Best Things to Do in Nagasaki

Kujuukushima is a beautiful archipelago of 208 islands of various sizes. The islands are not “ninety-nine” in number as the name suggests, but rather many islands are scattered throughout the archipelago. The scenery of the Kujuku Islands can be enjoyed by viewing them from an observatory or taking a cruise on a sightseeing boat. There are also many activities, such as kayaking and fishing, where visitors can get in touch with nature.

Gunkanjima is an uninhabited island that once flourished as a coal mining island and is called “Gunkanjima” because of its unique appearance.

The island was an important site that supported Japan’s Industrial Revolution from the Meiji Era to the Showa Era, and was registered as a World Heritage Site in 2015 as a “Heritage Site of the Industrial Revolution in Meiji Japan”.

Today, the island is open to the public as a tourist attraction and accessible by regular boat. On the island, visitors can see the remains of former coal mining facilities and residences.

Unzen Jigoku is a geothermal area spreading out around Unzen Onsen, characterized by hot steam and hot mud spewing from the surface of the earth.

As the name “hell” implies, the landscape is wild and the fumaroles emit the aroma of sulfur. This area has been developed as a tourist attraction, and visitors can observe geothermal activity up close while walking along the promenade.

The Jigokudani also has famous landmarks such as “White Cloud Pond” and “Devil’s Footprints,” where visitors can feel the power of nature.

Peace Park Nagasaki is a vast park in Nagasaki City, commemorating the atomic bombing in 1945 and praying for lasting world peace. The park is home to the famous Peace Statue, a symbol of peace, and a peace ceremony is held every year on August 9. The park is also dotted with peace monuments and sculptures donated by various countries, conveying the importance of peace to visitors.

The Monument to the Atomic Bomb Dropping Center is a monument marking the center of the atomic bombing in Nagasaki City. The monument marks the exact location of the hypocenter, and nearby is a memorial to the many victims of the atomic bombing. The Monument to the Atomic Bomb Drop Center is a place where the tragedy of war can be directly felt, and is visited by people praying for peace.

Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum is a facility that exhibits materials related to the atomic bomb dropped on Nagasaki City on August 9, 1945. Visitors can learn about the tragedy of war and the horror of nuclear weapons through the damage caused by the atomic bomb, the effects of radiation, and the testimonies of A-bomb survivors. There are also exhibits and videos that express the wish for peace, deeply moving visitors.

Ippon Torii is a prominent torii gate in Nagasaki City, known for its ability to withstand the blast of the atomic bomb and continue to stand. This torii is unique in that one of the pillars was blown away by the blast, but the other pillar has remained standing. The Ippon Torii has become a symbol of the tragedy of war that attracts many tourists to the site.

Oura Tenshudo (大浦天主堂) is the oldest existing wooden church in Japan and was built in 1864. Designed by French missionaries, it features beautiful Gothic-style architecture. Also, since it was built at the end of the Edo period, it is known as a valuable historical building that blends Japanese and Western cultures. 1981 it was designated as a National Treasure, and in 2018 it was registered as a World Heritage Site as part of the “Nagasaki and Amakusa Region Heritage Related to Submerged Christians”.

Island Nagasaki (i+Land nagasaki) is an entertainment resort facility located on Ioujima Island in Nagasaki Prefecture. Here you will find a wide variety of facilities, including accommodations, natural hot springs, spas, outdoor activities, and restaurants. There are a variety of activities that can be enjoyed in nature, such as ATVs, swimming, and barbecues, which can be enjoyed by families, couples, and friends. Located a 30-minute drive from downtown Nagasaki, the resort offers beautiful scenery and relaxing moments.

Minamishimabara City is a famous tourist spot for dolphin watching. In particular, many wild dolphins live in the waters of the Shimabara Peninsula, and you can take a boat tour to observe them up close. The dolphins are very curious and sometimes come close to the boat, and their adorable appearance will surely soothe you.

Nagasaki Bio Park is a nature animal park located in Saikai City, Nagasaki Prefecture. Here, animals live in a near-natural environment on a vast site, and visitors can have direct contact with them. A wide variety of animals, including capybaras, squirrel monkeys, and alpacas, are kept here, and there are a variety of feeding and animal interaction activities. This is an especially popular spot for families and children.

Obama Onsen is a hot spring resort located in Unzen City, Nagasaki Prefecture, and “Hot Foot 105” is famous as the longest footbath in Japan.

The 105-meter-long footbath can be used free of charge, and visitors can soak in the hot spring while enjoying a view of the sea. It is the perfect place to stop by and relax between strolls in the hot spring resort area.

The Hirado Dutch Trading Post is a historical building in Hirado City, Nagasaki Prefecture, where trade with the Netherlands was conducted during the Edo period. The trading house and warehouse from those days have been restored and are now open to the public as a museum. Inside the museum, there are exhibits related to trade and cultural exchange with the Netherlands, and visitors can learn about the state of trade in those days.

Amu Plaza Nagasaki is a large shopping mall directly connected to Nagasaki Station, offering a complex of fashion, dining, and entertainment facilities. With a variety of stores including department stores, specialty stores, cafes, restaurants, and a movie theater, visitors can enjoy shopping, dining, and entertainment throughout the day. It is also directly connected to the station for convenient access, making it an accessible location for tourists and locals alike.

COCOWALK is a large shopping mall located in the center of Nagasaki City, containing many stores, restaurants, and a movie theater. It is a convenient spot for locals and tourists to enjoy shopping, dining, and entertainment. There is also a Ferris wheel on the rooftop that offers a beautiful view of Nagasaki City.

Hamamachi Arcade is a shopping arcade in the center of Nagasaki City and is the largest arcade in Nagasaki Prefecture. This arcade stretches for more than 500 meters and is lined with many stores, cafes, and restaurants, attracting locals and tourists alike. It is a particularly good place to look for Nagasaki’s specialties and souvenirs, and a comfortable place to enjoy shopping even on rainy days.

Nagasaki Shinchi Chinatown is one of the three major Chinatowns in Japan and a tourist attraction along with Yokohama Chinatown and Kobe Nankinmachi. The Chinatown is decorated with colorful lanterns and lined with many Chinese restaurants and souvenir stores. Nagasaki Shinchi Chinatown is a symbol of multiculturalism and a place where Japanese people can enjoy an exotic atmosphere.

Shirokimine Plateau is a beautiful highland located in Nagasaki Prefecture, with an attractive landscape of blooming flowers from spring to autumn. The lavender fields in summer and cosmos fields in autumn are especially worth seeing and attract many tourists. The plateau also offers a wonderful view of Kujuku Islands and downtown Sasebo, and is a popular photo spot.

At Momozaki Dinosaur Park in Nagasaki, visitors can experience the world of dinosaurs through life-size dinosaur models and fossil exhibits. The park also offers a variety of dinosaur-related activities and workshops for both children and adults. For children in particular, it is a fun place where learning and play come together.