Nagasaki, Japan - Travel Guide

Nagasaki is a city with a poignant history, beautiful harbor views, and a unique blend of Japanese, Chinese, and European influences. It offers a rich cultural experience with historical sites, vibrant neighborhoods, and delicious local cuisine.

Quick Facts

Recommended Stay3 days

Budget$75/day

Mid-range$100/day

Luxury$500/day

Known For

Atomic Bombing SitePeace Memorial ParkGlover GardenMount InasayamaDejimaHashima IslandBattleship Island

🇯🇵 Country Information: Japan

CapitalTokyo

CurrencyJapanese yen (¥)

LanguageJapanese , English,Korean,Chinese

Phone Code+81

Electricity100V (Type A, B)

Tap WaterSafe to drink

Tipping

\* Tipping is not common and may be considered rude

Money & Payments

ATMs are widely available
Credit cards accepted in cities but less so in rural areas
Cash is still common
No black market for cash

Cultural Norms

Bowing is a common greeting
Shoes must be removed indoors
Talking on phones in trains is frowned upon

LGBTQ+ Information

Generally LGBTQ+ friendly. LGBTQ+ rights are improving, but legal marriage is not yet recognized

Alcohol & Drug Laws

Legal drinking age is 20
Drug laws are very strict, even for small amounts of marijuana

Special Laws

Tattoos may bar entry to hot springs
No public smoking outside designated areas

Common Phrases

HelloKonnichiwa (koh-nee-chee-wah) こんにちは

Thank youArigatou (ah-ree-gah-toh) ありがとう

Climate

Climate Zone: Humid Subtropical

Best Time to Visit

Hot and humid: Jul
Aug
Typhoon season: Aug
Sep

Getting There

Fly into Nagasaki Airport (NGS)
Direct flights from major Japanese cities (e
g
, Tokyo 1
5
2h, \~$100
250)
Train (Shinkansen) to Shin
Tosu then transfer to Kamome limited express to Nagasaki (\~6
7h from Tokyo, \~$150
200)

Getting Around

Public trams are the primary local transport
Buses also available
Taxis widely used
No major international ride
sharing apps, but local taxi apps might exist

Health & Vaccinations

No specific vaccines required for entry
Routine vaccinations recommended
No altitude sickness concerns
Probiotics might be useful for travel comfort

Staying Connected

eSIMs available
Major Japanese carriers (NTT Docomo, au, SoftBank) support eSIM
Airalo, Nomad, and other global eSIM providers work well

Local Cuisine

Champon must_try

A popular noodle dish with Chinese origins, synonymous with Nagasaki. It features a rich, creamy broth made from pork and chicken bones, loaded with s

Sara Udon regional_speciality

Literally translating to 'plate noodles,' this dish consists of a mixture of meat and vegetables served atop a bed of crispy fried noodles. It is a va

Castella (Kasutera) dessert

A moist and fluffy sponge cake introduced to Nagasaki by Portuguese merchants in the 16th century. It is made from simple ingredients like eggs, sugar

Toruko Rice fusion

A Western-inspired dish created in Nagasaki City, often translated as 'Turkish Rice.' It is a combination of pilaf, spaghetti Neapolitan, and a pork c

Kakuni Manju snack

Braised pork belly served inside a soft, fluffy steamed bun. This delicacy is a flavorful and tender adaptation of Chinese cuisine, popular as a stree

Book in Advance

Plan ahead for the best experience. Here's what to book before your trip:

🔴 Must Book in Advance

Accommodation in Nagasaki City Accommodation

Book 2–6 months in advance, especially for weekends and holidays.

Demand for quality hotels increases significantly during peak travel periods, festivals (like Kunchi), and major holidays, leading to sold-out rooms or high prices.

🟡 Recommended to Book Ahead

Bullet Train (Shinkansen) and Limited Express Tickets (e.g., to/from Fukuoka) Transport

Book 3 weeks to 3 months in advance.

While regular seats are often available, reserved seats on popular routes (like the Nishi Kyushu Shinkansen) can sell out quickly, particularly during peak travel windows.

Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum and Peace Park Tour tour_or_activity

Book 2–8 weeks in advance if a guided tour is desired.

If you want a specific English-speaking local guide or a detailed tour experience, these can have limited availability, especially on weekends.

Fun Facts

1. Tempura, a famous Japanese dish, is believed to have originated from a Portuguese recipe brought to Nagasaki after a port was built for Portuguese ships in 1571.
2. Nagasaki became a major center for "rangaku," or "Dutch learning," after the ban on Dutch books was lifted in 1720, leading many scholars to study European science and art there.
3. The "Fat Man" atomic bomb dropped on Nagasaki during World War II was made of plutonium, a different and more complex design than the uranium-based "Little Boy" bomb dropped on Hiroshima.
4. Hashima Island, or "Battleship Island," a famous ghost town about 15 kilometers from Nagasaki, was once a bustling coal mine.

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