Nagasaki Ranked 17th in The New York Times “52 Places to Go in 2026” — A City the World Is Now Watching

Every year, The New York Times publishes its influential “52 Places to Go” list, highlighting destinations around the world that deserve special attention. In the 2026 edition, Nagasaki was ranked 17th worldwide — a remarkable and deeply meaningful recognition.

This is not simply a tourism ranking. It reflects places that carry significance for our time — places that tell important stories about humanity, resilience, and the future. Nagasaki was chosen not only for its beauty, but for what it represents.

The article reflects on how, unlike Hiroshima, the urban core of Nagasaki was not completely destroyed by the atomic bomb due to the bomb missing its original target. This created a surreal “what if” atmosphere — a city that was meant to disappear, yet somehow survived. In an era when concerns about nuclear proliferation are once again rising, Nagasaki offers travelers a powerful and timely reason to visit.

The article also highlights how Nagasaki is now more accessible and welcoming than ever, thanks to the redevelopment around Nagasaki Station. It introduces specific places that bring the city to life: an 800-year-old camphor tree, Fukusaya (selling castella cakes since 1624), the local frozen dessert drink “milk seiki,” the jazz bar Milestone run by the son of atomic bomb survivors, Glover Garden, and traditional grilled mochi at Umegae Mochi Kikumizu.

These details show that Nagasaki is not only a city of memory, but a living, vibrant place — where history, culture, daily life, and quiet beauty coexist.

As someone who lives and works in Nagasaki, and who shares this city with visitors every day, I feel incredibly proud of this recognition. Nagasaki is not a flashy destination. It is gentle, thoughtful, and deeply human. It is a place that stays with you long after you leave.

Now that the world is turning its eyes toward Nagasaki, I hope many people will come, walk its streets, listen to its stories, and experience its unique atmosphere for themselves.

The New York Times Article (Original Quote)

Old threats prompt renewed interest in a resilient city

Unlike Hiroshima, which was almost completely obliterated by an atomic bomb in August 1945, the urban core of Nagasaki, America’s second target, was spared when the bomb missed its mark. This gives the city center a kind of sliding-door surrealness: This was all supposed to be gone, but somehow it survived. As the threat of nuclear proliferation spreads around the world, travelers have a potent reason to visit — and Nagasaki has never been more ready for them, thanks to the completion of a major redevelopment project around the main train station. Visit an 800-year-old camphor tree. Around the corner is Fukusaya, a confectionery that has sold cakes since 1624. Try a “milk seiki,” a frozen dessert drink, at Fujio. For nearly 40 years, Hideyuki Natsume — the soft-spoken son of atomic bomb survivors — has been running Milestone, a jazz bar. Finally, visit Glover Garden, then cap it all off with grilled mochi at Umegae Mochi Kikumizu, a nearly-140-year-old, third-generation pounded-rice shop.

— Craig Mod

Discover Nagasaki More Deeply

If you would like to explore Nagasaki in a more personal, flexible, and meaningful way, we invite you to join one of our private tours. We design each tour around your interests — history, culture, food, nature, or a mix of everything — and guide you at your own pace.

We offer shore excursions for cruise passengers, half-day and full-day tours, and fully customized itineraries.

Nagasaki Private Tours
https://nagasakiprivatetours.com/

Now that Nagasaki is in the global spotlight, we hope you will not only visit — but truly experience this special city.