Best Places To Visit In Nagasaki | Japan

The museum’s exhibits cover the history of Nagasaki before and after the devastating attack, showcasing the city’s resilience and the global effort for nuclear disarmament. Visitors can explore the museum’s collection of artifacts, photographs, and firsthand accounts that powerfully convey the horrors of war and the importance of peace.

Location: The Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum is located at 7-8 Hirano-machi, Nagasaki, just a short walk from the Nagasaki Peace Park. It is situated in the Urakami district, which was the epicenter of the atomic blast.

How to Get There: From Nagasaki Station, take the streetcar line to the Atomic Bomb Museum stop, which is just a 5-minute walk from the museum’s entrance. Alternatively, you can take a bus bound for Nameshi, Togitsu, or Menoto and get off at the Hamaguchi-machi stop.

What Can See: Visitors can see a mangled water tower from Keiho Junior High School, just 800 meters from the bomb’s hypocenter, as well as other artifacts that vividly depict the destruction caused by the atomic blast. The museum also displays personal belongings of victims, such as burnt clothing and broken toys, which serve as poignant reminders of the human toll of the bombing.

What Can Do: Visitors can attend lectures and presentations by atomic bomb survivors, known as “Hibakusha,” who share their experiences and advocate for peace. The museum also hosts conferences and educational programs aimed at promoting nuclear disarmament and global understanding.

Conclusion: The Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum stands as a powerful reminder of the devastating consequences of war and the importance of working towards a more peaceful world. By sharing the stories of those affected by the atomic bombing, the museum inspires visitors to reflect on the past and work towards a future free from the threat of nuclear weapons.

The garden features beautifully landscaped grounds and several well-preserved Western-style houses, offering visitors a glimpse into Nagasaki’s unique history as one of Japan’s few open ports during the Edo period. Glover Garden is a popular tourist destination, known for its stunning views of Nagasaki harbor and the surrounding hills.

Location: Glover Garden is situated on a hillside in the Minami-Yamate district of Nagasaki, overlooking the city’s harbor. It is located approximately 2 kilometers from Nagasaki Station.

How to Get There: Visitors can reach Glover Garden by taking a streetcar from Nagasaki Station to the Glover Garden-mae stop, which is just a short walk from the garden’s entrance. Alternatively, you can take a taxi or drive to the garden, as there is parking available on-site.

What Can See: Visitors can explore the historic houses and gardens, including the former residence of Scottish merchant Thomas Glover, which inspired the setting for the opera “Madame Butterfly.” The garden also features a small museum showcasing artifacts and exhibits related to Nagasaki’s foreign trade history.

What Can Do: Visitors can stroll through the beautifully landscaped gardens, admiring the views of Nagasaki harbor and the surrounding hills. They can also tour the historic houses and learn about the lives of the foreign merchants who lived in Nagasaki during the 19th century.

Conclusion: Glover Garden offers a unique and fascinating glimpse into Nagasaki’s past, showcasing the city’s role as a center of international trade and cultural exchange. The well-preserved historic houses and picturesque gardens make it a must-visit destination for anyone interested in Nagasaki’s history and architecture.

The observatory offers breathtaking panoramic views of Nagasaki city and its harbor, making it a popular spot for watching the sunset and night views. The observatory building itself is a modern structure with an observation deck and a restaurant, providing visitors with a comfortable and enjoyable experience.

Location: Mt. Inasayama Observatory is situated at the summit of Mt. Inasa, which stands at an elevation of 333 meters above sea level. The observatory is located approximately 6 kilometers from Nagasaki Station.

How to Get There: Visitors can reach Mt. Inasayama Observatory by taking a bus from Nagasaki Station to the Inasayama Ropeway station, where they can board a ropeway (cable car) that takes them to the summit. Alternatively, visitors can drive to the observatory, as there is parking available at the base of the mountain.

What Can See: From the observation deck, visitors can enjoy stunning views of Nagasaki city, the harbor, and the surrounding hills and islands. On a clear day, visitors can even see as far as the Goto Islands and the Tsushima Islands. The observatory also features exhibits and displays related to the history and geography of the area.

What Can Do: Visitors can enjoy the breathtaking views from the observation deck, particularly during the sunset and night hours when the city lights up. The observatory also features a restaurant where visitors can enjoy local cuisine while taking in the stunning views.

Conclusion: Mt. Inasayama Observatory is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Nagasaki, offering unparalleled views of the city and its harbor. Whether you’re interested in photography, sightseeing, or simply taking in the beauty of the natural surroundings, Mt. Inasayama Observatory is sure to leave a lasting impression.

The aquarium is home to a variety of penguin species, including Humboldt penguins, Magellanic penguins, and African penguins. Visitors can observe the penguins in their natural habitats, which include rocky shores, sandy beaches, and underwater viewing areas. The aquarium also features exhibits and displays related to penguin biology and conservation efforts.

Location: The Nagasaki Penguin Aquarium is located within the Nagasaki Biopark, which is situated approximately 10 kilometers from Nagasaki Station.

How to Get There: Visitors can reach the Nagasaki Biopark, and by extension the Nagasaki Penguin Aquarium, by taking a bus from Nagasaki Station. The journey takes around 30 minutes. Alternatively, visitors can drive to the park, as there is ample parking available on-site.

What Can See: Visitors can observe the penguins in their various habitats, including rocky shores, sandy beaches, and underwater viewing areas. The aquarium also features exhibits and displays related to penguin biology and conservation efforts, providing visitors with a deeper understanding of these fascinating creatures.

What Can Do: Visitors can attend scheduled penguin feedings and watch the penguins engage in their natural behaviors, such as swimming, preening, and interacting with each other. The aquarium also offers educational programs and guided tours for visitors interested in learning more about penguins and their habitats.

Conclusion: The Nagasaki Penguin Aquarium is a delightful and educational attraction that offers visitors a chance to observe these charismatic birds up close. Whether you’re a penguin enthusiast or simply looking for a fun and engaging day out, the Nagasaki Penguin Aquarium is sure to leave you with a newfound appreciation for these remarkable creatures and their conservation.

a powerful feudal lord family, and served as their family temple for centuries. Kofuku-ji is known for its beautiful architecture, which features a mix of Japanese and Chinese styles, and its impressive collection of cultural treasures, including statues, paintings, and calligraphy. The temple grounds also include several smaller sub-temples and a five-story pagoda, which is one of the tallest wooden structures in Nagasaki.

Location: Kofuku-ji is located in the heart of Nagasaki city, just a short walk from the Nagasaki Prefectural Art Museum and the Nagasaki Museum of History and Folklore.

How to Get There: Visitors can reach Kofuku-ji by taking a streetcar from Nagasaki Station to the Kofuku-ji stop, which is just a few minutes’ walk from the temple’s main entrance. Alternatively, visitors can take a taxi or drive to the temple, as there is limited parking available on-site.

What Can See: Visitors can explore the temple’s beautiful architecture, including the main hall, the five-story pagoda, and the smaller sub-temples. They can also admire the temple’s impressive collection of cultural treasures, which are housed in the on-site museum. The temple grounds also feature beautiful gardens and a peaceful atmosphere that invites visitors to relax and reflect.

What Can Do: Visitors can attend religious services and ceremonies at the temple, which are held regularly throughout the year. They can also participate in guided tours that provide more information about the temple’s history and significance. The temple also offers visitors the opportunity to purchase souvenirs and religious items, such as incense and charms.

Conclusion: Kofuku-ji is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in Japanese history, culture, and religion. Its beautiful architecture, impressive collection of cultural treasures, and peaceful atmosphere make it a truly special place that offers visitors a glimpse into Nagasaki’s rich cultural heritage.

The museum houses a collection of over 10,000 works of art, including paintings, sculptures, and prints, with a focus on Japanese art from the Edo period to the present day. The museum’s permanent collection features works by renowned Japanese artists such as Utagawa Hiroshige, Kawase Hasui, and Toko Shinoda. The museum also hosts temporary exhibitions that showcase both Japanese and international artists.

Location: The Nagasaki Prefectural Art Museum is located in the Minato-machi district of Nagasaki city, just a short walk from Kofuku-ji temple and the Nagasaki Museum of History and Folklore.

How to Get There: Visitors can reach the Nagasaki Prefectural Art Museum by taking a streetcar from Nagasaki Station to the Kofuku-ji stop, which is just a few minutes’ walk from the museum’s entrance. Alternatively, visitors can take a taxi or drive to the museum, as there is limited parking available on-site.

What Can See: Visitors can explore the museum’s permanent collection, which features a wide range of Japanese art from the Edo period to the present day. They can also view temporary exhibitions that showcase both Japanese and international artists. The museum’s modern architecture and spacious galleries provide a comfortable and enjoyable environment for visitors to appreciate the artworks on display.

What Can Do: Visitors can participate in guided tours that provide more information about the museum’s collection and the artists featured. The museum also offers educational programs and workshops for visitors interested in learning more about Japanese art and culture. Visitors can also visit the museum’s gift shop, which sells a variety of art-related souvenirs and publications.

Conclusion: The Nagasaki Prefectural Art Museum is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in Japanese art and culture. Its impressive collection of artworks, combined with its modern facilities and educational programs, make it a truly engaging and enlightening experience for visitors of all ages and interests.