4-Day Adventure in Vibrant Nagasaki, Japan

Discover the historic beauty and resilience of Nagasaki.

22 April 2023

Nagasaki is a beautiful coastal city located in southwestern Japan. Visitors to Nagasaki can explore its rich history and culture, including its role as a formerly important port and the site of the atomic bomb during World War II. Some popular attractions include the Nagasaki Peace Park, Glover Garden, and the historic Chinese Quarter.

Travel plan

Getting latest place information
Day 1

Discovering Nagasaki's History

  • Check into the Hotel Monterey Nagasaki a charming European-style hotel with a great view of the city
  • Visit the Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum and Peace Park which pays tribute to the victims of the atomic bomb
  • Take a stroll through Dejima and learn about the history of Nagasaki's connection to Dutch traders
  • Enjoy dinner at Shikairo, a local restaurant famous for their Nagasaki Champon, a delicious noodle dish with seafood and vegetables
Day 2

Exploring Nagasaki's Natural Beauty

  • Head to Mt. Inasa for a stunning panoramic view of the city and its surroundings
  • Take a boat ride to Hashima Island, also known as "Battleship Island", to explore its eerie abandoned buildings
  • Visit Glover Garden, a park filled with western-style mansions and beautiful gardens
  • Try out Nagasaki's famous Castella cake at Bunmeido, a local bakery that has been making the cake since the 1800s
  • Relax at the Tenjin-yama Park which offers a tranquil escape from the city bustle
Day 3

Immerse Yourself in Nagasaki Culture

  • Take a dip at the famous Nagasaki Onsen "Laguna Ten Bosch" that offers a range of indoor and outdoor pools with views of the sea
  • Visit the Nagasaki Prefectural Art Museum to admire the works of artists from Nagasaki and beyond
  • Learn about the Chinese influence on Nagasaki's culture at the Confucius Shrine and nearby Chinatown
  • For lunch, try out the Yakitori (grilled chicken skewers) at Toruko, a local restaurant with a lively atmosphere
  • Attend a traditional Japanese tea ceremony at Shofuen, a tea house located in the heart of the city
Day 4

Farewell Nagasaki

  • Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the hotel before checking out
  • Visit the Nagasaki Penguin Aquarium where you can observe a variety of penguin species
  • Buy some souvenirs at Hamano-machi Arcade, a shopping street filled with local goods and foods
  • Grab some tonkotsu (pork broth) ramen at Kabuki-cho Ramen, a cozy noodle shop loved by locals
  • Bid farewell to Nagasaki by taking a scenic cruise along the Nagasaki harbor, soaking in the final sights and sounds of this beautiful city

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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Nagasaki, Japan offers a unique blend of history, culture, and family-friendly attractions, making it an ideal destination for a memorable trip. Visit the iconic Nagasaki Peace Park and Atomic Bomb Museum to understand the tragic history of the city, followed by a peaceful stroll through Glover Garden with its beautifully preserved Western-style houses. For a fun-filled adventure, head to Nagasaki Penguin Aquarium and enjoy a captivating display of penguins, dolphins, and a thrilling dolphin show, ensuring an unforgettable family experience.

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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.

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