Nagasaki Escapades: 3 Days of Family Fun!

Discover the rich history and cultural wonders of Nagasaki, the perfect family friendly destination in Japan.

19 July 2023

A trip to Nagasaki, Japan is perfect for a family-friendly vacation with its rich history, stunning landscapes, and diverse attractions. Start by visiting the iconic Nagasaki Peace Park and Atomic Bomb Museum to learn about the city's past, followed by exploring Glover Garden and Dejima Island for an immersive cultural experience. Complete your trip by taking a leisurely stroll along the picturesque Nagasaki Harbor, enjoying delicious local cuisine, and maybe even catching a traditional Japanese puppet show.

Travel plan

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Day 1

Exploring Historic Nagasaki

  • Start your day with a visit to the Nagasaki Peace Park, paying tribute to those affected by the atomic bombing.
  • Take a stroll through the charming streets of the Glover Garden, where you'll find beautifully preserved Western-style buildings.
  • Embark on a fascinating journey at the Nagasaki Museum of History and Culture, featuring exhibits on the city's rich heritage.
  • Head to Dejima, a man-made island that was once the only gateway for foreign traders, and learn about Nagasaki's international past.
  • Indulge in Nagasaki's famous Champon noodles at Ringer Hut, slurping your way to pure satisfaction.
  • End the day with a sunset cruise along the Nagasaki Harbor, capturing breathtaking views that will leave you in awe.
Day 2

Unveiling Nagasaki's Hidden Gems

  • Start your morning at Mt. Inasa, braving a ride up the steepest ropeway in Japan to revel in panoramic views of Nagasaki.
  • Visit the Nagasaki Penguin Aquarium, where adorable penguins will waddle their way into your hearts.
  • Dive into the vibrant local markets at Shinchi Chinatown, where the fragrant scent of delicious Chinese cuisines fills the air.
  • Immerse yourself in Nagasaki's distinct Dutch culture at the Huis Ten Bosch theme park, stepping into a whimsical European wonderland.
  • Enjoy a bowl of the delightful Kakuni, a traditional Nagasaki dish of braised pork belly simmered to perfection.
  • Conclude the day with a visit to Megane Bridge, known as the "Spectacles Bridge" due to its reflection resembling eyeglasses when the river is calm.
Day 3

Mysteries and Marvels of Nagasaki

  • Begin your day with a trip to Gunkanjima, the "Battleship Island," for a riveting glimpse into Japan's industrial past.
  • Unearth the hidden tunnels of Nagasaki's Underground Imperial Headquarters, once a secret military facility during World War II.
  • Marvel at the mesmerizing beauty of Nagasaki Penguin Aquarium's evening dolphin show, a spectacle you won't want to miss.
  • Sample the mouthwatering delicacy of Nagasaki's Castella cake at Fukusaya, a treasured local confectionery since 1624.
  • End your journey with a leisurely walk through Nagasaki's charming Dutch Slope, a picturesque haven of narrow streets and European-style homes.

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Nagasaki by plane is to fly to Nagasaki Airport (NGS) from Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND) or Osaka International Airport (ITM). There are also direct flights from Seoul and Shanghai. From Nagasaki Airport, you can take a bus or taxi to reach the city center.

Car

The best way to get to Nagasaki by car is to take the Kyushu Expressway from Fukuoka to Nagasaki. The journey takes around 2 hours, and there are several tolls along the way.

Train

The best way to get to Nagasaki by train is to take the shinkansen (bullet train) from Tokyo or Osaka to Hakata Station in Fukuoka, and then transfer to the Kamome limited express train to Nagasaki Station. The journey takes around 4 hours in total.

Boat

The best way to get to Nagasaki by boat is to take a ferry from Busan, South Korea to Hakata Port in Fukuoka, and then take the train or bus to Nagasaki. There are several ferry companies that operate this route, and the journey takes around 3 hours.

Bus

The best way to get to Nagasaki by bus is to take an overnight bus from Tokyo or Osaka to Nagasaki. There are several bus companies that operate this route, and the journey takes around 12 hours.

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