7 days in Nagasaki, Japan: What to see, eat and do. Full city guide
Say hello to Nagasaki, a gem of a city in Japan that has risen like a phoenix, after the tragic events of World War II. Today, Nagasaki stands tall as a symbol of peace and perseverance. Marvel at the fusion of diverse cultures found in the city, from the ancient Japanese temples, the Dutch-inspired Glover Garden, to the Portuguese Catholic churches. Enjoy the mouthwatering flavors of local Nagasaki specialties such as champon noodles, castella cake, and Turkish rice.
Things to consider before arriving in Nagasaki
Rich history and cultural diversity
Unique and delicious local cuisine
The city is quite hilly, so walking can be tiring
➡️ Ideal for history buffs, architecture lovers, and foodies
➡️ Do visit the Nagasaki Peace Park and Atomic Bomb Museum for a moving experience
What to bring with you
– Comfortable walking shoes (due to the hilly terrain)
– A lightweight, foldable umbrella (rain can be unexpected)
– A reusable shopping bag (Nagasaki encourages sustainable practices)
Best time of the year to visit
October through November is the best time of the year to visit Nagasaki, thanks to mild weather and stunning fall foliage. Alternatively, consider visiting between March and May for cherry blossoms season.
How to get into the city
1. By air: Fly into Nagasaki Airport, located about 45 minutes from the city center. From there, take the Nagasaki Airport Limousine Bus to the city.
2. By train: The JR Kyushu Shinkansen connects Nagasaki to Fukuoka’s Hakata Station. From there, you can access the rest of Japan’s extensive rail network.
3. By bus: Long-distance buses operate from major cities across Japan, such as Tokyo and Osaka, offering an economical option for reaching Nagasaki.
7 day city guide trip in Nagasaki, Japan
Day 1: Exploring the City
Start your day by visiting the Nagasaki Peace Park and the Atomic Bomb Museum to learn about the city’s tragic history. After that, head towards the Glover Garden to admire the western-style houses and beautiful views of the city. Continue walking towards the Oura Catholic Church, the oldest church in Japan, and take a stroll through Chinatown to discover local delicacies for lunch. End the day by watching the sunset from Mount Inasa, accessible by cable car.
Day 2: A Day Trip to Gunkanjima Island
Take a ferry to Hashima Island, also known as Gunkanjima Island, to discover the abandoned coal mining town that inspired the villain’s lair in the James Bond movie Skyfall. Explore the eerie ruins and learn about the island’s history before returning to Nagasaki in the afternoon.
Day 3: Visit the Hot Springs
Take a 30-minute ferry ride to Iojima Island, famous for its natural hot springs. Relax in one of the island’s many hot spring baths while enjoying stunning ocean views. After lunch, take a walk around the island and visit the restored castle ruins and the neighboring village.
Day 4: Discovering Sasebo
Take a train towards Sasebo, a charming city about an hour away from Nagasaki. Visit Kujukushima Aquarium to see dolphins and whales up close, take a boat tour around the Kujukushima Islands, and enjoy a delicious seafood meal in one of the many restaurants overlooking the harbor.
Day 5: Sunset at the Nagasaki Penguin Aquarium
Visit the Nagasaki Penguin Aquarium in the morning to see penguins and other marine life. In the afternoon, head to the Meganebashi bridge to enjoy the views of the city before taking a stroll around Nagasaki’s bustling shopping district. End your day at the aquarium, which has extended hours on Fridays and Saturdays, to see the penguins during their nighttime feeding.
Day 6: Visit the Nagasaki Penguin Museum and Museum of History and Culture
Spend some time learning about Nagasaki’s history and culture by visiting the Museum of History and Culture. Afterwards, head over to the Nagasaki Penguin Museum to learn about the world’s largest penguin research center and their conservation efforts.
Day 7: Explore the Countryside
Take a train or bus to the rural district of Shimabara, a beautiful region known for its hot springs, waterfalls, and picturesque landscapes. Visit the Shimabara Castle, the hot spring resort town Unzen and enjoy the local delicacies before returning back to Nagasaki.
How to continue your travel after you have spent 7 days in Nagasaki, Japan
If you’re looking for more adventure, Kagoshima and Fukuoka are two cities within close proximity to Nagasaki that are worth visiting. Kagoshima is a hot spring paradise and has stunning views of Mount Sakurajima. Fukuoka, on the other hand, is famous for its delicious street food, shopping and nightlife. Both cities are accessible by train and only a few hours away. It’s worth mentioning that Fukuoka is one of the most populated cities in Japan, so if you’re interested in a more laid-back experience, Kagoshima is the way to go.
