• Nagasaki Peace Park - Nagasaki Peace Park (平和公園, Heiwa Kōen) is a serene area dedicated to remembering the atomic bombing of Nagasaki on August 9, 1945, which devastated much of the city and claimed the lives of tens of thousands. The site includes two parks and a memorial museum.

At the heart of the park is Hypocenter Park, featuring a simple black monolith marking the explosion’s epicenter. Nearby, a damaged pillar from the former Urakami Cathedral, destroyed in the blast, stands as a reminder. Visitors can also view a layer of soil beneath the park’s surface, where remnants like broken roof tiles, bricks, and glass from the explosion remain.

• Inasayama Observation Deck - Mount Inasa (稲佐山, Inasayama) is a 333-meter-high mountain near Nagasaki’s city center.

The summit is accessible by ropeway, bus, or car and offers stunning views of the city. The night views from Mount Inasa are considered among Japan’s top three, alongside those from Mount Hakodate and Mount Rokko. The summit hosts several television and radio antennas and an observation deck with a restaurant.

• Nagasaki Lantern Festival - The Nagasaki Kunchi (長崎くんち) is the festival of Suwa Shrine, celebrated annually in Nagasaki from October 7-9. This festival, with a history of about 400 years, incorporates elements of Chinese and Dutch cultures, reflecting the city’s historical influences. The festival’s name is thought to derive from ku-nichi (“9th day”), the ninth day of the ninth month in the lunar calendar.

The festival’s highlights include dance and show performances by groups from Nagasaki’s various city districts. Each district (odori-cho) participates only once every seven years, keeping the festival fresh even for regular attendees.

• Glover Garden - Glover Garden (グラバー園, Glover-en) is an open-air museum in Nagasaki showcasing mansions of several former foreign residents and related buildings. It is situated on the hill where Western merchants settled after Japan’s era of seclusion ended in the late 19th century.

The garden’s main attraction is the Former Glover House, the oldest Western-style wooden building in Japan. Thomas Glover (1838-1911), a Scottish merchant, moved to Nagasaki after the port opened to foreign trade in 1859. He later supported revolutionaries who helped overthrow the Tokugawa Shogunate during the Meiji Restoration. Glover played a significant role in Japan’s early industrialization, being active in industries like shipbuilding and mining.

• Sofukuji Temple - Sofukuji Temple (崇福寺, Sōfukuji) is a temple in Nagasaki belonging to the Obaku school of Zen Buddhism. Built in 1629 for Nagasaki’s Chinese residents, the temple features Chinese architectural style, giving it a unique feel compared to other Japanese temples.

Sofukuji is constructed along a hillside. At the base stands the temple’s two-story entrance gate, Ryugumon (lit. Gate of the Dragon Palace), painted bright red like the rest of the temple. Originally built in 1673, the gate was destroyed multiple times by fire and storms before its latest reconstruction in 1849.

• Dejima - Dejima (出島) was an artificial island in Nagasaki’s port, created in 1636 to separate Portuguese residents from the Japanese population and control their missionary activities.

A few years later, the Portuguese were expelled, and the Dutch Trading Station, previously in Hirado, was relocated to Dejima. During Japan’s two centuries of isolation, the Dutch were confined to Dejima as the only Westerners allowed in the country.

Today, Dejima is no longer an island, as the surrounding area was reclaimed in the 20th century. However, many of Dejima’s historical structures remain or have been reconstructed, including residences, warehouses, walls, and gates. The ultimate goal is to restore Dejima to an island by digging canals around its four sides.

• Urakami Cathedral - Urakami Cathedral (浦上天主堂, Urakami Tenshudō) is a Catholic church in Nagasaki with a poignant history. Now a functioning church housed in a large, European-style red brick building, the cathedral contains various relics that survived the atomic bombing.

The atomic bomb dropped on Nagasaki on August 9, 1945, nearly obliterated the church, which was only 500 meters from the hypocenter. A group of charred stone saints remains in place before a ruined wall in front of the cathedral. Inside, other relics include the surviving head of a Saint Mary statue and one of the church’s original bells. The modern cathedral was completed in 1959.

• Nagasaki Museum of History and Culture - Nagasaki Museum of History and Culture (長崎歴史文化博物館, Nagasaki Rekishi Bunka Hakubutsukan) is a modern museum dedicated to Nagasaki’s history as a major international trading port in Japan. The extensive permanent exhibition spans two floors, with sections focusing on different aspects of Nagasaki’s rich history.

During the Edo Period, Japan adopted isolationism, cutting itself off from the world. At this time, Nagasaki became one of the few ports where international trade was allowed, primarily with the Chinese and Dutch. This made the city Japan’s main window to the world, fostering a rich economy, culture, and history.

• Kofukuji Temple - Kofukuji Temple (興福寺, Kōfukuji) is the oldest and one of the most significant Chinese-founded temples in Nagasaki. Located in the Teramachi (“Temple Town”) district, it is the birthplace of the Obaku school of Zen Buddhism in Japan and boasts many fascinating features.

The temple was established around 1620 by a Chinese monk during a time when many Chinese merchants were coming to Nagasaki to trade. The complex was initially set up as a place to pray for the merchants’ safe sea travel, and its construction is heavily influenced by Chinese architectural styles, making it distinct from other Japanese temples.

The temple grounds include several buildings, such as the main hall, originally built in 1632, which exemplifies Chinese-style architecture of the era. A celebrated large glass lantern imported from China hangs from the main hall’s roof. Various other interesting halls and structures are scattered around the grounds, with explanatory signs in English.

• Nagasaki Gokoku Shrine - Nagasaki Confucius Shrine (孔子廟, Kōshi-byō) is one of the few shrines in Japan dedicated to the esteemed Chinese philosopher Confucius. Built in 1893 by Nagasaki’s Chinese community, the vibrant shrine also houses a museum at the rear of the grounds.

A small garden with a bridge and pond welcomes visitors at the entrance. The ornate Chinese-style buildings feature yellow roofs. Flanking the shrine’s courtyard are the 72 sages, life-size stone statues weighing around two tons each, depicting Confucius’ disciples. The shrine invites visitors to find a statue resembling a relative.

• Catholic Oura Church - Oura Church (大浦天主堂, Ōura Tenshudō) is a Catholic church in Nagasaki. Constructed towards the end of the Edo Period in 1864 by a French missionary for the growing community of foreign merchants, it is considered Japan’s oldest standing Christian church.

Oura Church is dedicated to the memory of the 26 Christians executed in the city in 1597. Today, the church stands as an appealing example of contemporary European architecture, attracting many visitors. It was the first Western-style building in Japan to be designated a national treasure. The admission fee includes access to a museum about the history of Christianity in Japan.

Located in charming old buildings to the right of the church is the Christian Museum.

• Kofukuji Temple - Kofukuji Temple (興福寺, Kōfukuji) is the oldest and one of the most significant Chinese-founded temples in Nagasaki. Situated in the Teramachi (“Temple Town”) district, it is the birthplace of the Obaku school of Zen Buddhism in Japan and features many intriguing aspects.

The temple was founded around 1620 by a Chinese monk during a period when numerous Chinese merchants were arriving in Nagasaki to trade. The complex was initially established as a place to pray for the merchants’ safe sea travel, and its construction is heavily influenced by Chinese architectural styles, making it unique among Japanese temples.

• The Confucian Temple, the Chinese Museum of Successive Generations - Nagasaki Confucius Shrine (孔子廟, Kōshi-byō) is one of the few shrines in Japan dedicated to the esteemed Chinese philosopher Confucius. Built in 1893 by Nagasaki’s Chinese community, the vibrant shrine also houses a museum at the rear of the grounds.

A small garden with a bridge and pond welcomes visitors at the entrance. The ornate Chinese-style buildings feature yellow roofs. Flanking the shrine’s courtyard are the 72 sages, life-size stone statues weighing around two tons each, depicting Confucius’ disciples. The shrine invites visitors to find a statue resembling a relative.

• Oura Catholic Church - Oura Church (大浦天主堂, Ōura Tenshudō) is a Catholic church in Nagasaki. Constructed towards the end of the Edo Period in 1864 by a French missionary for the growing community of foreign merchants, it is considered Japan’s oldest standing Christian church.

Oura Church is dedicated to the memory of the 26 Christians executed in the city in 1597. Today, the church stands as an appealing example of contemporary European architecture, attracting many visitors. It was the first Western-style building in Japan to be designated a national treasure. The admission fee includes access to a museum about the history of Christianity in Japan.

Located in charming old buildings to the right of the church is the Christian Museum. Included in the admission fee, the museum features various exhibitions on the history of Oura Church and Christianity in the region and across Japan, with artifacts and old documents on display. Explanations are mainly in Japanese.

• Twenty-Six Christian Martyrs Monument - The Twenty-Six Martyrs Monument and adjacent museum (二十六聖人記念館, Nijūroku Seijin Kinenkan) in Nagasaki honor the twenty-six Christians executed here on February 5, 1597. They included both foreign missionaries and Japanese laymen. Missionary activities were banned at the time, and Japan’s ruler Toyotomi Hideyoshi staged the execution as a warning.

The monument is situated in a small park on a hill near Nagasaki Station, offering pleasant views of the city. A straight red line runs from the monument across the park’s plaza towards Oura Church on the opposite side of the city. Oura Church is also dedicated to the 26 martyrs.

The museum behind the monument is dedicated to the memory of the martyrs and Christianity in Japan. Its interior resembles a church with stained-glass windows, creating an atmospheric setting for viewing the exhibits. On display are artifacts related to Christianity in Japan, including old documents, statues, and jewelry. Many pieces have English explanations.

• Dutch Slope - The Dutch Slope (オランダ坂, Oranda-zaka) is a stone-paved street ascending a hillside in Nagasaki where many foreign traders lived after the city’s port opened to foreign trade in 1859. Since the Dutch were the only Westerners allowed in the country for the previous two centuries, “Dutch” became synonymous with everything Western for a time.

A few former residences remain in the area today. Among them, Higashi Yamate 13 is open to the public. Once home to a prosperous European family, this old Western-style house is well-preserved, with much of the original furniture and room layouts intact. There is an upstairs balcony offering nice views of the surrounding area. A cafe is located on the ground floor.

• Spectacles Bridge (Meganebashi) - Meganebashi (眼鏡橋, lit. Spectacles Bridge) is the most notable of several stone bridges spanning the Nakashima River in downtown Nagasaki. The bridge is named for its resemblance to a pair of spectacles when reflected in the river water, making it a popular tourist attraction and an important cultural property.

Originally built in 1634, the bridge’s construction was overseen by the Chinese monk who later became the resident priest of Kofukuji Temple, located a short walk away. The bridge, along with many others along the river, was severely damaged by floodwaters in 1982 but has since been repaired with recovered stones.

A stone walkway along the riverbank offers a pleasant stroll with lovely views of the water and bridges. The walkway has a peaceful atmosphere and is accessible by steps from street level at various points along the river.

• Nagasaki Prefectural Art Museum - The Nagasaki Prefectural Art Museum (長崎県美術館, Nagasaki-ken Bijutsukan) is a modern, spacious complex attractively situated by Nagasaki’s port. Designed by renowned architect Kuma Kengo, the museum opened in 2005 and houses permanent collections of art related to Nagasaki, as well as a large collection of Spanish art. It also hosts temporary exhibitions.

Constructed with glass and rock, the museum is airy and bright, featuring multiple exhibition galleries. The Suma Collection showcases Spanish art from medieval to contemporary works, including pieces by legendary artists like Picasso. It is named after Suma Yakichiro, who began the collection while serving as a diplomat in Spain during the 1940s. Another collection is dedicated to art related to Nagasaki, including works by local artists.

One of the museum’s appealing features is its roof garden, consisting of lawn space separated by a paved walkway. There are also seating areas with lovely views of the port and city. The roof garden is accessible from both inside and outside the museum, making it open to all visitors.

• Licensed Local English Speaking Guide
• Meet up with guide on foot within designated area of Nagasaki
• Customizable Tour of your choice of 3-4 sites from ‘What to expect’ list

• Transportation fees, Entrance fees, Lunch, and Other personal expenses
• Private Vehicle
• You cannot combine multiple tour groups.
• Guide Entry fees are only covered for sights listed under What to Expect.

Explore Nagasaki with a government-licensed and experienced English-speaking guide! Your guide will help you efficiently enjoy a full-day walking tour of Nagasaki and introduce both modern and traditional sides of this dynamic and ancient Japanese city.

Your guide will meet you at your hotel in Nagasaki and take you to visit Nagasaki’s famous sites.

Along with atomic bombing of Nagasaki during WWII, this city’s history features many prominent events. You can learn about this and other interesting aspects during this full-day walking tour accompanied by your private guide.

Note1: You cannot visit all the sites on the itinerary. You can choose up to 4 sites to visit. You must inform your guide of the sites you wish to visit.
Note2: The National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter certification is issued by the Japanese government requires a good knowledge and understanding of Japanese culture and history.

• This is a walking & public transport tour. Pick up is on foot.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.