Why Visit Nagasaki? Top Attractions and Hidden Gems to Explore

When some people think of Nagasaki, they tend to focus on the unfortunate tragedy of August 1945. However, that was a long time ago, and the city has since transformed into one of the must-visit places in Japan. In this post, we’ll reveal Nagasaki’s history, attractions, culinary scene, and lots more. Get ready to discover why this city is such a wonderful place to stay during your trip to Japan.

Where is Nagasaki? Location and Importance in Japan

In Japan, Nagasaki City has always been a gateway for cultural trade and international trade. The city is the capital of Nagasaki Prefecture, which sits on Kyushu Island. It’s also the prefecture’s largest city. If you visit Nagasaki today, you will find a vibrant place full of trading centers, cultural sites, and stunning views.

Once the only port of trade with the Portuguese and Dutch, Nagasaki has been a major stop for foreigners since the 16th century. Even during periods of isolation, it has always been open to international influence. Today, it is a premier tourist location, receiving about 7 million visitors annually.

A Historical Overview: Nagasaki Through the Ages

In 1543, the first set of Portuguese explorers arrived in Nagasaki. They initially landed their ship on a nearby island known as Tanegashima. Soon, other ships filled with Portuguese traders started traveling to Japan through Nagasaki. This opened Japan up to trade with Portugal, China, and the rest of the world. At the time, Nagasaki was only a small harbor village, but after less than a century of trades, it transformed into a valuable port city. Its effects can still be felt across Japan today, as it was responsible for bringing castella sponge cake, tempura cooking style, and Roman Catholicism to the country.

During the Edo Period (1603-1868), Japan came under the rule of the Tokugawa shogunate, who implemented a policy that isolated the country from the rest of the world. However, Nagasaki remained open to foreign trade, despite the isolation policy. The shogunate fell in 1868, and the Meiji restoration began shortly after.

Nagasaki became an official city in 1889. Then followed a period of massive industrialization mainly centered around shipbuilding and steel works. During World War II, Nagasaki produced warships and other military equipment, which unfortunately made the city a potential target for aerial attacks by the Allies.

For a year, the United States had been dropping bombs on Nagasaki, which disrupted the city but never caused large-scale damage. But on August 9, 1945, they dropped a nuclear bomb on Nagasaki, wiping out over 20% of its 196,000 population and destroying the north of the city. This attack came barely a month after the Manhattan Project yielded a successful test in New Mexico.

After the war ended, the people of Japan began a slow but steady rebuild of the city. They erected new memorials, temples, churches, and many other structures. Today, Nagasaki reserves its status as a port city with a rich fishing and shipbuilding industry.

What Is Nagasaki Known For? Key Cultural and Historical Highlights

Nagasaki City is presently famous for its diverse cultural heritage, shipping industry, connection to the atomic bombing of World War II, and advocacy for global peace. The city contains a blend of Japanese, Chinese, and European traditions. Spending time there is a multicultural experience due to the diverse population, culture, religion, and cuisine. Nagasaki also plays a major role as a port city and shipbuilding center powered by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries.

Nagasaki and Hiroshima are locations that suffered from atomic bomb attacks during the war. Although Hiroshima endured more fatalities and property destruction, the bombing of Nagasaki was the last use of an atomic bomb in the world. Today, it would seem the city is dedicated to preaching world peace after its rebuild. There are several memorials made from rubble and new structures alike. The facilities in Nagasaki Peace Park perfectly express these ideals, making it a must-visit site for any tourist in the city.

Top Attractions in Nagasaki You Shouldn't Miss

Nagasaki City is home to several must-visit sites. We’ve curated a list of the top five attractions in the area. Whether you’re a fan of history, culture, or natural beauty, there’s something exciting for you in Nagasaki.

Glover Garden: The famous Glover Garden is both a park and an open-air museum. It offers exhibits of old Western-style buildings owned by foreigners who lived in the city. After Japan’s period of seclusion, a lot of Western merchants settled on a hill in Nagasaki. One of these merchants was Thomas Blake Glover, a Scottish trader who settled in the city and helped modernize Japan. He lived in a building called the Former Glover House, located in the garden. The house is the oldest surviving Western-style building in Japan and a World Heritage site.

 

Dejima: In 1636, the Japanese government decided to segregate the Portuguese and Dutch residents of the country. So, they created an artificial island in Nagasaki’s port called Dejima. This island housed the foreigners during Japan’s era of isolation and served as a Dutch trading post. Today, Dejima is now a part of Nagasaki because the island was merged with the mainland through land reclamation. If you visit, you will find old warehouses, gates, residences, and other structures that were once owned by foreigners.

 

Nagasaki Peace Park: To commemorate the 40,000–80,000 people killed by the atomic bomb attack on August 9, 1945, Nagasaki Peace Park was opened nearly ten years after the tragedy. It’s a complex made up of one museum and two parks, each element offering a unique experience. Hypocenter Park contains a monolith that marks the epicenter of the explosion. Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum is filled with sobering information about war and its many horrors. Visitors will find the Peace Statue and other memorials in the nearby Memorial Park

 

Oura Cathedral: Oura Church is the most famous and oldest surviving Christian church in Japan. It’s a Catholic church erected in 1864 to honor the twenty-six Christian martyrs executed on its grounds in 1597.

 

Nagasaki Museum of History and Culture: The best place to learn about Nagasaki’s history is this museum. It features exhibitions such as documents, tools, and antiques that tell elaborate stories about the city’s history as a trading port in the Edo period.

Exploring Nagasaki’s Food Scene: Regional Dishes to Savor

Love culinary delights from Japan? You’ll find some enjoyment in Nagasaki, thanks to its unique cuisine. The following are some of the top dishes in the city:

Chanpon: This is a noodle dish that originated in China. It’s made of fried seafood, vegetables, and pork served in a broth. The broth is created with pork or chicken bone. 

 

Castella: This is a popular Japanese sponge cake that was introduced to Nagasaki by the Portuguese. It features simple ingredients like flour, eggs, and sugar. Castella is soft, fluffy, and utterly delicious. It’s sold in bakeries and confectionery shops to be used as a treat or gift.

 

Kakuni manju: This is made by simmering a thin pork belly slice in soy sauce, mirin, sake, dashi, and sugar until tender before stuffing it into a soft bun. You’ll find kakuni manju in restaurants and street stalls alike.

Toruko rice: Inspired by western cuisine, this dish features pilaf rice, breadcrumb pork cutlet, curry, and spaghetti. It’s also called “Turkish Rice.” 

 

Sara udon: This dish consists of fried noodles topped with an abundance of meat and vegetables. 

Nagasaki’s Natural Beauty: Parks, Islands, and Scenic Views

Feeling adventurous? Check out some of the many outdoor attractions in Nagasaki. Mount Inasayama (also known as Mount Inasa) is close to the city’s center and offers one of the best night views in Japan. Away from the coast of Nagasaki, you will find a small, abandoned island known as Gunkanjima. This island was once a major coal mine. You can also relax in the rejuvenating waters of Unzen Onsen, the most famous hot springs resort in the area. In 1934, the Onsen became the first national park in Japan.

Cultural Diversity in Nagasaki: A Blend of East and West

Thanks to its history with foreign traditions and religions, modern Nagasaki City is as culturally diverse as they come. It has evidence of Christian heritage in places like Oura Church and the remains of the destroyed Urakami Cathedral.

Dutch influences on Nagasaki can also be explored through food and museums, as they were the only foreigners allowed in the city for a while. Chinese culture isn’t left out. There’s a Chinatown and several cultural sites like Sofukuji Temple and Confucian Shrine.

Planning Your Trip: How to Get to Nagasaki and Best Times to Visit

Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the best seasons to visit Nagasaki City. You can travel there via train by taking the Kamome Limited Express from Hakata Station in Fukuoka to Nagasaki Station. Hakata is easily accessible from major cities like Tokyo.

If you would rather travel by air, we recommend a trip on Solaseed, ANA, or JAL from Haneda Airport in Tokyo to Nagasaki Airport, the nearest airport to the city center. The Shinchi Bus will take you to the center from there. Another possible plane route is from Narita Airport to Nagasaki Airport via Jetstar.

Nagasaki for Tourists: Unique Experiences and Activities

The following is a list of other engaging activities you can enjoy in Nagasaki City:

1. Attend the Nagasaki Kunchi Festival in Suwa Shrine from October 7-9 annually.

2. Stick around for the 15-day Nagasaki Lantern Festival at Minato Park, which coincides with the Chinese New Year.

3. Take boat tours around the Nagasaki harbour and islands.

Nagasaki: A City of Resilience and Renewal

Nagasaki has demonstrated a unique ability to preserve its history while embracing a vibrant future. Explore unique charm and diverse cultures with a trip to the city. For more ways to explore Japan, get a Bokksu Snack Box Subscription. We’ll send you a box of sweets and snacks from Japan every month!