Travel : Nagasaki - Best spots to visit this historic city of Japan

 

Nagasaki, located on the island of Kyushu, is a city with a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. As Japan’s main gateway to the West for centuries, Nagasaki has a rich international history that sets it apart from other cities in Japan. It is most famously known for being the second city targeted by an atomic bomb during World War II, but it has since become a symbol of peace and reconciliation. The city is also known for its scenic landscapes, with a beautiful harbor, surrounding hills, and islands

Best Spots to Visit in Detail

1. Atomic Bomb Museum & Peace Park

This museum documents the events of August 9, 1945, when the atomic bomb was dropped on Nagasaki. The exhibits focus on the aftermath of the bombing and the city’s recovery. Nearby is Peace Park, which features monuments and sculptures dedicated to peace and remembering the victims.

Highlight: The Peace Statue and the Fountain of Peace serve as poignant reminders of the city's history and resilience.

2. Glover Garden

This open-air museum is a collection of Western-style houses built by foreign merchants who settled in Nagasaki during the late 19th century. The most famous of these is Glover House, Japan's oldest surviving Western-style house, built for Scottish merchant Thomas Glover. The gardens also offer panoramic views of Nagasaki’s harbor.

Highlight: The blend of Western architecture and Japanese gardens provides a unique cultural experience.

3. Oura Church

Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Oura Church is Japan’s oldest Christian church, built in 1864 by French missionaries. The church was originally constructed for the foreign community but became a symbol of Japan's hidden Christian history during its era of isolation.

Highlight: The church is dedicated to the 26 Martyrs of Japan, who were executed for their faith in 1597, making it an important religious and historical site.

4. Dejima

Once an artificial island built by the Tokugawa shogunate to control foreign trade, Dejima was the only place in Japan where direct trade with the West was permitted during the Edo period. Today, the area has been restored to show what life was like during Japan’s era of isolation.

Highlight: Walk through reconstructions of historical buildings and learn about Nagasaki’s vital role in Japan’s limited international relations.

5. Mount Inasa

Offering one of the top three night views in Japan, Mount Inasa provides stunning panoramic views of Nagasaki, its harbor, and the surrounding hills. A ropeway takes visitors to the summit, where an observation deck awaits.

Highlight: The night view, often referred to as the "10 million-dollar view," is a must-see for any visitor.

6. Huis Ten Bosch

A unique attraction, Huis Ten Bosch is a Dutch-themed amusement park that replicates the charm of the Netherlands, with canals, windmills, and tulip gardens. It’s a place to enjoy a bit of Europe in Japan, offering rides, boat tours, and seasonal illuminations.

Highlight: The park's nighttime illuminations and light shows are especially popular during the winter months.

7. Gunkanjima (Battleship Island)

Also known as Hashima Island, this abandoned island was once a coal mining facility and home to thousands of workers. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it has been uninhabited since 1974 and serves as a haunting reminder of Japan’s industrial past. Tours to the island offer a glimpse into its eerie ruins.

Highlight: The island’s resemblance to a battleship when viewed from the sea gives it its nickname, and the desolate ruins create a unique atmosphere for visitors.

Best Seasons to Visit Nagasaki

1. Spring (March to May)

Spring is a popular time to visit Nagasaki, with the cherry blossoms in bloom, especially in parks like Peace Park and Nagasaki Seaside Park.

Weather: 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F).

2. Summer (June to August)

Summers in Nagasaki can be hot and humid, but this is also festival season, including the Nagasaki Lantern Festival and Obon Festival. Coastal areas and islands offer cool breezes and stunning ocean views.

Weather: 25°C to 32°C (77°F to 90°F).

3. Autumn (September to November)

Autumn brings cooler weather and vibrant autumn foliage. The Nagasaki Kunchi Festival in October, with its colorful parades and performances, is one of the city's biggest events.

Weather: 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F).

4. Winter (December to February)

Nagasaki's winters are mild, and it’s a great time to enjoy the city’s illuminations, such as those at Huis Ten Bosch. The Nagasaki Lantern Festival held during Chinese New Year is another winter highlight.

Weather: 5°C to 12°C (41°F to 54°F).

Best Cuisines in Nagasaki

1. Champon

This noodle dish, a local specialty of Nagasaki, is made with a rich pork or chicken broth, stir-fried vegetables, seafood, and thick noodles. It’s a hearty and filling meal.

Where to Try: Shikairo, the restaurant that invented champon, is still a favorite spot for this dish.

2. Sara Udon

Another noodle dish, Sara Udon features crispy fried noodles topped with stir-fried vegetables, seafood, and a savory sauce. It’s a lighter alternative to champon.

Where to Try: Many local restaurants, including Kagetsu.

3. Castella Cake

Introduced by Portuguese missionaries in the 16th century, Castella is a sponge cake that has become one of Nagasaki’s most famous desserts. It’s soft, light, and often enjoyed with tea.

Where to Try: Fukusaya, one of Nagasaki’s oldest bakeries, is renowned for its Castella.

4. Nagasaki Beef

Nagasaki is known for its high-quality wagyu beef, which is tender, flavorful, and marbled with fat.

Where to Try: Steakhouses and high-end restaurants like Nagasaki Wagyu Yakiniku Sumibiyaki.

5. Shippoku Ryori

This is a traditional Nagasaki cuisine that blends Japanese, Chinese, and Western influences. A typical Shippoku meal includes multiple small dishes, such as sashimi, stewed vegetables, and Chinese-style pork.

Where to Try: Yossou, a restaurant famous for serving traditional Shippoku cuisine.

Airlines and Connectivity

1. Nagasaki Airport (NGS)

Nagasaki is served by Nagasaki Airport, located about an hour from the city center by bus. The airport primarily handles domestic flights, with a few international routes to cities in East Asia.

Domestic Airlines: ANA, JAL, Peach Aviation, and Solaseed Air offer regular flights to Tokyo, Osaka, and Fukuoka.

2. International Flights

While Nagasaki has limited direct international flights, nearby Fukuoka Airport (about 2 hours by train) serves as a major hub for international travel with connections to cities across Asia and beyond.

3. Train Connectivity

Nagasaki is connected by train via the JR Nagasaki Line, which links the city to Fukuoka (Hakata) in about 2 hours on the Limited Express Kamome. Although there is no shinkansen service to Nagasaki yet, a new line is under construction and is expected to make travel even more convenient.

Shinkansen: From Fukuoka’s Hakata Station, travelers can take the shinkansen to other parts of Japan.

4. Bus Connectivity

There are frequent bus services between Nagasaki and nearby cities like Fukuoka, Kumamoto, and Kagoshima. The Nagasaki Expressway makes road travel fast and comfortable.

5. Ferry Services

Ferries connect Nagasaki to nearby islands, including Iki, Tsushima, and Goto Islands, which are popular for their natural beauty and historical significance.

Nagasaki Port: Offers regular ferry services to Shikoku and Kagoshima, as well as international ferry routes to Busan, South Korea.

Nagasaki offers a profound mix of history, cultural diversity, and natural beauty. Its rich past and commitment to peace make it a deeply moving and fascinating destination to explore.