Top 10 Recommended Places to Visit in Nagasaki + A Special Bonus

Nagasaki is a city where peace, history, international exchange, religion, nature, and beautiful scenery come together in a compact and very unique way. By visiting the places below, you can experience the many different faces of Nagasaki in just one or two days.

No.1 — Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum

This museum explains in detail the damage caused by the atomic bomb dropped on Nagasaki on August 9, 1945, as well as the city’s recovery and its ongoing message of peace. Through photographs, videos, personal belongings, and models, visitors can learn not only about the moment of the bombing, but also about the lives of the people, medical efforts, reconstruction, and the movement toward nuclear disarmament.

Highlight: The model showing the exact location of the hypocenter and the real melted objects damaged by the heat and blast.

No.2 — Peace Park & Hypocenter Park

These parks are places of prayer, remembrance, and reflection, built around the site of the atomic bomb’s hypocenter. Monuments donated by countries from all over the world line the park, symbolizing Nagasaki’s role as a city that sends a global message of peace.

Highlight: The Peace Statue and the many international peace monuments surrounding it.

No.3 — Mt. Inasa

Mt. Inasa offers a panoramic view over Nagasaki city, the harbor, and the surrounding mountains. The night view is famously called the “Ten Million Dollar Night View,” and Nagasaki has also been selected as one of the “New Top Three Night Views of the World,” together with Monaco and Shanghai. The scenery changes completely from day to night, making it beautiful at any time.

Highlight: The three-dimensional cityscape spreading across the bowl-shaped terrain, seen from the observation deck at night.

No.4 — Glover Garden

This open-air museum features Western-style residences of foreign merchants who lived in Nagasaki from the late Edo to the Meiji period. It represents the beginning of Japan’s modernization and international exchange, and allows visitors to feel the atmosphere of Nagasaki in the 19th century.

Highlight: The view of Nagasaki Harbor from in front of the Glover House.

No.5 — Oura Cathedral

The oldest surviving Christian church in Japan and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It tells the story of the Hidden Christians who continued to practice their faith in secret during times of persecution.

Highlight: The stained glass windows and the quiet, sacred interior.

No.6 — Meganebashi (Spectacles Bridge)

Japan’s oldest stone arch bridge, named because its reflection on the water looks like a pair of glasses. It is one of Nagasaki’s most iconic and photogenic spots.

Highlight: The perfect circular reflection of the arch on the river surface.

No.7 — Dejima

Dejima was the only place where Japan was allowed to trade with the West during the period of national isolation. Today, the restored buildings show how Dutch traders lived and worked, and how knowledge and culture entered Japan.

Highlight: The recreated rooms and scientific instruments used by the Dutch merchants.

No.8 — Confucius Shrine (Koshibyo)

A unique site that shows the strong influence of Chinese culture in Nagasaki. The red buildings and stone statues create an atmosphere that feels almost like being in China.

Highlight: The row of 72 stone statues of Confucius’ disciples along the corridor.

No.9 — Sofukuji Temple

A Zen temple built in Chinese architectural style, reflecting Nagasaki’s long history as an international port city.

Highlight: The impressive First Peak Gate, a designated National Treasure.

No.10 — Twenty-Six Martyrs Monument and Museum

This site commemorates the 26 Christians who were executed in 1597. It tells a powerful story about religious persecution, faith, and human rights.

Highlight: The bronze statues of the 26 martyrs standing on the hill with a view over Nagasaki Harbor.

Bonus — Taki no Kannon (Waterfall Kannon)

A quiet and lesser-known spot located in a natural area outside the city center. A small waterfall flows beside a Kannon statue, creating a peaceful and almost mystical atmosphere loved by locals.

Highlight: The gentle waterfall flowing down the rocks next to the serene statue of Kannon.

Nagasaki Private Tours — Private Tours and Customizable Shore Excursions

If you are planning to visit Nagasaki and would like a private, flexible, and stress-free experience, we would be happy to help.
At Nagasaki Private Tours, we offer carefully designed model itineraries as well as customizable private tours — with the option to travel comfortably by private car or experience the city like a local on its historic streetcars, whether you are visiting by cruise ship or staying in the city.

Learn more or make a reservation here:
https://nagasakiprivatetours.com