About Nagasaki
An Area Guide of Sightseeing Spots in Nagasaki Prefecture
The Charms of Nagasaki
Nagasaki Prefecture is a treasure trove of sights, from the “World’s New Three Great Night Views” and the beautiful nature of its remote islands such as the Goto Islands, to the exotic streetscapes of Hirado and Sasebo.
By planning your itinerary in advance, you can fully experience Nagasaki’s diverse charms for a fulfilling trip. We also encourage you to check out nearby islands such as Tsushima, Iki, and Goto, which all offer unique attractions.
Overview
- ・1. Nagasaki City: Mt. Inasa Observatory/Glover Garden
- ・2. Sasebo: Huis Ten Bosch/Kujukushima
- ・3. Hirado: Hirado Castle/Dutch Trading Post
- ・4. Unzen: Unzen Jigoku/Unzen Ropeway
- ・5. Goto Islands: Takahama Beach/Kashiragashima Church
- ・6. Iki: Kojima Shrine/Tatsunoshima
- ・7. Tsushima: Mt. Shiratake/Asou Bay
- ・Model Routes
1. Nagasaki City: Mt. Inasa Observatory/Glover Garden
First-time visitors should not miss the great views, historic places, and fine food of the city.
The two most famous spots are the Glover Garden, where Western-style buildings constructed in the 19th Century are gathered, and Mt. Inasa Observatory. At Glover Garden, home to the World Heritage-listed "Former Glover House," visitors can enjoy the history of Nagasaki, a former gateway to Japan, along with buildings from the late-Edo to Meiji Period (1868 to 1912). The latter offers a panoramic view, regarded as one of the World’s New Three Great Night Views.
In the city, there are many institutes related to World War II, including the Peace Park and the Atomic Bomb Museum. Nagasaki also has a Chinatown, and Oranda-zaka (‘Holland Town’).
Nagasaki also offers various dishes, such as sara-udon and champon.
Glover Garden:
・Address: 8-1 Minamiyamate-machi, Nagasaki City, Nagasaki Prefecture
・Opening Hours: 8:00 – 18:00 (Last admission 20 minutes before closing)
Mt. Inasa Observatory:
・Address: Inasayama Park, 364 Ohama-machi, Nagasaki City, Nagasaki Prefecture
・Opening Hours: 9:00 – 22:00
Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum:
・Address: 7-8 Hirano-machi, Nagasaki City, Nagasaki Prefecture
・Opening Hours:
April, September – March: 8:30 – 17:30
May – August: 8:30 – 18:30
August 7 – 9: 8:30 – 20:00
(Last admission is 30 minutes before closing)
・Closed: December 29 – 31
2. Sasebo: Huis Ten Bosch/Kujukushima
While Sasebo is famous for Huis Ten Bosch, a theme park hosting various events and illuminations, there are other spots worth going to as well.
At Kujukushima, which consists of 208 islands, visitors can enjoy the tropical atmosphere, or go an a cruise. There are many attractions to explore, such as the "Kujukushima Zoo & Botanical Garden Mori Kirara," where you can watch penguins swimming as if they were flying through the blue sky, and the "Kujukushima Aquarium Umi Kirara," which features a magical display woven by a multitude of jellyfish.
Local cuisine, such as the Sasebo Burger, should not be missed. Much of Sasebo’s local food is influenced by American culture.
Access
From Nagasaki Station to Sasebo Station: Approx. 2 hours by JR Sectional Rapid Train (1,930 yen); Rental Car: Approx. 1 hour 10 minutes.
From Nagasaki Airport: Approx. 1 hour 30 minutes by bus; to Huis Ten Bosch: Approx. 1 hour.
Click here for details: https://www.discover-nagasaki.com/en/access_prefecture
At Kujukushima, which consists of 208 islands, visitors can enjoy the tropical atmosphere, or go an a cruise. There are many attractions to explore, such as the "Kujukushima Zoo & Botanical Garden Mori Kirara," where you can watch penguins swimming as if they were flying through the blue sky, and the "Kujukushima Aquarium Umi Kirara," which features a magical display woven by a multitude of jellyfish.
Local cuisine, such as the Sasebo Burger, should not be missed. Much of Sasebo’s local food is influenced by American culture.
Access
From Nagasaki Station to Sasebo Station: Approx. 2 hours by JR Sectional Rapid Train (1,930 yen); Rental Car: Approx. 1 hour 10 minutes.
From Nagasaki Airport: Approx. 1 hour 30 minutes by bus; to Huis Ten Bosch: Approx. 1 hour.
Click here for details: https://www.discover-nagasaki.com/en/access_prefecture
3. Hirado: Hirado Castle/Dutch Trading Post
Hirado is the perfect stop for those who want to enjoy history. In the early 17th century, during the beginning of the Edo Period, this port town flourished as a gateway for trade with the Netherlands and the UK, and buildings with a distinctly foreign atmosphere still remain today.
In recent years, it has also become known as a place connected to Miura Anjin (William Adams), the model for the main character in the hit Hollywood drama “SHOGUN.”
Hirado Castle, which stands on a hill overlooking the ocean, offers a great view from the keep. Visitors can also enjoy an "AMUSEMENT experience" that brings the castle’s grand and rich history to life through immersive visual displays.
Hirado Castle:
・Address: 1458-1 Iwanoue-cho, Hirado City, Nagasaki Prefecture
・Opening Hours: April – September: 8:30 – 18:00, October – March: 8:30 – 17:00
・Closed: December 30 – 31
For 33 years, from the establishment of the Dutch Trading Post in Hirado until its relocation to Nagasaki, Hirado served as Japan's sole port for trade with the Netherlands. Stone walls, embankments, and wells from that era still remain on site, allowing visitors to experience the atmosphere of those trading days even today.
Hirado Dutch Trading Post:
・Address: 2477 Okubo-cho, Hirado City, Nagasaki Prefecture
・Opening Hours: 8:30 – 17:30
・Closed: The 3rd Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday of June every year
Access
It takes about 2 hours by rental car from Nagasaki Station, and about 50 minutes from Sasebo Station.
If traveling by bus from Nagasaki Station, a transfer is required at Sasebo, taking approximately 3 hours in total.
Click here for details: https://www.discover-nagasaki.com/en/access_prefecture
In recent years, it has also become known as a place connected to Miura Anjin (William Adams), the model for the main character in the hit Hollywood drama “SHOGUN.”
Hirado Castle, which stands on a hill overlooking the ocean, offers a great view from the keep. Visitors can also enjoy an "AMUSEMENT experience" that brings the castle’s grand and rich history to life through immersive visual displays.
Hirado Castle:
・Address: 1458-1 Iwanoue-cho, Hirado City, Nagasaki Prefecture
・Opening Hours: April – September: 8:30 – 18:00, October – March: 8:30 – 17:00
・Closed: December 30 – 31
For 33 years, from the establishment of the Dutch Trading Post in Hirado until its relocation to Nagasaki, Hirado served as Japan's sole port for trade with the Netherlands. Stone walls, embankments, and wells from that era still remain on site, allowing visitors to experience the atmosphere of those trading days even today.
Hirado Dutch Trading Post:
・Address: 2477 Okubo-cho, Hirado City, Nagasaki Prefecture
・Opening Hours: 8:30 – 17:30
・Closed: The 3rd Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday of June every year
Access
It takes about 2 hours by rental car from Nagasaki Station, and about 50 minutes from Sasebo Station.
If traveling by bus from Nagasaki Station, a transfer is required at Sasebo, taking approximately 3 hours in total.
Click here for details: https://www.discover-nagasaki.com/en/access_prefecture
4. Unzen: Unzen Jigoku/Unzen Ropeway
Unzen, a hot spring resort, is perfect for those who want to spend time surrounded by nature.
It was one of the first areas to be chosen as a national park. Located high in the mountains, Unzen Onsen boasts a history spanning 1,300 years. Its waters are milky-white sulfur springs, known for their antibacterial properties and said to be effective for various skin ailments. From day-trip baths at inns to public bathhouses, we invite you to find your favorite hot spring spot.
Rime ice is a phenomenon where water vapor or supercooled water droplets in the air are blown onto trees and objects at sub-zero temperatures, freezing instantly to form ice. In Nagasaki Prefecture, this can only be seen in the Unzen area from December to early March. It requires three specific conditions to overlap: temperature, fog, and wind.
We recommend taking the Unzen Ropeway to the Mt. Myoken Summit Observatory to enjoy the spectacular view. Additionally, the "Rime Ice Arch" over the path leading to Myoken Shrine, a 5-minute walk from the ropeway station, creates a truly magical atmosphere.
Unzen Ropeway:
・Address: 551 Unzen, Obama-cho, Unzen City, Nagasaki Prefecture
・Opening Hours:
April – October: 8:51 – (Last ascent 17:03 / Last descent 17:23)
November – March: 8:51 – (Last ascent 16:51 / Last descent 17:11)
・Note: Operations may be suspended in case of bad weather. Operating times may vary depending on the season. Please check the official website, Instagram, or Facebook in advance.
Access
From Nagasaki Station: Approx. 1 hour 40 minutes by bus.
From Nagasaki Airport: Approx. 45 minutes to Isahaya Station, then transfer to a bus for another approx. 1 hour 20 minutes.
By Rental Car: Approx. 1 hour 15 minutes from Nagasaki Station.
Click here for details: https://www.discover-nagasaki.com/en/access_prefecture
It was one of the first areas to be chosen as a national park. Located high in the mountains, Unzen Onsen boasts a history spanning 1,300 years. Its waters are milky-white sulfur springs, known for their antibacterial properties and said to be effective for various skin ailments. From day-trip baths at inns to public bathhouses, we invite you to find your favorite hot spring spot.
Rime ice is a phenomenon where water vapor or supercooled water droplets in the air are blown onto trees and objects at sub-zero temperatures, freezing instantly to form ice. In Nagasaki Prefecture, this can only be seen in the Unzen area from December to early March. It requires three specific conditions to overlap: temperature, fog, and wind.
We recommend taking the Unzen Ropeway to the Mt. Myoken Summit Observatory to enjoy the spectacular view. Additionally, the "Rime Ice Arch" over the path leading to Myoken Shrine, a 5-minute walk from the ropeway station, creates a truly magical atmosphere.
Unzen Ropeway:
・Address: 551 Unzen, Obama-cho, Unzen City, Nagasaki Prefecture
・Opening Hours:
April – October: 8:51 – (Last ascent 17:03 / Last descent 17:23)
November – March: 8:51 – (Last ascent 16:51 / Last descent 17:11)
・Note: Operations may be suspended in case of bad weather. Operating times may vary depending on the season. Please check the official website, Instagram, or Facebook in advance.
Access
From Nagasaki Station: Approx. 1 hour 40 minutes by bus.
From Nagasaki Airport: Approx. 45 minutes to Isahaya Station, then transfer to a bus for another approx. 1 hour 20 minutes.
By Rental Car: Approx. 1 hour 15 minutes from Nagasaki Station.
Click here for details: https://www.discover-nagasaki.com/en/access_prefecture
5. Goto Islands: Takahama Beach/Kashiragashima Church
The Goto Islands are for those who want to enjoy magnificent views.
The isles are dotted with lovely beaches with transparent, cobalt blue waters, including Takahama Beach, which is said to be the most beautiful in Japan.
This is a historic area of hidden Christians, home to Kashiragashima Church and the former Gorin Church (Hisaka Island), which are registered as World Heritage sites. The churches, proof that the Christians in the Edo Period (1603 to 1868) overcame oppression, have high historical value.
Note: Many churches require advance application for visits. Please check the official website for details.
Kashiragashima Church:
・Address: 638 Kashiragashima, Tomojumyogo, Shinkamigoto-cho, Minamimatsuura-gun, Nagasaki Prefecture
・Visiting Reception Hours: 9:00 – 12:00 / 13:00 – 17:00
The islands also offer fresh seafood, along with Goto Udon, which has a unique texture you just have to try.
Be sure to try "Kankoro Mochi," a local specialty unique to this region. It is a traditional rice cake made by kneading glutinous rice together with thinly sliced, sun-dried sweet potatoes.
Access
1. To Fukue Island (Home to Takahama Beach):
・By Plane: Approx. 30 minutes from Nagasaki Airport to Goto Tsubaki Airport; approx. 40 minutes from Fukuoka Airport.
・By Sea: Approx. 1 hour 25 minutes by Jetfoil from Nagasaki Port to Fukue Port.
Click here for details: https://goto.nagasaki-tabinet.com/en/access
2. To Shinkamigoto Town (Home to Kashiragashima Church):
・From Sasebo Port to Arikawa Port: Approx. 1 hour 25 minutes by high-speed boat.
・From Nagasaki Port to Tainoura Port: Approx. 1 hour 40 minutes by high-speed boat.
・From Nagasaki Port to Narao Port: Approx. 1 hour 15 minutes by high-speed boat.
・For Island Hopping between Fukue Island and Shinkamigoto Town: From Fukue Port to Narao Port takes approx. 30 minutes by high-speed boat, or approx. 1 hour 40 minutes by ferry to Aokata Port.
The isles are dotted with lovely beaches with transparent, cobalt blue waters, including Takahama Beach, which is said to be the most beautiful in Japan.
This is a historic area of hidden Christians, home to Kashiragashima Church and the former Gorin Church (Hisaka Island), which are registered as World Heritage sites. The churches, proof that the Christians in the Edo Period (1603 to 1868) overcame oppression, have high historical value.
Note: Many churches require advance application for visits. Please check the official website for details.
Kashiragashima Church:
・Address: 638 Kashiragashima, Tomojumyogo, Shinkamigoto-cho, Minamimatsuura-gun, Nagasaki Prefecture
・Visiting Reception Hours: 9:00 – 12:00 / 13:00 – 17:00
The islands also offer fresh seafood, along with Goto Udon, which has a unique texture you just have to try.
Be sure to try "Kankoro Mochi," a local specialty unique to this region. It is a traditional rice cake made by kneading glutinous rice together with thinly sliced, sun-dried sweet potatoes.
Access
1. To Fukue Island (Home to Takahama Beach):
・By Plane: Approx. 30 minutes from Nagasaki Airport to Goto Tsubaki Airport; approx. 40 minutes from Fukuoka Airport.
・By Sea: Approx. 1 hour 25 minutes by Jetfoil from Nagasaki Port to Fukue Port.
Click here for details: https://goto.nagasaki-tabinet.com/en/access
2. To Shinkamigoto Town (Home to Kashiragashima Church):
・From Sasebo Port to Arikawa Port: Approx. 1 hour 25 minutes by high-speed boat.
・From Nagasaki Port to Tainoura Port: Approx. 1 hour 40 minutes by high-speed boat.
・From Nagasaki Port to Narao Port: Approx. 1 hour 15 minutes by high-speed boat.
・For Island Hopping between Fukue Island and Shinkamigoto Town: From Fukue Port to Narao Port takes approx. 30 minutes by high-speed boat, or approx. 1 hour 40 minutes by ferry to Aokata Port.
6. Iki: Kojima Shrine/Tatsunoshima
Iki Island is for those who want to enjoy great views and visit spiritual spots.
Kojima Shrine, with an approach that emerges only at low tide, is especially popular. It is a spiritual spot, also known as the ‘Mont Saint-Michel in Iki.’
There are many historic sites on the island, including the Harunotsuji Archeological Site, with remains of buildings constructed in BCE. Visitors can go on a cruise and enjoy a magnificent view at Tatsunoshima, which boasts a charming white beach with emerald green waters.
Access
From Nagasaki Airport to Iki Airport
・Duration: Approx. 30 minutes; Frequency: 2 flights per day
Click here for details: https://nagasaki-airport.jp/en/flight/timetable/#iki
From Hakata Port to Ashibe Port
・Jetfoil: Duration: Approx. 1 hr 10 min, 6,930 yen, 2 trips/day
From Hakata Port to Gonoura Port
・etfoil: Duration: Approx. 1 hr, 6,930 yen, 2 trips/day
For details on ship access from Hakata Port to Iki, please check the official website of Kyushu Yusen.
Click here for details: https://www.kyu-you.co.jp/en/route/
Kojima Shrine, with an approach that emerges only at low tide, is especially popular. It is a spiritual spot, also known as the ‘Mont Saint-Michel in Iki.’
There are many historic sites on the island, including the Harunotsuji Archeological Site, with remains of buildings constructed in BCE. Visitors can go on a cruise and enjoy a magnificent view at Tatsunoshima, which boasts a charming white beach with emerald green waters.
Access
From Nagasaki Airport to Iki Airport
・Duration: Approx. 30 minutes; Frequency: 2 flights per day
Click here for details: https://nagasaki-airport.jp/en/flight/timetable/#iki
From Hakata Port to Ashibe Port
・Jetfoil: Duration: Approx. 1 hr 10 min, 6,930 yen, 2 trips/day
From Hakata Port to Gonoura Port
・etfoil: Duration: Approx. 1 hr, 6,930 yen, 2 trips/day
For details on ship access from Hakata Port to Iki, please check the official website of Kyushu Yusen.
Click here for details: https://www.kyu-you.co.jp/en/route/
7. Tsushima: Mt. Shiratake/Asou Bay
Those who want to enjoy nature and fine food should visit Tsushima.
About 90 percent of the land is forested, and the trekking route to Mt. Shiratake is especially popular. From the mountain, 518 meters above sea level, trekkers can enjoy views of the Tsushima Strait. On a clear day, the Korean mountains can be seen in the distance.
Surrounded by a rias coastline woven from complex inlets and countless uninhabited islands, Asou Bay is a vast inland sea. It remains calm, being less affected by wind and waves compared to the open ocean. From the Eboshidake Observatory, visitors can enjoy the magnificent scenery of this intricate coastline.
Anago (saltwater eel) is the local specialty, along with other various seafood, in Tsushima.
Access
From Hakata Port to Izuhara Port
・Jetfoil: Approx. 2 hours 15 minutes, 10,870 yen, 2 trips per day
・Ferry: Approx. 4 hours 40 minutes, from 6,280 yen, 2 trips per day
Click here for details: https://www.kyu-you.co.jp/en/route/
From Fukuoka Airport to Tsushima Yamaneko Airport
・Duration: Approx. 35 minutes; Frequency: 5 flights per day
Click here for details: https://www.fukuoka-airport.jp/en/flight/schedule/detail.html?rcd=TSJ
From Nagasaki Airport to Tsushima Yamaneko Airport
・Duration: Approx. 35 minutes; Frequency: 4 flights per day
Click here for details: https://nagasaki-airport.jp/en/flight/timetable/#tusima
From Iki (Ashibe Port) to Tsushima (Izuhara Port)
・Jetfoil: Approx. 1 hour 5 minutes, 6,820 yen, 2 trips per day
・Ferry: Approx. 3 hours, 3,300 yen, 1 trip per day
Note: There is also 1 ferry trip per day from Iki (Gonoura Port) to Tsushima (Izuhara Port).
Click here for details: https://www.kyu-you.co.jp/en/route/
About 90 percent of the land is forested, and the trekking route to Mt. Shiratake is especially popular. From the mountain, 518 meters above sea level, trekkers can enjoy views of the Tsushima Strait. On a clear day, the Korean mountains can be seen in the distance.
Surrounded by a rias coastline woven from complex inlets and countless uninhabited islands, Asou Bay is a vast inland sea. It remains calm, being less affected by wind and waves compared to the open ocean. From the Eboshidake Observatory, visitors can enjoy the magnificent scenery of this intricate coastline.
Anago (saltwater eel) is the local specialty, along with other various seafood, in Tsushima.
Access
From Hakata Port to Izuhara Port
・Jetfoil: Approx. 2 hours 15 minutes, 10,870 yen, 2 trips per day
・Ferry: Approx. 4 hours 40 minutes, from 6,280 yen, 2 trips per day
Click here for details: https://www.kyu-you.co.jp/en/route/
From Fukuoka Airport to Tsushima Yamaneko Airport
・Duration: Approx. 35 minutes; Frequency: 5 flights per day
Click here for details: https://www.fukuoka-airport.jp/en/flight/schedule/detail.html?rcd=TSJ
From Nagasaki Airport to Tsushima Yamaneko Airport
・Duration: Approx. 35 minutes; Frequency: 4 flights per day
Click here for details: https://nagasaki-airport.jp/en/flight/timetable/#tusima
From Iki (Ashibe Port) to Tsushima (Izuhara Port)
・Jetfoil: Approx. 1 hour 5 minutes, 6,820 yen, 2 trips per day
・Ferry: Approx. 3 hours, 3,300 yen, 1 trip per day
Note: There is also 1 ferry trip per day from Iki (Gonoura Port) to Tsushima (Izuhara Port).
Click here for details: https://www.kyu-you.co.jp/en/route/
Model Routes
Given Nagasaki’s many wonders, we recommend planning your itinerary in advance. We also have articles featuring model itineraries themed around gourmet food, spectacular views, and remote islands. Please be sure to check them out to help plan your trip.
