In Nagasaki, historic sites, memorials, and views take center stage. Dejima tells the story of Japan’s former trade with the West; Glover Garden brings together Western buildings from the Meiji era and views of the harbor. Museums explore different chapters of the city’s history, while Mount Inasa offers a sweeping view of the landscape.
Dejima: Trade and Historic Buildings
Until 1859, Dejima was the only place in Japan where Westerners could trade. The site’s former buildings have been faithfully restored based on extensive research. Homes, warehouses, and exhibits of artifacts give visitors a sense of the city in the early 19th century.
At Dejima, history guides dressed in samurai clothing lead visitors around the site and explain its buildings and history. The free tour is offered four times a day. Check the current schedule before your visit.
Museums and Memorials
The Nagasaki History and Culture Museum’s permanent exhibitions cover overseas trade and exchanges involving Christianity, China, and the Netherlands. The museum also introduces Nagasaki’s distinctive culture and features a reconstruction of the historic Nagasaki Magistrate’s Office, which stood at Nagasaki Suwa no Mori during the Edo period. Interactive learning areas include puzzles, hands-on experiences with traditional crafts, and multiscreen films about Nagasaki’s history; specific programs may vary.
At the Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum, you can read accounts from survivors. Numerous exhibits convey the extent of the damage caused by the atomic bomb. At Peace Park, layers of earth dating from the time of the atomic bombing have been preserved. They contain roof tiles and bricks from destroyed homes, as well as glass melted by heat of around 3,000 degrees.
At Nishizaka Park, six Franciscan missionaries and 20 Japanese believers were executed on February 5, 1597. In 1950, Pope Pius XII declared the memorial to the 26 Martyrs of Japan in the park an official Catholic pilgrimage site. Meganebashi also tells part of the city’s history: it was partially destroyed in the 1982 flood and restored the following year. It is designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan.
Glover Garden and Views of Nagasaki
Glover Garden comprises six Western buildings from the Meiji era that were relocated there from various parts of the city and restored. The main buildings include the former residences of Glover, Ringer, and Orto; they are designated Important Cultural Properties of Japan. From the garden, you can look out over Nagasaki Harbor and an area containing World Heritage sites. The architecture and views give the visit two distinct highlights.
Inasayama Park: Views and Events
The observatory on Mount Inasa in Inasayama Park offers a 360-degree view of the Nagasaki landscape. The park also has playgrounds and an outdoor amphitheater. The annual Azalea Festival also features karaoke competitions and colorful kite-flying displays.
The park’s outdoor stage hosts the annual Sky Jamboree rock concert in August, featuring bands from across Japan. The events offer different experiences: the Azalea Festival and the August concert each have their own distinct appeal. Dates and programs may vary; check before visiting.
Getting Around and Choosing Accommodation
You can reach Dejima on tram line 1; get off at Dejima stop. Take the tram from Nagasaki Station to reach the Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum. It is a four-minute walk from the Peace Park tram stop. Check current transport information before setting out.
The Glover Sky Road inclined elevator is a free public transport service for residents and tourists. It also serves residents of a hillside area, including older people and people with disabilities. Operating details may change; check locally.
Penguins at Nagasaki Penguin Aquarium
The Nagasaki Penguin Aquarium, which specializes in penguins, keeps nine of the world’s 18 penguin species, with about 180 birds. At Fureai Penguin Beach, visitors can watch the penguins swim in the natural sea and move around freely. Check whether this viewing experience is currently available before your trip.
Discover more destinations: Sasebo, Ōmura, Hirado, Gotō, Unzen, Ojika, Hasami, Matsuura
Back to the regional travel overview: Nagasaki Prefecture.
