About Nagasaki
9 Spectacular Spots in Nagasaki: Night Views, History, and More
Nagasaki: Home to a Variety of Scenic Spots
Nagasaki Prefecture, located in western Kyushu, is famous for its sea, mountains, and a cityscape with a unique history.
From World Heritage sites to photogenic spots, Nagasaki boasts a wide variety of places offering a wonderful view every season.
The following is a list of such places.
Overview
- ・1. Gunkanjima (Hashima)
- ・2. Mt. Inasa Observatory (Nagasaki City)
- ・3. Glover Garden (Nagasaki City)
- ・4. Dondon-zaka (Nagasaki City)
- ・5. Fruit Bus Stops (Isahaya City)
- ・6. Kujukushima Kanko Park (Sasebo City)
- ・7. Chiwata Station (Higashisonogi-cho)
- ・8. Tatsunoshima (Iki City)
- ・9. Eboshidake Observatory (Tsushima City)
- ・A Trip to Scenic Spots
1. Gunkanjima (Hashima)
Just a 40-minute boat ride from Nagasaki Port to Hashima, Gunkanjima is a World Heritage site.
An island developed for underwater coal mining, it once boasted a population of 5,300 in 1960. It became uninhabited in 1974, when the mine was closed.
Since then, the imposing ruins created by the decaying concrete buildings have become popular. They served as inspiration for the ruined island in “Skyfall” and were also used as a location for the live-action movie adaptation of “Attack on Titan.”
The tour from Nagasaki Port offers a chance to enjoy the contrast between the time-frozen buildings and the blue ocean up close.
2. Mt. Inasa Observatory (Nagasaki City)
At 333 meters above sea level, visitors can enjoy the nightscape, shining like a jewel with the Nagasaki Port in the center.
You can reach the observatory by ropeway. The scenery changes constantly: From views of Nagasaki and the blue sea at daytime, to a cityscape bathed in twilight, and finally to the nightscape.
Inasayama Kanko Hotel, where guests can enjoy the night views, is located near the observatory.
Mt. Inasa Observatory
・Address: Inasayama Park, 364 Ohama-machi, Nagasaki City, Nagasaki Prefecture
・Opening Hours: 9:00 - 22:00
3. Glover Garden (Nagasaki City)
There are nine historic buildings on the grounds. Three buildings, including the former Glover residence, a World Cultural Heritage constructed in 1863, have more than 150 years of history. The other six were constructed in the early to mid-Meiji Period. Each building, designed in the styles of various periods, has great historic value.
While the former Glover residence, with a flower bed at the entrance, is an ideal spot to take photographs, there are other lesser-known spots that are worth seeing as well. One is the second floor of the former Mitsubishi Shipyard No. 2 Dockhouse, which offers panoramic views of Nagasaki Port and Mt. Inasa.
Glover Garden:
・Address: 8-1 Minamiyamate-machi, Nagasaki City, Nagasaki Prefecture
・Opening Hours: 8:00 - 18:00 (Last admission is 20 minutes before closing)
4. Dondon-zaka (Nagasaki City)
In the Edo Period, Nagasaki became a base for trading with China and the Netherlands. You can see the influence of these countries at a few locations throughout the city.
One of them is Dondon-zaka. It is located in a residential area near Glover Garden and Oura Church. The stone pavement and brick walls look like they could be from a movie set.
The Nagasaki Shipyard, and its giant cantilever crane, which is registered as a World Heritage site, can be seen from the top of the slope. They are lit up at dusk, creating an impressive scenery.
5. Fruit Bus Stops (Isahaya City)
Isahaya City faces the Ariake Sea. Among the many places to take photographs in this city, its fruit bus stops are a definite draw.
They are the bus stops along National Route 207, a seaside road. Sixteen colorful bus stops, in the shape of five types of giant fruits such as melon, strawberry, and orange, welcome visitors.
These playful and charming bus stops, against the backdrop of the blue sky and rural towns, make the visitors feel as if they have wandered into a world of fairy tales.
When the weather is fine, the bus stops stand out under the blue sky and against the green field, creating an ideal setting for a photo shoot.
6. Kujukushima Kanko Park (Sasebo City)
From the "Hill of Views" (Chobo no Oka) situated on a vast lawn, you can overlook the grand panorama of Kujukushima and experience a landscape like never before. During the day, enjoy the dynamic scenery of the islands, while at dusk, depending on the season, you can watch the beautiful sunset sinking into the sea. The "Kujukushima" monument is a popular photo spot, so be sure to take a picture when you visit!
Kujukushima Kanko Park:
・Address: 1746 Nozaki-cho, Sasebo City, Nagasaki Prefecture
・Opening Hours: March - September 8:00 - 20:00, October - February 8:00 - 19:00
7. Chiwata Station (Higashisonogi-cho)
It is popular among those seeking scenic spots as well as train enthusiasts. From the platform, the trains may look like they are heading straight into the ocean.
After being constructed in 1928, it became unmanned in 1971. The station was refurbished to its original style in 1993.
The view of the sunset reflecting on the ocean is breathtaking. The sight of the sky and sea bathed in orange, and the track stretching straight, looks like a scene from a movie.
Chiwata Station:
・Address: 750-3 Hiranitago, Higashisonogi-cho, Nagasaki Prefecture
8. Tatsunoshima (Iki City)
The island is home to Kojima Shrine, also known as the ‘Mont Saint-Michel of Iki,’ and Ikikoku Museum, which was designed by Kisho Kurokawa, a famous architect. But the most spectacular spot may be Tatsunoshima.
It is an uninhabited island, a 10-minute boat ride away from Katsumoto Port. With the clear waters, white beaches, and a unique landscape of cliffs and rocks, the island is a work of art, created by nature.
9. Eboshidake Observatory (Tsushima City)
The isle is rich in nature, and about 90 percent of the land is forested. From the Eboshidake Observation Deck, you can enjoy the magnificent scenery woven by the lushly forested islands floating in Asō Bay, the rugged coastline, and the emerald blue sea.
From the observatory, 176 meters above sea level, you can even see the mountains in the Korean Peninsula when the weather is clear. Visitors also gather to enjoy the sunset.
Eboshidake Observatory:
・Address: 380 Nii, Toyotama-machi, Tsushima City, Nagasaki Prefecture
A Trip to Scenic Spots
The prefecture is easily accessible from overseas, so it’s a fantastic destination for making lasting memories.