Nagasaki

Once Japan�s window to the world, Nagasaki remains one of the country�s most historically rich and culturally diverse cities � and one that deserves to be known for a whole lot more than the atomic bomb.

“Dutch houses, Chinese street food and fifties-style trams - somehow Nagasaki combines a wealth of cultural influences into one fun, quirky whole.”

Katrina Cordery, Japan specialist and former resident of Nagasaki

Set on the western coast of Kyushu, Nagasaki is Japan’s second oldest trading port – after nearby Hirado – and played a pivotal role in the country’s early interactions with the outside world. From the 16th century onwards, Portuguese and Dutch merchants arrived here, establishing routes that brought goods, ideas and culinary influences – and became the launch pad for much of Japan’s full-scale modernization.

As a result, today, it remains one of Japan’s most culturally interesting cities – and yet remains (for now) off the well-established tourist trail.

For over two hundred years, during Japan’s period of enforced isolation (sakoku), Nagasaki was the only place in the country where trade with foreign nations was permitted. Confined to the small, fan-shaped artificial island of Dejima, Dutch traders introduced unfamiliar products – cabbage, chocolate and tomatoes – to Japan.

Though Dejima has since been swallowed by the city through land reclamation, parts of its historical architecture remain. Ongoing restoration efforts offer visitors the chance to walk reconstructed streets and glimpse the daily life of Japan’s one-time sole international outpost.

The city’s layered history can be felt in its urban fabric today. Shinto shrines sit beside Chinese temples; Western-style mansions overlook stone-paved streets; and locals can tuck into anything from Chinese-inspired champon to the Portuguese castella cake.

Perhaps the most colouful and joyful representation of Nagasaki’s “melting pot” identity is in its festivals. Kunchi is Nagasaki’s biggest celebration of the year, when Dutch boat floats parade the streets alongside dancing Chinese-inspired dragon puppets.

As a visitor, one of the most atmospheric places to explore this heritage is Glover Garden. Set on a hillside overlooking the port, this open-air museum showcases colonial-style homes once occupied by foreign merchants. The most famous of these belonged to Thomas Glover, a Scottish trader who played a key role in Japan’s industrial revolution (earning himself the moniker of the 'Scottish saumrai' at the same time). Today, koi ponds, landscaped gardens and views of Nagasaki Bay make Glover Garden a peaceful, beautiful way to soak up its history.

Of course, Nagasaki’s more recent history is marked by tragedy. On 9th August, 1945, the city became the site of the second – and last – atomic bombing in history. The Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum and Peace Park, located in the northern part of the city, provide a reflective and deeply informative account of the events leading up to the bombing and its aftermath. Compared to Hiroshima, the museum tends to draw fewer crowds, allowing for a quieter experience.

Getting around is straightforward thanks to Nagasaki’s 1950s style tram system, which links many of the city’s major sites, but it's a walkable city, too. An afternoon wander might take you from the lanterns of Chinatown to the hydrangeas and vistas of Glover Garden, and then onto a European-style church.

To round off a day in Nagasaki, we recommend the cable car up Mount Inasa. On a clear evening, the view from the summit ranks among Japan’s top three nightscapes – an official distinction that locals take seriously.

Recommended Accommodation in Nagasaki

The following are our favourites from among the western-style hotels and Japanese-style inns of Nagasaki.

Nagasaki

ANA Crowne Plaza Nagasaki Glover Hill

Superior
Nagasaki

Hotel Forza Nagasaki

Budget

Experiences in Nagasaki

Nagasaki offers a wealth of exciting experiences that will help you get beneath the surface of Japan's fascinating culture. See below for a few of our favourites

Weather in Nagasaki

The Climate Guide for Nagasaki, Japan is perfect for planning your holiday. Monthly weather averages give the best indication of what the weather is usually like for every month of the year including figures for temperature, rainfall and sunshine.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec

Max Daytime Temperature (°C)	10	11	15	19	23	26	30	31	27	23	18	12
Min Night-time Temperature (°C)	2	3	6	10	14	19	23	23	20	14	9	3
Hours of Sunshine (Daily)	3	4	5	5	6	5	6	7	6	6	5	3
Hours of Daylight (Daily)	10	11	12	13	14	14	14	13	12	11	10	10
Heat and Humidity Discomfort	None	None	None	None	None	Low	High	High	Moderate	None	None	None
Days with some Rainfall	15	15	16	15	15	18	19	17	16	12	12	14
Monthly Rainfall (mm)	71	91	162	195	221	415	397	290	219	94	86	54
UV Index (Maximum)	3	5	7	9	10	10	11	11	9	6	4	3

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