Explore Nagasaki: Your Perfect 3-Day Travel Guide

Discover a peaceful allure in Nagasaki, Japan.

22 April 2023

As a tourist, a trip to Nagasaki, Japan would offer a unique blend of history and culture. Visitors can explore the Nagasaki Peace Park, which commemorates the devastating atomic bombing that occurred here during World War II, or take a walk through the charming Dejima district, a once-thriving Dutch trading post. Additionally, travelers can enjoy local delicacies such as champon (a savory noodle dish) or attend a traditional Japanese tea ceremony.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Exploring the City

  • Check-in at Hotel Monterey Nagasaki, a historic hotel in downtown Nagasaki
  • Take a stroll through the beautiful Glover Garden, filled with Western-style mansions and stunning views of the city
  • Visit the Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum and Peace Park to learn about the tragic events of August 9, 1945
  • Walk around Dejima, a historic Dutch trading post and former fan-shaped island in Nagasaki Harbor
  • Try local Nagasaki specialties such as Castella cake, Champon noodles, and Kakuni pork at the bustling street food stalls of Shinchi Chinatown
Day 2

Island Hopping

  • Take a day trip to the nearby island of Gunkanjima, also known as Battleship Island, a former mining town that is now an eerie abandoned ghost town
  • Explore the peaceful island of Hirado, home to beautiful temples, shrines, and a historic castle
  • Take a ferry to the small island of Sakushima, known for its stunning white sand beaches and crystal clear water
  • Stop by the Nagasaki Penguin Aquarium on the way back to Nagasaki for an up-close encounter with adorable penguins and other marine life
  • Enjoy a relaxing evening at the hotel's onsen (hot spring) for a traditional Japanese experience
Day 3

Nagasaki's Hidden Gems

  • Visit the unique and quirky Megane Bridge, known as the "spectacles bridge" due to its shape
  • Explore the 400-year-old Suwa Shrine, one of the oldest shrines in Nagasaki with beautiful gardens and architecture
  • Take a scenic cable car ride up to Mount Inasa for breathtaking views of the city
  • Visit the fascinating Oura Catholic Church, Japan's oldest standing church that played an important role in the history of Christianity in Japan
  • Dine at the stylish and elegant Shikairo restaurant, famous for its delicious kaiseki (multi-course) meals and panoramic views of Nagasaki Harbor.
  • Nagasaki is a city full of history, character, and charm. This itinerary is just a small sample of what the city has to offer. It's a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Japan.

Length of stay

1 day 2 days 3 days 4 days 5 days

Type of trip

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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.

Destination

Nagasaki

You know what they say: if at first you don't succeed, try, try again. And that's exactly what Nagasaki did after being bombed during World War II, rebounding as a vibrant and welcoming city.

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Number of days

1 2 3 4 5

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

More travel plans

Wanderlust on a budget: 2 days in Nagasaki

Nagasaki is a charming city in Japan that's perfect for travelers on a budget. Visit the Peace Park and Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum to learn about the city's history. Explore the city's delicious cuisine and soak in the peaceful atmosphere of this beautiful destination.

Discover Nagasaki's History and Charm in 2 Days

Experience a unique blend of Japanese and Western culture when you visit Nagasaki. Immerse yourself in history and learn about the atomic bombing that devastated the city in World War II at the Nagasaki Peace Park. Enjoy delicious local cuisine, visit beautiful temples, and soak in hot springs for a truly unforgettable trip.

Nagasaki Escapades: 3 Days of Family Fun!

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.

5 Days of Fun in Nagasaki, Japan

Nagasaki is a city on the southwestern coast of Japan known for its rich history and culture. As a tourist, you can visit the Nagasaki Peace Park and Atomic Bomb Museum, dedicated to the tragic events of World War II. You can also explore the lively streets of Nagasaki's Chinatown and enjoy its famous local cuisine such as champon and castella cake.