Nagasaki

Japan

Show Map

Nagasaki offers a conveniently located cruise port at Matsugae Pier, placing you right next to the city center. Ships dock directly at the pier, making it incredibly easy to disembark and begin exploring. From the pier, you're within a 15-minute walk of major attractions like Glover Garden. The city itself is known for its unique amphitheater-like topography, with houses climbing the slopes, creating a stunning "million-dollar" night view. Nagasaki has historically been a hub for international exchange and offers a blend of historical sites, cultural experiences, and delicious food.

Getting Around from the Port

Walking: The city center is adjacent to Matsugae Pier. You can easily walk to the entrance of Glover Garden in approximately 15 minutes. Chinatown is also close to the cruise terminal.

Trams (Streetcars): An excellent and affordable way to navigate Nagasaki. Tram line 5 has a stop right at the Matsugae Pier.

Cost: Each ride costs ¥150, regardless of distance.
Day Pass: A "one-day pass ticket" is available for ¥600, sold at the information desk at the cruise terminal.
Convenience: Announcements on the trams are also spoken in English.
To Atomic Bomb Museum: You can take a tram. From Matsugae Pier (Line 5), you'd typically transfer at a central stop like Shianbashi or Tsukimachi to a Line 1 or 3 tram heading towards Akasako. Get off at Heiwa Koen (Peace Park) or Hamaguchi-Machi for the museum. The museum is also about 10 minutes by tram (Line 1 or 3) from JR Nagasaki Station.

Taxis: Taxis are plentiful, metered, and generally inexpensive. Drivers are known to be honest.

Cost: A taxi ride from the cruise dock to the Atomic Bomb Museum is approximately $18 USD. A 3-hour city tour by taxi costs around ¥12,000.
Important Tip: When boarding a taxi, the left rear door is opened and closed remotely by the driver; do not attempt to open or close it yourself.
Language Tip: If you don't speak Japanese or your destination isn't well-known, it's highly recommended to provide the driver with the precise address written on paper or pointed out on a map, as the Japanese address system can be confusing.
No Tipping: Tipping taxi drivers (or anyone in Japan) is not customary and can be considered rude, as service is included in the price.

Buses: Buses are another viable option for getting around and visiting various sites throughout the city.

Attractions and Activities

For your 8-10 hours in port, focus on Nagasaki's key historical and scenic sites:

Glover Garden:
- Description: Perched on Minami-Yamate hill, this romantic area offers a stunning view of Nagasaki Harbour and retains the atmosphere of a foreign settlement. It's home to Western-style residences and beautifully landscaped gardens.
- Travel Time/Cost: A pleasant 15-minute walk from Matsugae Pier.
Atomic Bomb Museum & Peace Park:
- Description: A powerful and well-curated commemoration of one of the 20th century's greatest tragedies. The museum provides a poignant argument against nuclear proliferation through its exhibits. The adjacent Peace Park is a solemn and reflective space.
- Travel Time/Cost:
  - By Taxi: Approximately $18 USD from the cruise dock.
  - By Tram: Take Line 5 from the pier, transfer to Line 1 or 3 (towards Akasako) at a central stop like Shianbashi or Tsukimachi, and alight at Heiwa Koen or Hamaguchi-Machi. Allow around 20-30 minutes total travel time, plus walking. The tram ride costs ¥150 (or use your ¥600 day pass).
Chinatown:
- Description: Experience a vibrant culinary and cultural enclave, reflecting Nagasaki's historical ties with China.
- Travel Time/Cost: Very close and walkable from the cruise terminal.
Youme Saito Shopping Plaza:
- Description: A multi-story shopping complex next to Dejima Wharf, offering a variety of stores and services. It includes a Starbucks, a grocery store in the basement, clothing shops, and Kinokuniya bookstore on the fifth floor, which has arguably the widest selection of English-language books and magazines in the city. A food court is located next to Kinokuniya.
- Travel Time/Cost: Easily accessed by taking the blue streetcar line (Line 5 from the pier) to the Ohato stop. The tram ride costs ¥150 (or use your ¥600 day pass).
Huis Ten Bosch:
- Description: A Dutch-style theme park located outside of Sasebo. While unique, it's quite a distance from Nagasaki and typically requires a significant amount of travel time, making it less ideal for a short 8-10 hour port call.

Dining

Nagasaki boasts a rich food culture. Look for local specialties like Champon (a noodle dish) and Sara Udon.

Chinatown: Located very close to the cruise terminal, it's an excellent spot for authentic Chinese cuisine with a Nagasaki twist.
Youme Saito Food Court: Next to the Kinokuniya bookstore on the fifth floor of Youme Saito, you'll find several food options.

Shopping

Youme Saito: This multi-story shopping plaza next to Dejima Wharf is a great option for various needs. It houses a Starbucks, a basement grocery store, numerous clothing stores, and the Kinokuniya bookstore on the fifth floor, which carries a broad selection of English-language books and magazines.
Souvenirs: Look for local crafts, castella cake (a type of sponge cake), and other Nagasaki-specific items.
General Shopping Hours: Shops and department stores in Japan generally operate from 10:00 or 10:30 AM to 7:30 or 8:00 PM daily, including most national holidays (except New Year's). Some specialty shops may close on Sundays or national holidays.

Safety

Nagasaki is a very safe city. However, keep these local customs and tips in mind:

Taxi Etiquette: Remember that the driver operates the left rear door of the taxi remotely; do not open or close it yourself.
No Tipping: Tipping is not customary in Japan and can be considered impolite, as service is always included.
Cash is King: While major credit cards are accepted in many stores and restaurants in urban areas, Japan is still largely a cash society. Some establishments, regardless of location, do not accept credit cards. It's wise to carry sufficient Japanese Yen, especially if venturing outside major tourist zones.
Addresses: For taxi drivers, having your destination address written in Japanese or marked on a map is very helpful due to the complex address system.

Currency and Language

The local currency is the Japanese Yen (¥). It comes in notes of ¥10,000, ¥5,000, and ¥1,000, and coins of ¥500, ¥100, ¥50, ¥10, ¥5, and ¥1.

Credit Cards: Major credit cards are widely accepted in large urban areas, but Japan remains a cash-centric society. Be prepared to pay with cash, especially in smaller shops, restaurants, or if you plan to visit more rural areas, as some establishments may not accept cards.
ATMs: ATMs are becoming more convenient for international withdrawals. Post offices are reliable places to find ATMs that accept overseas cards.
No Tipping: As mentioned, tipping is not expected and can be considered rude in Japan. The service charge is always included in the price.

Top Attractions

Nagasaki Peace Park

A solemn park commemorating the atomic bombing of Nagasaki. It features the iconic Peace Statue, the Fountain of Peace, and various monuments donated by countries worldwide, serving as a powerful reminder of the tragedy and a prayer for world peace.

Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum

Located near the hypocenter, this museum provides a comprehensive and moving account of the atomic bombing of Nagasaki. Exhibits include artifacts, photographs, and testimonies, detailing the events leading up to the bombing, its immediate aftermath, and the long-term impact on the city and its people.

Dejima

A fan-shaped artificial island that served as the sole trading post between Japan and the outside world during the Edo period's isolationist policy. Today, it's a reconstructed historical site with various buildings, offering a glimpse into the lives of Dutch traders and the unique cultural exchange that took place here.

Glover Garden

An open-air museum showcasing the former residences of Western merchants who settled in Nagasaki after Japan opened its doors to the world. The garden offers stunning views of Nagasaki Harbor and features the historic Glover House, Japan's oldest Western-style wooden building, along with other charming colonial-era homes.

Oura Cathedral

Japan's oldest existing church, built in 1864 for the growing community of Western merchants. It is famous for its beautiful stained-glass windows and its historical significance as the site where hidden Christians revealed themselves to French priests, marking a pivotal moment in Japanese religious history.

Megane Bridge

Megane Bridge, also known as Spectacles Bridge, is a historic stone bridge that crosses the Nakashima River. It is a popular spot for taking photos and enjoying the scenic views of the surrounding area.

Mount Inasa

Offering one of Japan's 'New Three Major Night Views,' Mount Inasa provides breathtaking panoramic vistas of Nagasaki city, its harbor, and surrounding islands. Visitors can reach the summit via ropeway or bus to enjoy the sparkling cityscape, especially stunning after sunset.

Gunkanjima (Hashima Island)

A former coal mining island that was once the most densely populated place on Earth, now a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visitors can take boat tours to see the eerie, abandoned concrete buildings and learn about its industrial history and the lives of its former residents.

Nagasaki Chinatown

Nagasaki Chinatown is one of the oldest Chinatowns in Japan, offering a vibrant mix of Chinese culture, cuisine, and shopping. Visitors can explore the narrow streets lined with restaurants, shops, and temples.

Confucius Shrine (Koshibyo)

The only Confucius Shrine in the world built by Chinese residents outside of China, and the only one managed by Chinese people. It features vibrant traditional Chinese architecture, a beautiful courtyard, and an adjacent historical museum showcasing artifacts from China.

Oura Church

Oura Church is a historic Roman Catholic church known for its unique blend of Western and Japanese architectural styles. It is a designated national treasure and a popular tourist attraction in Nagasaki.

Sofukuji Temple

A prominent Zen Buddhist temple founded in 1629 by Chinese monks, known for its distinctive Ming Dynasty architectural style. It houses several National Treasures, including its impressive main gate (Daiippo-mon) and main hall (Daiyuhoden), reflecting Nagasaki's historical ties with China.

Meganebashi Bridge (Spectacles Bridge)

Japan's oldest stone arch bridge, built in 1634, spanning the Nakashima River. Its two arches and their reflection in the water create the illusion of spectacles, making it a popular spot for photos and a symbol of Nagasaki's enduring history.

Nagasaki Museum of History and Culture

This museum explores Nagasaki's unique history as Japan's gateway to the West and its role in international exchange. It features extensive collections related to foreign trade, Christianity, and the city's cultural development, housed in a modern facility.

Shinchi Chinatown

One of Japan's three major Chinatowns, established by Chinese traders in the 17th century. It's a vibrant district filled with Chinese restaurants, souvenir shops, and colorful gates, offering a taste of Chinese culture and delicious local specialties like Champon and Sara Udon.

Twenty-Six Martyrs Museum and Monument

Commemorates the 26 Christians, both Japanese and foreign, who were crucified in Nagasaki in 1597 during a period of Christian persecution. The museum details the history of Christianity in Japan, while the monument stands as a powerful symbol of faith and sacrifice.

Dutch Slope (Oranda-zaka)

A charming cobblestone street lined with Western-style houses from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It offers a nostalgic stroll through an area where many foreign residents lived, providing a glimpse into Nagasaki's international past.

Kofukuji Temple

The oldest Zen temple in Japan, founded in 1620 by Chinese monks. It features distinctive Chinese architectural elements and houses important cultural properties, including its impressive main hall and the Mazu Hall, dedicated to the Chinese sea goddess.

Sanno Shrine

A Shinto shrine famous for its 'one-legged torii' gate, which miraculously remained standing despite being partially destroyed by the atomic bomb. The shrine also features four camphor trees that survived the blast, serving as powerful symbols of resilience and rebirth.

Urakami Cathedral

Once the largest church in Asia, the original Urakami Cathedral was almost completely destroyed by the atomic bomb due to its proximity to the hypocenter. Rebuilt in 1959, it stands as a symbol of the resilience of Nagasaki's Christian community and a place of worship and remembrance.

Nagasaki Penguin Aquarium

Home to several species of penguins, this aquarium allows visitors to observe these charming birds up close, including outdoor pools where they can swim freely. It also features other marine life and offers educational programs about conservation.

Fukusaiji Temple

A unique Zen temple known for its striking modern architecture, including a giant turtle-shaped main hall and a 10-meter-tall statue of Kannon, the Goddess of Mercy. The temple was rebuilt after the atomic bombing and serves as a memorial for the victims.

Siebold Memorial Museum

Dedicated to Philipp Franz von Siebold, a German physician and botanist who introduced Western medicine and science to Japan during the Edo period. The museum showcases his life, work, and contributions to the cultural exchange between Japan and Europe.

Nagasaki Prefectural Art Museum

A modern art museum featuring a diverse collection of Japanese and international art, with a focus on works related to Nagasaki's history and its connections with Europe. It also hosts various temporary exhibitions throughout the year.