Things to do in Nagasaki

Activities, attractions and tours

Nagasaki
Nagasaki
Nagasaki
Nagasaki
Nagasaki

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Top places to visit

1. Glover Garden

A trip to the top of this hill finds Nagasaki’s Glover Garden and its superb panoramic views of the busy city and harbor. The garden also provides a look back to the time when the area began to be industrialized. You’ll find nine spacious residences including some that belonged to Western industrialists who first came to Japan in the mid to late 19th century at the end of the Edo period. Find Glover Mansion, the original building on this site and also the country’s oldest Western-style residence.
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Climb the hill and be treated to two features: a panoramic city view and estates of wealthy magnates. The harbor activity below is fascinating to watch.

2. Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum

Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum provides a very sobering and tragic account of the city’s horrific exposure to an atomic bomb, one of the world’s worst weapons of mass destruction. When the bomb, named the Fat Man, released all of its power 1,640 feet (500 meters) above the city, about 70,000 individuals instantly perished and another 70,000 later died from its effects. Visit the museum’s somber displays to face the grim realities that occurred in Nagasaki on a summer morning on August 9, 1945.
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The atomic bomb’s shock factor never lessens with time. A walk through this building makes sure it’s not forgotten. Comprehend this horrific event by visiting here.

3. Hashima Island

After about a 50-minute boat ride from Nagasaki on Japan’s southern coast, you will arrive at Hashima Island. There are no residents here to talk to and nothing to buy. Just walk among the ruins of reinforced concrete.
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Tour this place that was once the most densely populated area in the world until everyone suddenly left. Feelings of awe and eeriness predominate and cameras click.

4. Peace Park

A visit to Nagasaki’s Peace Park is a way to remember the thousands of civilians who perished on that August morning in 1945 when an atomic bomb detonated over the city. Those in the immediate area of the drop, known as the hypocenter, perished instantly while others farther away died slowly, many from radiation sickness. Listen to the somber music that plays every morning at 11:02 over the park’s speakers, marking the time of the explosion.
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At this spot, as reverent a place as you can find anywhere, reflect on one of the worst events to happen to humankind and the dire importance of it never being repeated.

5. Oura Church

Oura Church in Nagasaki is the site of what was described by a pope as the Miracle in the East, referring to a group of people who identified themselves to a priest as Christians in 1865. Imagine the devotion these so-called Hidden Christians possessed to keep their belief intact in a country that had banned their faith centuries earlier.
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About three centuries after people were killed for their religious beliefs, this church was built to honor them. Visit Japan’s oldest church of its type.

What to do in Nagasaki

Popular places to visit

Hamanomachi Arcade

Hamanomachi Arcade

During your visit to Nagasaki, you can browse for the perfect souvenirs at Hamanomachi Arcade. Wander the waterfront and Chinatown in the area.

Hamanomachi Arcade
Glover Garden

Glover Garden

3/5(2 reviews)

Climb the hill and be treated to two features: a panoramic city view and estates of wealthy magnates. The harbor activity below is fascinating to watch.

Glover Garden
Nagasaki Station Area

Nagasaki Station Area

4/5(1 review)

Learn about the local history of Nagasaki when you spend time at Nagasaki Station Area. Stroll along the waterfront or experience the area's museums.

Nagasaki Station Area
Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum

Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum

4/5(5 reviews)

The atomic bomb’s shock factor never lessens with time. A walk through this building makes sure it’s not forgotten. Comprehend this horrific event by visiting here.

Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum
Shianbashi Alley

Shianbashi Alley

During your trip to Nagasaki, you can find the perfect gifts to bring home at Shianbashi Alley. Stroll along the waterfront or experience the area's museums.

Shianbashi Alley
Hashima Island

Hashima Island

Tour this place that was once the most densely populated area in the world until everyone suddenly left. Feelings of awe and eeriness predominate and cameras click.

Hashima Island
Peace Park

Peace Park

4/5(2 reviews)

At this spot, as reverent a place as you can find anywhere, reflect on one of the worst events to happen to humankind and the dire importance of it never being repeated.

Peace Park
Oura Church

Oura Church

4/5(1 review)

About three centuries after people were killed for their religious beliefs, this church was built to honor them. Visit Japan’s oldest church of its type.

Oura Church
Nagasaki National Peace Memorial Hall for the Atomic Bomb Victims

Nagasaki National Peace Memorial Hall for the Atomic Bomb Victims

4/5(1 review)

An incredible peace and quiet envelops this area, vastly opposed to the reason for this site. Spend time here to fully understand a horrific historic event.

Nagasaki National Peace Memorial Hall for the Atomic Bomb Victims

Areas of Nagasaki

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Nagasaki Chinatown

3/5(1 area review)

It’s bright and bold and provides an exciting perspective on the city. Walk through this area to experience various businesses and cultural aspects.

Nagasaki Chinatown
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Dejimamachi

If you're spending some time in Dejimamachi, Nagasaki Dejima and Nagasaki Prefectural Art Museum are top sights worth seeing.

Dejimamachi
Photo "Omura" by mahlervv (CC BY) / Cropped from original
Photo by mahlervv (CC BY)

Omura

Satsumasendai which includes shopping as well as a large group of people

Satsumasendai

Frequently asked questions

Is Nagasaki worth visiting?
Offering a blend of history and culture, there are plenty of things to do in Nagasaki. While you're here, head to Hamanomachi Arcade, a major attraction in the area.
How do I spend a day in Nagasaki?
Begin your day with a visit to Hamanomachi Arcade and Nagasaki Penguin Aquarium. Then, tour different parts of Nagasaki for local restaurants and a little retail therapy.
What is the top tourist attraction in Nagasaki?
Hamanomachi Arcade is one of the top tourist attractions in Nagasaki and should feature high on every must-do list of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Nagasaki?
You can easily visit top attractions like Hamanomachi Arcade, Nagasaki Penguin Aquarium and Mt. Inasayama Observatory with a three-day stay in Nagasaki. On average, many travellers book two days here. There's plenty to discover nearby too, so stay a bit longer and head to Sasebo.
What are some activities to do in Nagasaki with kids?
Planning what to do in Nagasaki with kids has never been simpler. Whether you have teenagers or toddlers, there are loads of family-friendly tours and activities to keep them busy here.

What to do in Nagasaki for adults?
There's no shortage of things to do in Nagasaki, with activities for adults of all ages. Cap off your day with a visit to Shianbashi Alley or Dutch Slope.
Are there free things to do in Nagasaki?
From enjoying parks to wandering around exciting neighbourhoods, it's easy to find free things to do in Nagasaki. If you're looking for inspiration, get some tips from a local tour guide. Urakami Cathedral is a top spot for anyone wishing to save on their travel adventures.