One Day in Nagasaki

Nagasaki is a city with history. At one point in time it was the only port in Japan trading with the outside world, much later it became the scene of the disastrous second atomic bomb drop, which killed over 70,000 people. The city, however, has bounced back and now combines beautiful nature with impressive historic sights.

Nagasaki Itinerary

This itinerary will take you across some of the historic places of Nagasaki like the Atomic Bomb Memorial and Glover Garden, but will also let you enjoy some of the nature that surrounds the city. The schedule is perfect to catch the highlights of the city without wearing yourself out completely. Luckily, Nagasaki is not a huge city, but rather compact. The more faraway places are connected by a cute little tram called streetcar. 

Morning

No matter where you are in Nagasaki, the trams are usually not far away. So when you start this itinerary, make sure that you know where your nearest tram stop is. The first destination is Peace Park, a park established to commemorate the victims of the atomic bombing in 1945. It features an enormous statue, as well as multiple smaller sculptures donated by different countries and cities. The park is good for a short stroll and to prepare yourself to enter the Atomic Bomb Museum.

The Atomic Bomb Museum is a five-minute walk from the Peace Park. It is easily found by following the signs. The exhibits in the museum show among other things the damage done by the atomic bomb, the history of the city and the lead up to the bombing. The museum’s final exhibits feature an argument against the use of nuclear weapons.

Walking through the museum is an impressive experience, especially when you realize that the tragedy of the atomic bombing took place at this very spot.  

Afternoon

When you’re done at the site of the atomic bombing, it’s time to go a bit further back in time. Head for Shinchi Chinatown to grab some delicious Chinese snacks. In order to get to Shinchi Chinatown you can hop on to the tram and drop off at Nishihamonomachi.

When you're done eating snacks it's time to take a walk. Just keep on walking south and follow the signs pointing you to the Dutch Slope. In this little area you can enjoy some European architecture. When you're done here just move on to the Oura Cathedral, which is almost 150 years old. You can enter the cathedral for a fee. Very close to the cathedral are the Glover Garden. Once the homes of European entrepreneurs, these houses and gardens are now open to visitors. Aside from experiencing some beautiful views over the city, this is an ideal place to relax. 

Alternatively, if you are more into shopping, then I suggest instead of heading south from Shinchi Chinatown, to go north. You will find a nice shopping arcade. Remember that Nagasaki does not offer the same amount of shopping possibilities as Fukuoka, which is just 2,5 hours away by train. Another option for shopping in Nagasaki is a nice shopping mall located on the way to the Peace Park. You can get there by taking the same tram, but dropping of at the stop for CocoWalk.

Evening

In the early evening it's time to experience Nagasaki's most famous view. Head to Takaramachi Station by tram and follow the signs to the ropeway-station. From here on you can take the trip up to Inasayama and enjoy Nagasaki's '10 Million Dollar View'. It is well worth it.  

After getting off the mountain, it's time to find a good place to eat. Why not try some Champon? Nagasaki's famous noodle-dish.

Tips & Recommendations

• Try to walk as much as possible. Nagasaki is a fairly compact city and most places are actually within walking distance.