Built in 1636 by the Edo shogunate to house Portuguese merchants, Dejima later became the sole trading base for the Dutch East India Company. From 1641 to 1859 — 218 years — it was Japan's only permitted point of contact with the Western world. Items that entered Japan through Dejima include coffee, beer, badminton, modern medicine, and astronomy. Around 60 buildings have been progressively restored; the interiors faithfully recreate the daily lives of Dutch traders. Admission ¥520.

A hilltop park preserving the residences of foreign merchants who lived in Nagasaki from the late Edo to Meiji periods. The main Former Glover Residence, built in 1863, is the oldest surviving Western-style wooden building in Japan — a National Important Cultural Property and a UNESCO World Heritage component site. Scottish merchant Thomas Glover dealt in weapons and ships that helped fuel the Meiji Restoration, and counted Ryoma Sakamoto and Hirobumi Ito among his acquaintances. The observation deck commands sweeping views of Nagasaki Harbour and Inasayama. Open 8:00–18:00 (extended in peak season). Admission ¥620.

Built in 1864 by French missionary Father Petitjean, Oura Cathedral is the oldest Gothic-style church in Japan. It is the only National Treasure building standing in Japan today and is inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List as part of the 'Hidden Christian Sites in the Nagasaki Region.' In 1865, just one year after it opened, the cathedral became the site of the 'Discovery of Hidden Christians' — a moment when believers from Urakami, who had secretly maintained their faith through 250 years of prohibition, revealed themselves to a foreign priest for the first time. Admission ¥1,000.

Founded in 1899, Shikairou is where champon noodles were born. The first owner, Chen Pingshun, adapted a Fujian noodle dish called 'tang rou si mian' into an affordable, nutritious meal for poor Chinese students — loading a pork-and-chicken broth with fresh seafood, vegetables, and pork. Today the dish is a symbol of Nagasaki cuisine. A Champon Museum on one of the upper floors tells the full story of its origins. Champon from ¥1,650. Conveniently located just steps from Glover Garden, making it ideal for lunch.

Built in 1634 by Mokuzu Nyojo, a Zen monk who had come from Ming-dynasty China, this is Japan's first stone arch bridge. When reflected in the Nakashima River, its two arches resemble a pair of spectacles — hence the name Meganebashi (Eyeglasses Bridge). It is designated a National Important Cultural Property and is one of Nagasaki's most photographed spots. A pleasant stone-paved riverside promenade runs alongside the bridge, lined with old merchant houses and souvenir shops. Free to visit.

Established in 1689 to house and regulate Chinese merchants, the Tojin Yashiki at its peak held around 10,000 residents within roughly 9,300 tsubo (about 3 hectares) of walled grounds. Four original structures survive: Doshin-do, Tengo-do, Kannon-do, and the Fukken Kaikan. The area retains a strong Chinese cultural atmosphere distinctly Nagasaki in character. Nearby is Iwasaki Honpo, the local favourite for kakuni manju — braised pork belly tucked inside a fluffy steamed bun — ideal for a street-food snack.

At 11:02 a.m. on 9 August 1945, an atomic bomb was dropped over Nagasaki. Peace Park was built about 500 metres north of the hypocentre. Its centrepiece is the Peace Statue — 9.7 metres tall and weighing 30 tonnes — whose right hand points to the sky (a warning of the atomic threat), left arm stretches outward (representing peace), and closed eyes honour the dead. Every 9 August, Nagasaki holds the Peace Ceremony here, drawing visitors from around the world. Free admission. The Atomic Bomb Hypocentre Park (Ground Zero marker) is also within walking distance.

Opened in 1996, this museum documents the impact of the atomic bombing and Nagasaki's subsequent recovery. Exhibits include melted glass bottles, stopped clocks, and scorched garments recovered within 500 metres of the hypocentre, alongside scale models showing the blast's radius and survivor video testimonies. The narrative is structured in three chapters: the devastation immediately after the bombing, the long road to recovery, and ongoing efforts toward nuclear abolition. A museum shop stocks books on peace and history. Open 8:30–17:30 (until 18:30 in August). Admission ¥200.

This Romanesque brick cathedral was completed in 1925, the fruit of decades of fundraising by the Urakami Catholic community. Located just 500 metres from the hypocentre, it was obliterated in an instant by the atomic blast. After years of devoted reconstruction, it was rebuilt in 1959 to replicate the original exterior. It continues to serve as the spiritual centre of the Urakami Catholic community. The twin towers lit up at dusk create a serene and moving scene, especially after an afternoon at the Peace Park. Free to visit.

Turkish rice is a Nagasaki-born dish that piles pilaf, spaghetti, and a pork cutlet (or beef stew) onto one plate — a kind of adult set meal. The most popular origin story holds that the dish represents Turkey's position between Europe (spaghetti) and Asia (pilaf). Well-regarded spots include Bistro Bordeaux and Tsurucha n, one of Japan's oldest surviving Western-style cafés (Tsukimachi). Expect to pay ¥1,000–¥1,500.

よかったという声が多い点

Many visitors say Dejima's reconstructed interiors were more detailed and engaging than they expected — the daily life of Dutch traders comes through vividly. For Glover Garden, the harbour view from the hilltop terrace earns repeated praise: 'the panorama alone was worth the entrance fee' is a common sentiment. On champon, visitors consistently note that the broth at Shikairou is noticeably deeper and richer than versions served in Tokyo. Peace Park and the Atomic Bomb Museum draw quietly powerful reactions — phrases like 'an experience every person should have' and 'I'm glad I came even though it was difficult' appear repeatedly in reviews, reflecting how moving the visit feels in person.

期待と違ったという声

The most common frustration is running out of time: 'I wished I had stayed two days' comes up in many reviews, as the city's sights are spread out and each spot rewards slow exploration. Several visitors also mention the hilly terrain — Glover Garden in particular involves significant climbing, especially if the moving walkway isn't running. Summer heat and humidity add to the fatigue. The Atomic Bomb Museum is emotionally intense; some visitors, particularly those travelling with young children, found the graphic exhibits harder to process than anticipated and recommend preparing accordingly.