Nagasaki

What to know

Nagasaki (長崎) is a major port city on Kyushu Island and the capital of Nagasaki Prefecture. Its fascinating history, vibrant culture, and scenic setting along a narrow harbor make it one of Japan's most compelling destinations.

Due to its closeness to the Asian mainland, Nagasaki has been a key hub for foreign trade for centuries. During Japan's isolation period, it was one of the few ports open to limited numbers of foreign merchants. In modern times, Nagasaki became the second city, after Hiroshima, to be devastated by an atomic bomb near the end of World War II.

Activities and attractions

GunkanjimaAbandoned island off Nagasaki’s coastNagasaki Peace ParkCommemorating the atomic bombingMount InasayamaOne of Japan’s three best night viewsNagasaki Kunchi FestivalColorful festival of the Suwa ShrineGlover GardenOpen-air park exhibiting Western mansionsSofukuji TempleChinese-style Obaku Zen templeDejimaFormer district reserved for Dutch tradersNagasaki Museum of History and CultureWell-done museum about the history of NagasakiUrakami CathedralChurch destroyed by the atomic blastKofukuji TempleBuddhist temple in the Teramachi districtOura ChurchJapan’s most famous Christian churchNagasaki Confucius ShrineShrine dedicated to ConfuciusTwenty Six Martyrs MonumentDedicated to 26 Christians that were executedDutch SlopePleasant city area with steep slopesNagasaki ChinatownShinchi, Nagasaki’s ChinatownMeganebashi BridgeElegant bridge in central NagasakiNagasaki Prefectural Art MuseumHoused in an interesting building by Kuma KengoHuis Ten BoschAmusement Park themed after a Dutch townShimabara PeninsulaPeninsula with active volcano near Nagasaki CityArita and ImariOne of Japan’s most famous area for potteryHiradoFormer site of the Dutch trading postSotomeRural coast north of the city with churchesGoto IslandsRemote islands off the coast of Kyushu