Discover Nagasaki 3 Day Itinerary
Last Updated on November 6, 2024 by Erin Donahue
As part of my two-week trip through Japan, along with Tokyo and Fukuoka, this Nagasaki 3-day itinerary breaks down everything to do if you plan a visit. Nagasaki is a city in Japan’s Kyushu island and is unfortunately one of the two locations the U.S. dropped an atomic bomb on during WWII. It’s a hilly city that’s lesser known compared to its counterparts up north on Honshu, but also has lots to see and do, listed below.
Nagasaki has a lot of history and things to do but doesn’t have a metro system. The main way to get around are trolleys and buses for public transportation. These get PACKED. Additionally, for a big city Nagasaki has no nightlife, with everything shutting down after 8 pm, and not re-opening until 8-9 am. For visitors who have early call times like I did, finding food was scarce. The best bet is to stock up from the grocery store the night before.
The Peace Park
It’s only appropriate to visit The Peace Park while in Nagasaki. This is ground zero where the U.S. dropped the second A-bomb, named Fat Man, from the Bockscar, a B-29 bomber, at II:02 AM on August 9, 1945.
Nagasaki Peace Park stands atop a hill north of the bomb’s hypocenter. Central to the park is the towering Peace Statue, reaching 9.7 meters high, embodying the fervent wish of Nagasaki’s inhabitants for lasting peace. Crafted by local sculptor Seibou Kitamura, the statue has a myriad of symbolic meanings. Its right hand is raised skyward, symbolizing the looming threat of nuclear weapons, while the left arm stretches out horizontally, a gesture for eternal peace. The folded right leg is in meditation while the extended left leg is rooted to the ground, asking us to stand up and help the world. Buddha is a heavy inspiration and the statue’s face embodies Buddha’s divine compassion and love. This part isn’t as readily available, but the hair is also symbolic of Jesus’ hair.
Address: 9 Matsuyamamachi, Nagasaki, 852-8118
Nagasaki Ropeway
Summit Mt. Inasa’s observatory via a five-minute tram ride, to see one of Japan’s top 3 night views, along with Sapporo and Kitakyushu, for a 360-degree view of Nagasaki, the harbor, and the sea. This is also designated as one of the world’s top 3 night views alongside Shanghai & Monaco. Who’s making these designations though? I’d like to know.
This scenic spot is famous for its multi-million dollar night view of Nagasaki, but I’d recommend going up before sunset. Visitors can watch the sun descend over the city and on a clear day Gunkan-jima, Taka-shima, Io-jima, and Goto Islands can be seen.
Address: 〒850-0066 Nagasaki, Inasamachi, 364 稲佐山公園
Glover House & Garden
Part of Nagasaki’s rich history is its involvement as a window of Western influence. Take a stroll through the gardens which include the former Glover Residence, another UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was a historic site generously donated to Nagasaki by the Nagasaki Shipyard of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries in 1957.
Glover House is Japan’s oldest wooden Western-style residence that was home to Thomas Blake Glover. He was a Scottish merchant who contributed a great deal to Japan’s modernization. This residence, along with its gardens, has since been open to the public, offering visitors a glimpse into its rich history.
Address: 8 Minamiyamatemachi, Nagasaki, 850-0931
Visit Hashima Island “Gunkanjima” Island Before It Closes
A unique experience while in Nagasaki includes walking the ruins of Hashima Island, nicknamed Gunkanjima which translates to “battleship island” because of how it looks. This is yet another UNESCO World Heritage Site and entry to the island will soon be permanently closed to preserve it. If you’re interested in seeing a place like this you need to book a landing tour ASAP. It’s a 40-minute ferry ride and entry onto the island is determined at the last minute, pending the Captain’s decision on the weather.
One thing that I wasn’t aware of until afterward was that part of Gunkanjima’s history includes forced labor, particularly of Koreans. It’s no secret that Japan’s colonial rule was abhorrent, and the history between the Japanese and Koreans is not positive. The tour on Gunkanjima will talk about how crucial the coal mine was to support Japan’s modernization but say nothing of the labor involved.
Address: 5-6, Matsugaemachi, Nagasaki-shi, Nagasaki, 850-0921
Stop By The Megane Bridge
The Meganebashi Bridge is an over 300-year-old stone arch bridge in Nagasaki, Japan that gets its name from its distinct “spectacles” double-arched shape. It’s the only double-arched bridge while the rest of the bridges are single-arched. While it’s an iconic symbol, it was rather underwhelming. Nevertheless, its historic architecture and central location in Nagasaki make it a popular spot for photography.
Address: Uonomachi, Nagasaki, 850-0874
Enjoy Afternoon Tea At Shooken Cafe Sevilla
Lastly, treat yourself to some afternoon tea and enjoy castella cake at Cafe Sevilla. Castella cake is a soft golden-colored cake with a moist texture and mild sweetness. It comes in a distinctive rectangular shape sold in long boxes, and makes for a great gift.
Nagasaki is famous for castella cake and Cafe Sevilla was the first castella cake company established back in 1681. Castella Cake is originally from Spain, but the Japanese have incorporated it into their own. You can’t get this brand in Tokyo, only Nagasaki and Fukuoka.
Address: 3-19, Uonomachi, Nagasaki-city, Nagasaki
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