Should you’re planning to spend two days in Nagasaki however are usually not fairly certain the place to start out, we’ve received a totally deliberate itinerary for you! This 2-day Nagasaki itinerary will share a straightforward route by town.
Whereas most individuals will know Nagasaki, like Hiroshima, in relation to the devastating atomic bombing that occurred right here in 1945. Today has modified Nagasaki endlessly, however within the 80 years which have handed, Nagasaki has put an enormous concentrate on world peace.
On prime of that, Nagasaki has a really wealthy historical past relationship again approach earlier than World Battle II. Together with its very pleasant, nearly village-like environment, Nagasaki is residence to a lot of tradition, historical past, a “10 million greenback view”, and unbelievable meals.
After having spent fairly a little bit of time in Nagasaki myself, I put collectively this 2-day itinerary that can assist you take advantage of your go to. Right here is the best way to spend two days in Nagasaki!
In This Nagasaki Journey Information
Nagasaki Itinerary Overview & Map
Nagasaki may be very usually skipped on individuals’s Japan itinerary, and it’s such a disgrace. The town has a lot to supply, and was even highlighted within the New York Instances finest locations to go to in 2026.
Nagasaki’s historical past as an necessary port city dates again centuries. It was the house of Portuguese missionaries making a hub for Christianity in Japan, the place the place Dutch and Chinese language retailers traded with the Japanese throughout Japan’s isolation, and, after all, it was the final metropolis to have been hit by an atomic bomb. This metropolis has rebuilt itself right into a thriving, multicultural city selling world peace wherever attainable.
Getting round Nagasaki is best finished by the native trams or buses that join all areas of town. You need to use your IC card (like Suica) or pay with money. This Nagasaki itinerary will take you to a few of the most important websites throughout town, together with a number of lesser-known highlights that I personally actually loved visiting.
When selecting a resort in Nagasaki, I like to recommend sticking to both the world across the “downtown” space close to Chinatown or round the principle prepare station. Under are inns I personally loved staying in and would advocate:
I’ve put collectively an interactive Google Maps with all of the spots talked about on this itinerary for straightforward entry whilst you’re in Nagasaki. Google Maps makes travelling by Japan a lot simpler, so ensure you have a steady web connection (often by Pocket WiFi or an eSIM).
All of the highlights of day one have been marked in pink, the second day is highlighted in darkish blue, and I’ve added some extra suggestions in yellow (together with some eating places, cafes, inns and vacationer highlights that didn’t fairly match into the total itinerary). That approach, you’ll be able to actually make this Nagasaki itinerary your individual.
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2 Days in Nagasaki – Full Itinerary
Under, you will discover my in-depth two-day Nagasaki itinerary, damaged down into all of the spots I like to recommend:
Day 1 – Peace Park & Mount Inasa
On our first day in Nagasaki, we primarily concentrate on the Peace Park and the encompassing areas, the place we pay our respects to the victims of the atomic bombing that occurred in 1945. We’ll finish our day with probably the greatest night time views on the planet, atop Mount Inasa.
Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum
Three days after the primary bombing in Hiroshima, the second and remaining atomic bomb was dropped on Nagasaki. Round tens of 1000’s had been killed immediately, however the complete variety of deaths rose to over 100,000 within the following months because of the aftermath.
Visiting the Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum is an absolute should when within the metropolis, making it our first cease on this itinerary. Not solely to pay your respects to the victims of this horrible occasion, but in addition to study extra about what precisely occurred and the way we will keep away from this from ever occurring once more.
Having visited each the museum in Nagasaki and the one in Hiroshima, it’s price noting that the Hiroshima museum is way bigger and left an even bigger impression on me. It might be as a result of it was the primary of the 2 museums I visited, however I additionally assume it’s partly due to the smaller dimension and assortment of artefacts in Nagasaki.
Talking with ShaSha Sonoda, who labored on the museum on the time, additionally revealed that Nagasaki has a barely completely different view on what occurred in comparison with Hiroshima. As Nagasaki was the final metropolis to be bombed, they concentrate on the message of hope and peace. It ends with Nagasaki, and transferring ahead, we hope for peace. It made sense that the museum felt much less intense in comparison with the one in Hiroshima.
I nonetheless assume the museum is completely price visiting. There’s a whole lot of details about what occurred main as much as the bombing, together with how Nagasaki was truly the second selection. Kokura Metropolis was the principle goal, however due to thick clouds, the aircraft diverted to Nagasaki. A big a part of the museum is devoted to the aftermath and the way forward for nuclear weapons.
Much like the museum in Hiroshima, the artefacts, together with melted glass and burned stones, and images of the survivors, are fairly graphic. The movies of survivors’ testimonies left me in tears.
We spend round one to 1 and a half hours within the museum, earlier than heading to the Peace Park. Entry solely prices ¥200 for adults, ¥100 for kids, and is open day by day from 8:30 am to five:30 pm.
Atomic Bomb Hypocenter Monument
After visiting the Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum, it’s time to go in the direction of components of Hypocenter Park. The Atomic Bomb Hypocenter Monument will not be removed from the museum entrance, making it an ideal subsequent cease on this itinerary. On this park, you can even discover the fiftieth anniversary memorial monument, created by Naoki Tominaga.
There are indicators with extra details about the monuments and that deadly day scattered throughout the park. I realized that the bomb exploded round 500 meters above the northern a part of Nagasaki, the place the Hypocenter Park is now situated. Subsequent to the Atomic Bomb Hypocenter Monument, you can even discover the stays of the Urakami Cathedral. Subsequent on this itinerary, we’ll go to the brand new Cathedral that was rebuilt in a unique location.
Should you stroll down a set of stairs in the direction of the river, you’ll discover a well-preserved a part of the park behind glass. You may see the rubble, roof tiles, burned sand and melted glass that had been left because of the bombing. It’s an unsettling sight to face proper there, trying on the devastation.
Urakami Cathedral & Museum
We already handed the stays of the unique Urakami Cathedral within the Hypocenter Park, however we’ll now go to the present cathedral that was rebuilt round 10 minutes from the unique website.
The Urakami Cathedral was as soon as the largest Roman Catholic church within the East. The massive, red-brick constructing seems very European, which ties in completely with Nagasaki’s historical past as an necessary port city the place many Portuguese sailors settled within the sixteenth century.
Despite the fact that Nagasaki was the centre of Christianity in Japan, its historical past is moderately troublesome. Christians had been crucified right here within the late sixteenth century, forcing different Christians to observe their religion in secret. The faith was banned for over 200 years, however Nagasaki remained sturdy. When the federal government modified its stance on Christianity within the 1850s, Nagasaki began constructing Oura Church and Urakami Cathedral.
Nonetheless, when the atomic bomb was dropped on northern Nagasaki, massive components of the unique cathedral had been destroyed. Miraculously, part of a wood Virgin Mary statue (though broken) and one of many bells had been discovered within the rubble on Christmas Eve in 1945.
When the cathedral was rebuilt the place it stands at the moment, the statue and bell had been introduced right here. When visiting, you can even go into the free museum subsequent door, the place you’ll be able to study extra in regards to the historical past of Christianity in Nagasaki and the cathedral.
If you wish to study extra about Nagasaki’s historical past with Christianity, I additionally advocate making a cease on the Twenty-Six Martyrs Museum and Monument. 26 Christians had been executed right here whereas Christianity and missionaries had been prohibited. Within the museum, you’ll be able to study extra in regards to the martyrs.
Nagasaki Peace Park & Peace Statue
Nagasaki Peace Park sits simply north of the hypocenter the place the bomb hit town. The park is a spot to recollect those that misplaced their lives, and it shares the message that one thing like what occurred right here ought to by no means be repeated. All through the park, you will discover a number of statues and monuments.
The Peace Statue, created by Nagasaki-based artist Seibou Kitamura, holds up his proper hand to the sky, representing the specter of atomic weapons. His left hand sits horizontally, wishing for peace. That is additionally the place the place the Nagasaki Peace Ceremony is held yearly on August ninth.
A whole lot of vibrant paper cranes are additionally hanging close to the Peace Statue. Much like in Hiroshima, the paper cranes are a logo of peace and remembering the horrible occasions that occurred in these two cities. The cranes themselves had been impressed by Sadako Sasaki, who folded 1,000 cranes whereas battling leukaemia after the bombing.
Not removed from the Peace Statue, you can even discover the Peace Fountain. The fountain was created within the form of the wings of a dove, a logo of peace, and the crane, referring to Nagasaki’s Port, typically being referred to as “Crane Port”.
One other notable spot within the Peace Park is the Peace Bell, which was donated by the Nagasaki Hibakusha Certificates Pal Affiliation. It was modelled after the bell from Urakami Cathedral and is rung each ninth of the month at 11:02 am.
Atomic Bomb Ruins of Shiroyama Elementary College
Surprisingly, I didn’t see this spot talked about in lots of guides or itineraries, however it was one of the fascinating and transferring locations we visited on our first day in Nagasaki.
This faculty is situated round 500 meters from the hypocenter. Elements had been immediately destroyed by the impression of the bomb, whereas the second and third flooring burned down within the aftermath. From the 1,500 college students who had been attending the varsity, it’s estimated that 1,400 didn’t survive.
The varsity was rebuilt within the years later, and a peace ceremony is held on the ninth of each month, selling peace and remembering the victims of the bombing.
Elements of the unique staircase had been stored and opened to the general public, together with artefacts, images and data on what occurred on August 9, 1945. It’s fully free to enter, and the employees may be very joyful to offer you any extra info.
Once we visited, we had been the one individuals there. We had been in a position to take our time strolling up the steps and studying the accounts of those that lived by the catastrophe. It felt unusual standing on these stairs and seeing the images, however it added a whole lot of worth to our Nagasaki go to. Should you don’t thoughts the small detour, I’d extremely advocate that you simply additionally go to it.
Sanno Shrine & The One-Legged Torii Gate
From Shiroyama Elementary College, it takes round 20 minutes to stroll to Sanno Shrine and the one-legged torii gate. Relying on how a lot time you may have left in your first day in Nagasaki, you’ll be able to skip this half and head straight to Mount Inasa. Nonetheless, it is a very fascinating sight to see, particularly after having realized loads about what occurred in Nagasaki in 1945.
Initially, this gate was the second torii gate of Sanno Shrine. Despite the fact that the shrine is situated round 800 meters from the hypocenter, it was nearly fully destroyed by the bomb. The one factor that remained was one pillar of the torii gate, alongside half of the higher beam and two timber which had been rising on the entrance of the shrine.
The one-legged torii gate was preserved as a Nationwide Monument. Strolling in the direction of the shrine after passing the gate, you’ll see the opposite half of the torii gate in items on the aspect of the highway. It’s a chilling reminder of what occurred right here.
Take pleasure in Nagasaki Evening View From Mount Inasa
To finish our first day in Nagasaki, we’ll go to the highest of Mount Inasa for one of the stunning night time views on the planet. Mount Inasa reaches 333 meters above sea degree and sits simply on the aspect of Nagasaki Metropolis. From the viewing platform, you’ll be able to get pleasure from a 360-degree view of town.
In 2021, this view was topped as probably the greatest three night time views on the planet, alongside Shanghai and Monaco. You may see so far as Mount Unzen on a transparent day from the observatory. This “10-million-dollar night time view” is unquestionably price including to your itinerary.
The simplest option to get to the highest is by using the ropeway. You should purchase a ticket and board it on the ropeway station at Fuchi Shrine. The ropeway runs each 15–20 minutes. As there’s a 31-person capability per run, ensure you get there with sufficient time to spare.
One of the best time to go up is about half an hour earlier than sundown (you’ll be able to verify the sundown instances for the day you propose to go to right here). That offers you adequate time to stand up Mount Inasa and stroll over to the viewpoints. A spherical journey prices ¥1,230 yen per individual, and there are reductions for kids or if you wish to get a single journey.
The views are completely gorgeous, particularly if you happen to get there in time to look at the solar set and town lights swap on. On my final go to, I noticed a wedding proposal occurring proper at sundown! Should you look down throughout your go to, you might be able to spot the illuminated coronary heart within the ground too (there is just one, so you could have to seek for it!).
Day 2 – Dejima & Glover Gardens
On our second day in Nagasaki, we’ll discover the central a part of town. With such a wealthy historical past relationship again approach additional than the Second World Battle, Nagasaki has loads left to be explored at the moment.
Go to Suwa Shrine
The primary cease on our second day in Nagasaki is Suwa Shrine. This stunning Shinto Shrine can be residence to the Nagasaki Kunchi Competition, a almost 400-year-old competition held each October. Because the shrine has been a part of Nagasaki’s historical past for hundreds of years, it has a sophisticated historical past. Nagasaki was a big hub for Christians within the seventeenth century, and Suwa Shrine was inbuilt an try to cease Christianity from spreading additional.
To get to the shrine, you’ll have to climb the 277 steps. Some tour guides advocate strolling up in a zigzag movement to keep away from vertigo. The views from the highest are stunning, so the stroll up is unquestionably price it.
On the entrance of the shrine, you’ll be able to clearly see the massive scratches on the bottom from the Kunchi Competition. The massive, heavy floats (usually modelled after ships, reflecting Nagasaki’s multicultural heritage) which are a part of the competition are pushed round on the bottom and have left their mark during the last centuries.
Should you occur to have any additional time within the night, I like to recommend coming again for a beautiful view from the highest. Nagasaki sparkles within the night time, and watching it from the quiet shrine is magical.
(Elective) Stroll Alongside the Nakashima River Previous Megane Bridge
From Suwa Shrine, it’s a few 30-minute stroll to Dejima, the following cease on this itinerary. Relying on how a lot time you may have (or how drained you might be from the primary day of exploring, you can take the tram or a taxi, however I’d advocate grabbing a espresso and going for a stroll alongside the Nakashima River.
The river has round 20 stunning bridges, together with the well-known Meganebashi (眼鏡橋, or “Spectacle Bridge”). It’s mentioned to be the oldest stone arch bridge in the entire of Japan, relationship again to 1634. The double-arch, together with its reflection within the water, makes it seem like a pair of glasses, therefore the identify.
The bridge survived the atomic bombing however was broken in floodwaters a number of a long time later. Fortunately, it was restored with the unique stones, so individuals can proceed to get pleasure from it. There are some stepping stones in entrance of it, which make for an amazing picture spot.
The river itself may be very clear, and you’ll usually see koi fish swimming in it. On the aspect of the river, you can even spot a few heart-shaped stones (there appear to be a whole lot of hidden hearts throughout Nagasaki, if you happen to bear in mind the one at Mount Inasa’s observatory).
There are a whole lot of cafes and small eating places situated on the riverside too. Don’t neglect to strive the native Castella cake, influenced by the Portuguese settlers who as soon as lived in Nagasaki. You’ll in all probability additionally discover some individuals promoting Chirin-Chirin ice cream on the riverbanks, which is formed just like the petals of a flower.
Step Again in Time in Dejima
Dejima (出島) is a man-made island close to the port of Nagasaki. It was initially constructed to maintain Portuguese settlers from spreading Christianity. It was later became a residence for Dutch merchants throughout Japan’s 200-year isolation (sakoku). Not like the Portuguese, the Dutch weren’t thinking about spreading faith in Japan; they wished to commerce.
No foreigners had been allowed to enter Japan, together with the Dutch. So as an alternative, they might settle in Dejima and had been strictly guarded. They had been the one Westerners who had been allowed to proceed buying and selling with Japan throughout this era.
As I’m Dutch myself, visiting Dejima was very excessive on my record of issues to do in Nagasaki. When visiting, I noticed a number of different Dutch individuals visiting as nicely, and on the entrance, they even had an info brochure in Dutch (haven’t seen that wherever in Japan!).
Dejima has gone by in depth restoration over the previous few a long time, permitting you to step again in time to see what life would’ve been like for the Dutch retailers. It’s very fascinating to see the mixture of the tatami-floored rooms with Western furnishings positioned upon them.
The museum can be price visiting, the place you will discover shows of things that had been discovered when excavating the Dutch Manufacturing facility. Something from rings, hairpins, dishes and toys is on show right here. It’s a wierd view, seeing so many Dutch references, like Delft and Maastricht ware.
Even for non-Dutch guests, I feel Dejima is a superb spot to study extra about Nagasaki’s historical past and have a really feel for what life would’ve been like right here.
Cease by the Confucius Shrine
On our option to the following cease on this itinerary, Glover Backyard, we cease by Nagasaki Confucius Shrine. Inbuilt 1893 by the Qing Dynasty Authorities and the Chinese language group residing in Nagasaki, this is likely one of the solely shrines devoted to Confucius. On prime of that, that is the solely Chinese language-style Confucius temple in Japan.
Contained in the shrine, you will discover 72 stone statues of his disciples, together with the Historic Museum of China. The shrine itself is superbly adorned and provides you a glimpse into Chinese language structure and tradition.
Particularly as Nagasaki is likely one of the three cities in Japan with a Chinatown, visiting this shrine was an amazing addition to our day. It exhibits you extra of Nagasaki’s historical past and multicultural make-up.
Go to Glover Backyard & Ōura Cathedral
The stroll as much as the doorway of Glover Backyard, referred to as Glover Slope, may be very touristy. Retailers promoting souvenirs, castellated muffins, and even issues that really feel extremely misplaced, like American license plates. I personally didn’t actually get pleasure from this space, however Glover Backyard itself was gorgeous and really fascinating, so simply preserve strolling!
Glover Gardens is basically an open-air museum housing some overseas residential buildings, once more, supplying you with a glimpse into the previous of Nagasaki and its overseas retailers.
Glover Home, the residence of the Scottish service provider Thomas Glover, is the oldest Western-style constructing within the nation. Inside the home, you’ll be able to study extra about Glover’s work, notably the half he performed within the Meiji Restoration and Japan’s industrialisation. You too can feed the koi within the pond in entrance of the home.
A number of buildings throughout the gardens are price a go to. You can simply spend a couple of hours right here. It’s very fascinating to see the combination of Japanese and Western structure and furnishings. It’s nearly not possible to think about what it will’ve been prefer to dwell right here again within the nineteenth century.
From Glover Backyard, you’ll get a pretty view of Nagasaki Harbour, the place it’s possible you’ll spot a few of the cruise ships docking. If you’re visiting Nagasaki as a part of a cruise, visiting Glover Backyard is an ideal begin to your time right here.
Close to the tip of your stroll by Glover Backyard, you’ll find yourself on the Nagasaki Conventional Performing Arts Museum. It’s free to enter as a part of your go to to Glover Backyard, and it’s price a fast cease. Inside, you’ll be able to study extra about Nagasaki’s Kunchi Competition and see a few of the former boat-shaped floats.
Oura Church, presumably essentially the most well-known church in Japan, is situated not removed from Glover Backyard, so it’s price making a fast cease right here whereas within the space. The church dates again to 1864 and is the primary Western constructing to be named a nationwide treasure in Japan. It’s a beautiful constructing, however the entrance worth is a bit steep (¥1,000 per individual), and I didn’t assume it was fairly price going inside.
Whereas strolling to Nagasaki Chinatown, you’ll cross Dutch Slope (オランダ坂). Relying on how a lot time you may have left, it’s price having a stroll by it. When Japan opened as much as foreigners once more, the Dutch had been in a position to transfer into Nagasaki from Dejima. Nearly all of them settled within the space that’s now often known as Dutch Slope. You may get pleasure from a stroll by the cobbled streets, seeing a few of the preserved homes.
Seize Dinner in Nagasaki Shinchi Chinatown
Japan has three main Chinatowns: in Kobe, Yokohama and Nagasaki. All three being necessary port cities in Japan, it is smart that Chinese language communities settled right here. Nagasaki’s Chinatown, referred to as Shinchi (that means “new land”), was the place the place Chinese language retailers settled all through Nagasaki’s historical past.
Music is performed over audio system on the streets, and you will discover some nice dishes right here, together with Chanpon and Sara Udon. Should you occur to go to Nagasaki throughout the Lunar New 12 months, visiting the Nagasaki Lantern Competition here’s a should.
(Elective) Attempt Tomato-Primarily based Ramen at Ramen Hiiragi
Should you’d moderately strive one thing typical Nagasaki as an alternative of grabbing dinner in Chinatown, simply stroll a bit additional and seize a seat at Ramen Hiiragi. Right here, you’ll be able to strive the well-known tomato-based ramen.
I’ll be trustworthy, I used to be sceptical earlier than attempting it. I wasn’t certain how tomato was going to work with the normal style of ramen, and I questioned if it was a little bit of a gimmick, however truthfully, it was probably the greatest bowls of ramen I had throughout our journey by Kyushu. The wealthy broth works surprisingly nicely with the toppings, together with the roasted aubergine. Scrumptious!
In addition they have a extra normal bowl of ramen and gyoza, so that you’ll have choices in case the tomato broth doesn’t fairly hit the spot.
How Many Days in Nagasaki is Sufficient?
When visiting Nagasaki, you’ll want at the very least two days to expertise town. Even this two-day Nagasaki itinerary is fairly stacked. You may simply add one other day or two, particularly if you wish to use Nagasaki as a base for a few day journeys.
Nagasaki Prefecture (and the remainder of Northern Kyushu) has a lot to supply, and it actually deserves the time it takes to be correctly explored. Day journeys I can advocate embody Huis Ten Bosch, Gunkanjima, Unzen Onsen, Shimabara, Arita, and even taking the Two Stars 4047 prepare from Nagasaki to Takeo Onsen.
Conclusion – Is Nagasaki Price Visiting?
Nagasaki is likely one of the finest locations to go to in Kyushu, and positively price including to your individual itinerary. Evaluating Nagasaki and Hiroshima may be very troublesome as a result of the cities have such completely different and wealthy histories outdoors of the devastating bombing that occurred in 1945. I feel visiting each cities is a superb thought.
When visiting Nagasaki, I’d extremely advocate including some extra day journeys within the Prefecture to your itinerary. There’s a lot to see in Kyushu!