Just reading the name of the city will make you recall the deadly nuclear attacks on Hiroshima and Nagasaki during the World War Il.
Nagasaki, a Japanese city on the northwest coast of the island of Kyushu was a victim and is a true fighter.
The city is shaped like an amphitheater, with its crooked streets and tiered houses clinging to the hillsides that enclose the inner bay.
Nagasaki is an important tourist center; its industry is still based upon its large shipyards, which are grouped along the western and inner parts of the harbor.
With a number of historic monuments, museums, Chinese architecture, canals, windmills, gardens and much more, Nagasaki has a lot to offer to every tourist.
Located on the northwest coast of Kyushu island, its buildings are on the terraces of surrounding hills. There is so much to see in Nagasaki, we suggest not to miss on these while making your itinerary.
Mount Inasa
Not to be missed, Mt. Inasa’s observation deck is known for having one of the top 3 night views in Japan and in the world, also called as ‘10 Million Dollar View’, it is a perfect way to observe the 360° panoramic view of Nagasaki.
Huis Ten Bosch
Having strong links to Netherlands, Huis Ten Bosch is an open air museum which has a full model of the city hall and some mills, canal houses and impressive towers. This construction of the ‘Dutch Golden Age’ is worth visiting.
Nagasaki Chinatown
Nagasaki Shinchi has chuukamon gates at entrances in all 4 directions. There are cozy crossroads with Chinese restaurants offering parades, shows by Chinese folk art groups, Chinese lion dances, dragon dances, kokyu musical performances, amazing food.
Nagasaki Penguin Aquarium
180 penguins from 9 of the 18 different species can be seen swimming happily in this aquarium. The major attractions here are the “Feed the Penguins” and “Petting Zoo” events organised every Saturday, Sunday and on National Holidays.
Peace Park
Dedicated to the 40000 people who were killed by the atomic bomb, Peace Park is the place where the bomb originally fell.
The 10 meter tall peace statue is a mixture of western and eastern art, religion, and ideology. This park is also considered to be one of the most serene spots in the city.
Glover Garden
Glover Garden is an open air museum in Nagasaki that exhibits mansions of several of the city's former foreign residents and related buildings.
The main attraction of the garden is the Former Glover House, the oldest Western-style wooden building in Japan and also the pleasing views across the water from the Nagasaki Harbor.
Dejima
Dejima (exit island) is a fan-shaped artificial island built in 1634. With historical importance, it became seat of Dutch trading companies. There are 49 buildings representing residences, dining rooms, warehouses, guard houses with 10 of them restored for visits.
Boat Ride to Lojima
Beach bums can head to from Nagasaki Harbor to Iojima on a boat.
The 15 minutes ride allows you to enjoy the sun and sand with a mesmerizing view of the island. A perfect place to escape the crowd and relax with peace, this is a must go place.
Meganebashi Bridge
The most remarkable of several stone bridges that span the Nakashima River in downtown Nagasaki, Meganebashi gets its name from the resemblance it has to a pair of spectacles when reflected in the river water.
It is ideal for a pleasant stroll with nice views of the water and bridges.
Koshibyo Confucius Shrine
A Japan visit is incomplete without visiting a shrine. Dating from 1893, Koshibyo Confucius Shrine is the only Confucian shrine to be built outside mainland China. The shrine is part of a museum which tells the history of Chinese community in Nagasaki.
There are a plenty of more things that you can do in Nagasaki, from trying the local food to enjoying the local festival, from diving into the history to dipping in the natural beauty, Nagasaki is sure to impress you at every step.