Nagasaki is a city located in the western part of Japan. The city is best known for its role in World War II, as it was the site of the second atomic bombing that occurred at the end of the war.
Today, Nagasaki is a thriving city with a population of over 1 million people. The city is home to many historical sites and museums that commemorate its history, as well as a number of parks and gardens.
In addition, Nagasaki is also known for its unique cuisine, which includes dishes such as fugu ( poisonous blowfish) and satsuma-age ( fried fishcake).
If you are planning on traveling to Nagasaki, there are a number of top things to do that you won’t want to miss. In this article, we will take a look at 10 of the best things to do in Nagasaki.
1. Visit the Atomic Bomb Museum
The Atomic Bomb Museum is a place where you can learn about the atomic bombing of Nagasaki and its effects on the people and city. You can see exhibits on the history of the bomb, the people who were affected by it, and the city’s reconstruction after the attack.
Nagasaki was the second city in Japan to be bombed by an atomic bomb during World War II. On August 9, 1945, the United States dropped an atomic bomb on Nagasaki, killing an estimated 40,000 people.
The museum tells the story of what happened on that fateful day in August 1945. It also honors the victims of the bombings and educates visitors about the importance of peace.
The museum is divided into two parts: The Ground Floor Exhibition and the Memorial Hall. The Ground Floor Exhibition contains exhibits about the atomic bomb, the effects of radiation, and the history of Nagasaki. The Memorial Hall is a place of remembrance and contemplation.
Visitors to the museum can learn about the devastation caused by the atomic bomb, and they can also see how the city of Nagasaki has rebuilt itself in the years since the bombing. The Atomic Bomb Museum is a powerful reminder of the horrors of war and a tribute to the strength and resilience of the human spirit.
2. Walk through the Peace Park
The Peace Park is a place where you can reflect on the horrors of war and learn about the importance of peace. There are monuments, sculptures, and gardens to explore, as well as a museum with information on the atomic bombing of Nagasaki.
Nagasaki Peace Park is one of the top tourist attractions in Nagasaki. The park was established in 1955 to commemorate the atomic bombing of Nagasaki.
The park contains the Atomic Bomb Memorial Statue, which honors the victims of the bombing, as well as the Peace Fountain and the Peace Bell. Visitors to the park can also learn about the events leading up to the bombing, as well as its aftermath.
3. Urakami Cathedral
Urakami Cathedral is another top tourist attraction in Nagasaki. The cathedral was built in 1925 and is one of the largest Catholic churches in Asia. The church was destroyed by the atomic bomb, but reconstruction efforts began soon after the war. Today, the cathedral is a symbol of peace and serves as a reminder of the horrific events of August 9, 1945.
4. Take a ride on the Nagasaki Ropeway
Nagasaki Ropeway is a must-visit for any traveler to Nagasaki. The ropeway takes you up Mt. Inasa, where you can get breathtaking views of the city below. At the top of the mountain, there is also an observatory deck and an outdoor museum.
The Nagasaki Ropeway was first built in 1976 and it was used as a means of transportation for people and goods between the city and the port. The ropeway was later converted into a tourist attraction and it has been operating since then.
The ropeway runs for a total of 2.4 kilometers and it has a total of three stations. The first station is located at the top of the hill, while the other two are located at the bottom. The ropeway provides stunning views of the city, port, and mountains.
There are various activities that visitors can do at the top station such as hiking, taking pictures, and enjoying the views. The second station is located at the base of the hill and it provides access to the hiking trails.
The third station is located at the port and it provides access to the ferry terminal.
5. Visit Glover Garden
Glover Garden is one of the top tourist destinations in Nagasaki, Japan. The garden was built to preserve the former residences of Thomas Glover, a Scottish merchant who played a significant role in the Meiji Restoration, and his family.
The garden consists of several Western-style buildings set among manicured gardens with panoramic views of Nagasaki Harbor. Visitors can tour the grounds and learn about the history of the area through displays and exhibits.
There are also a number of restaurants and cafes on-site, making it the perfect place to take a break from exploring Nagasaki.
6. Eat Fugu (Poisonous Blowfish) for Dinner
Fugu is a poisonous pufferfish that is considered a delicacy in Japan. It is so poisonous that it can kill a person if not prepared properly. Fugu has to be carefully cleaned and sliced thin to remove all the poison before it can be eaten. Even then, there is still a small chance of getting sick from eating fugu.
Fugu was first eaten in Japan during the Edo period (1603-1868). At that time, only the wealthy could afford to eat fugu because it was so rare and expensive. Nowadays, fugu is still considered a luxury dish, but it is more widely available.
Fugu is usually prepared as sashimi (raw fish) or as tempura (fried fish). It can also be cooked in other ways, but these are the most common. Fugu sashimi is said to be the tastiest way to eat fugu, but it is also the most dangerous because there is a higher risk of getting sick from the poison.
There are many restaurants in Japan that serve fugu. However, it is important to make sure that the restaurant is licensed to serve fugu. This is because only restaurants with a license are allowed to buy fugu from certified suppliers.
7. Drink Saké at a Local
Nagasaki is home to some of the best saké in all of Japan. Saké is a Japanese rice wine that is brewed using traditional methods.
The city has many great breweries where you can go to learn about the brewing process and taste different kinds of saké.
One of the top breweries in Nagasaki is the Denshu-ji Brewery. This brewery offers tours of their facility, so you can learn all about how they make their delicious saké. At the end of the tour, you can sample some of their different kinds of saké and buy a bottle or two to take home with you.
8. Try Shiroyama Soba for Lunch
Shiroyama Soba is a very popular dish that consists of buckwheat noodles, pork, and vegetables. The dish is named after the mountain that it is cooked on top of, which is located in the city of Nagasaki.
Shiroyama Soba has been around for many years and was first created during the Edo period. The dish was originally created as a way to use up leftover food from the feudal lords’ banquet halls. It wasn’t until later that Shiroyama Soba became a popular dish among the general public.
The dish is typically served with a dipping sauce made from soy sauce, mirin, and dashi. The noodles are cooked in a broth made from pork bones and vegetables. The broth is then strained and the noodles are added to it. The noodles are then topped with pork, vegetables, and the dipping sauce.
Shiroyama Soba is a very popular dish in Nagasaki and can be found at many restaurants in the city.
9. Visit Mount Inasa for Views of the City
Exploring Mount Inasa is one of the top things to do in the area. You can take a cable car or ropeway up to the top of the mountain for an amazing view of the city below. There are also hiking trails and a restaurant at the top of the mountain.
10. Unzen Jigoku
Unzen Jigoku, or “Unzen Hells”, is a collection of nine hot springs located in the city of Unzen. The hot springs are all located within walking distance of each other and are a popular tourist destination.
The hot springs are all different temperatures, with some being boiling hot and others being just warm. The water in the hot springs is said to have therapeutic properties and many people come to Unzen Jigoku to relax and rejuvenate.
If you’re ever in the Unzen area, be sure to check out these unique and beautiful hot springs!
11. Hashima Island
Hashima Island is a small island located in the city of Nagasaki. The island was once home to a thriving coal mining community, but it has been abandoned since 1974.
The island is now a popular tourist destination due to its unique history and eerie atmosphere. If you’re ever in Nagasaki, be sure to take a trip out to Hashima Island!
Hashima Island, also known as Gunkanjima, is a small island located in Nagasaki Bay off the coast of Nagasaki City. The island is best known for its abandoned coal mines and the abandoned city that once housed the miners. Today, the island is a popular tourist destination for those who want to learn about its history or simply explore its eerie abandoned buildings. Here are some of the top things to do on Hashima Island.
1. Visit the Abandoned City
The abandoned city on Hashima Island is one of the most popular tourist attractions. Visitors can explore the empty buildings and imagine what life was like for the miners who once lived there. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes as there is a lot of walking involved.
2. Learn about the Island’s History
Hashima Island has a long and interesting history. Visitors can learn about the island’s past at the Nagasaki City Museum or take a guided tour of the abandoned city.
3. Go Scuba Diving
One of the top things to do on Hashima Island is go scuba diving. The waters around the island are home to a variety of marine life and there are many sunken shipwrecks to explore. Divers of all levels can find something to enjoy here.
4. Take a Boat Tour
Another popular activity on Hashima Island is taking a boat tour. There are several companies that offer tours of the island and its surrounding area. This is a great way to see the island from a different perspective.
5. Visit the Gunkanjima Museum
For those interested in learning more about Hashima Island, a visit to the Gunkanjima Museum is a must. The museum houses a variety of exhibits on the history of the island and its coal mines.
6. Shop for Souvenirs
There are several souvenir shops on Hashima Island selling a variety of items related to the island’s history. Be sure to pick up something unique to take home with you.
7. Explore the Nature Trails
Hashima Island is home to several nature trails that wind through the abandoned city and offer views of the surrounding sea. These trails are a great way to get some fresh air and explore the island.
8. Relax at the Beach
The beaches on Hashima Island are small but beautiful. Visitors can relax in the sun or take a swim in the crystal-clear waters.
9. Take a Nighttime stroll
One of the best times to explore Hashima Island is at night. The abandoned city takes on a whole new atmosphere when it is lit up by the moonlight. Just be sure to stick to the main paths as there are many dangers lurking in the darkness.
10. Attend a Festival
Hashima Island is home to a number of festivals throughout the year. The most popular is the Gunkanjima Matsuri which is held in August. During the festival, the island is lit up with lanterns and there are a variety of traditional events and performances to enjoy.
12. Shop at Dejima Wharf
Dejima Wharf is a top place to visit in Nagasaki Japan. It is where you can learn about the history of this port city and get a feel for what life was like centuries ago. There are several different activities that you can do while at Dejima Wharf. You can take a tour of the area, visit the museum, or go shopping.
One of the top things to do at Dejima Wharf is to take a tour. The tours are very informative and will give you a good understanding of the history of Nagasaki. You will also get to see some of the old buildings that were once used by the Dutch. If you are interested in learning more about the culture of Nagasaki, then this is a great place to start.
Another top thing to do at Dejima Wharf is to visit the museum. The museum has a lot of information about the history of Nagasaki and the Dutch. You will also get to see some of the old artifacts that were used by the Dutch. This is a great place to learn more about the culture of Nagasaki.
The last top thing to do at Dejima Wharf is to go shopping. There are many different shops that you can visit while at Dejima Wharf. You will be able to find anything from clothes to souvenirs. If you are looking for a place to buy souvenirs, then this is a great place to start your search.
13. Soji-ji Temple
Soji-ji Temple is a Buddhist temple located in the city of Yokohama. The temple is the headquarters of the Soto sect of Buddhism and is one of the most important temples in Japan.
The temple was founded in 1317 and has been rebuilt several times since then. It is a beautiful and peaceful place to visit and is definitely worth a trip if you’re ever in Yokohama.
14. See the Meganebashi Bridge
Meganebashi Bridge is a stone arch bridge that spans the Nakashima River in Nagasaki, Japan. It was built in 1634 and is the oldest stone arch bridge in Japan. The bridge has two arches and is decorated with intricate carvings of lions and dragons. The Meganebashi Bridge is a popular tourist attraction in Nagasaki and is one of the top things to do in the city.
Thoughts and Conclusion
Whether you are interested in history, culture, food, or just want to take in the beauty of Nagasaki, there is something for everyone in this city.
