

Today, you can easily visit this historic area by taking the streetcar. Hop on Line No. 1 and get off at the Dejima stop, which drops you off right next to the site.

At the end of the Edo Period, trading houses were closed with the abolition of the old policies. Following efforts to improve Nagasaki Harbor in 1904, the surrounding land was reclaimed from the nearby sea. As a result, Dejima is no longer an island.

Photo by Pixta

In addition to losing its shape as an island, the buildings and Japanese-style gardens that were once situated there were lost. But after World War II, the city of Nagasaki began restoring these structures.

Today, buildings from the 1820s, 1860s, and the Meiji Period have been beautifully restored. Step inside these structures to get in touch with Nagasaki's rich history!

Dejima

6-1 Dejimamachi, Nagasaki City, Nagasaki Prefecture 850-0862

Dejima, an artificial island built by order of the Edo Shogunate in 1636, served as Japan's only gateway to the West for around 200 years. The buildings and scenery from that time have been restored, allowing visitors to experience the atmosphere of the early 19th century. In 2017, the Dejima Omotemon Bridge was completed, making it possible to enter and exit Dejima as before. Beautifully lit up at night, it has become a popular tourist spot representing Nagasaki. (Photo by AC)

6. Meganebashi Bridge

Meganebashi Bridge (Spectacles Bridge)—Japan's first arch-shaped stone bridge—was built in Nagasaki during the 17th century.

Board streetcar No. 5 from Dejima for the Shinchi Chinatown stop, then get off at the Meganebashi Bridge stop.

Shippoku Ryori: A Fusion of Japanese, Chinese, and Western Cuisine

Despite being under an isolationist policy, Nagasaki continued to conduct trade with Portugal, the Netherlands, and China.

At one time, a Chinese settlement was built near the Meganebashi area. Various Chinese-style buildings remain today, including a Buddhist temple called Kofukuji.

We recommend trying shippoku ryori—a delicious fusion cuisine with Chinese and European influences. There are several shippoku restaurants in the Maganebashi area, so let's go and visit one!

Shippoku cuisine is served on large platters that are placed on circular tables. This allows diners to easily share dishes with each other.

The dishes are not cooked in a traditional Japanese style. Rather, this cuisine is characterized by its Chinese and European influences.

The food was originally passed on by Chinese residents living in the nearby foreign settlement. Later, western flavors were introduced. The result was a distinctive Nagasaki cuisine that incorporates a wide variety of culinary and cultural components.

The photo above shows tasty-looking dishes from a famous restaurant called Ichiriki. Here, visitors can sample a shippoku menu during lunch and dinner. Please note that reservations are often required.

7. Oura Catholic Church

From Meganebashi, take the No. 5 streetcar until you reach the Oura Cathedral stop.

This area has many highlights, including Glover Garden and the Oura Catholic Church. There are many shops nearby, creating a lively atmosphere.

Glover Garden: Japan's Oldest Western-Style Wooden Building

Photo from "Discover Nagasaki's International History At Glover Garden"

After Japan's isolationist policy was abolished in 1859, the cities of Nagasaki, Yokohama, and Hakodate opened up their harbors for international trade.

Around this time, a man named Thomas Glover arrived in Japan from Scotland. He lived on a slightly elevated hill next to Nagasaki Harbor in a western-style home he had built. Glover contributed to Japan's modernization by developing coal and shipyard industries.

Built in 1863, Glover's residence is Japan's oldest existing western-style wooden building.

As a prominent remnant of Japan's Meiji Era industrial revolution—which spawned industries such as iron and steel manufacturing, shipbuilding, and coal—Glover Garden was also registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

At Glover Garden, several Meiji Era western-style buildings have been preserved, including the former Glover residence. Today, visitors can see how these structures looked back in the day. You can also enjoy beautiful flowers throughout each season.

From mid-July until early October, the area is illuminated at dusk to give it a romantic flair. Another highlight is the Nagasaki evening skyline, which is visible from the grounds of Glover Garden.

Glover Garden

8-1 Minamiyamatemachi, Nagasaki City, Nagasaki Prefecture 850-0931

Oura Catholic Church: The Site of a Religious Miracle

The Oura Catholic Church sits atop a hill facing the execution site of the previously mentioned 26 martyrs. After Japanese ports opened in 1865, the church was built to serve French people and foreign merchants who moved to Nagasaki.

A month after the church's completion, several Japanese underground Christians visited the church. These visitors revealed to the French priest how they shared the same faith and beliefs as he did.

This confession was considered to be a religious discovery of sorts. Soon after, underground Christians who had quietly preserved the Christian faith in Japan for some 250 years came out of hiding.

This discovery was called the Greatest Miracle in World Religions.

In 2018, Oura Church was added to the UNESCO World Heritage Site list. It is cited as a historical remnant of the religious discovery of "Underground Christians From Nagasaki and the Amakusa Region."

Oura Catholic Church

5-3 Minamiyamatemachi, Nagasaki City, Nagasaki Prefecture 850-0931

Oura Cathedral is the oldest surviving wooden Gothic church in Japan, built in 1865. Its official name is the Cathedral of the Twenty-Six Holy Martyrs of Japan. It was registered as a World Heritage Site in 2018 as part of the hidden Christian heritage of Nagasaki and the Amakusa region. The interior is decorated with beautiful stained glass and intricate decorations, attracting visitors. In addition, a panoramic view of Nagasaki Port can be seen from in front of the church, which is also one of the highlights. (Photo by AC)

8. Mount Inasa: One of the World's Top 3 Nightscapes

Nagasaki's colorful night views are a must-see attraction. Among these, the view from Mount Inasa was selected in 2012 as one of the world's top three nightscapes, alongside Hong Kong and Monaco.

A ropeway at Fuchi Shrine Station will take you to the summit's observation deck.

There are two ways to reach Fuchi Shrine Station. If you're taking a streetcar, get off at the Takaramachi stop and walk for about 15 minutes. You can also make a reservation with the Nagasaki Ropeway Free Shuttle Bus, which departs from Nagasaki Station.

Nagasaki: A City Where Cats and People Coexist in Harmony

You'll often see cats while walking around Nagasaki City.

Many stories attempt to explain this phenomenon. Some say that Nagasaki has many streets and alleys that are too narrow for cars, so the chances of a cat being struck by a vehicle are low compared to other cities. Another story suggests that the town's mild climate caused the number of felines to increase.

Many cats in Nagasaki have characteristically bent tails. They are often called "Omagari neko," with their roots tracing back to Indonesia.

During the period of international trade, Dutch merchant ships in Dejima used Omagari neko cats to help control the rat population. They picked up these cats during stopovers in Indonesia while en route to Japan.

So as the story goes, these special felines landed in Nagasaki and continued to propagate, resulting in their large numbers.

Shops in the Meganebashi district sell sweets and other goods decorated with Omagari neko motifs, including the famous castella cake.

We recommend snagging these cute confections as souvenirs!

Follow the History of Nagasaki via Streetcar

During the Edo Period, Nagasaki was Japan's only window to the world.

During the Meiji Period (1868-1912), it was also where the suppression of Christianity and the country's efforts to achieve modernization unfolded. Finally, it fell victim to the atomic bomb during World War II.

This is certainly a city that has experienced its share of historical upheavals.

Hop on a streetcar and do some exploring around the city! You'll have opportunities to get in touch with Nagasaki's distinguished history.