Nagasaki City’s hillside churches and Peace Park, the volcanic spa of Unzen, and the Goto Islands’ churches.
Nagasaki was Japan’s window to the West for centuries. The Nishi-Kyushu Shinkansen and limited expresses reach the city from Fukuoka in about 90 minutes.
JapaLens editorial guide · Read in about 5 minutesThe Peace Park and Atomic Bomb Museum recall 9 August 1945. Oura Church and Glover Garden are World Heritage sites, Dejima recreates the Dutch trading post, and Mount Inasa has a celebrated night view.
Trams cover the centre; the city is hilly, so wear comfortable shoes.
Read this area guide →Unzen Onsen has steaming hell vents and a ropeway on Mount Unzen. Shimabara has a rebuilt castle and carp swimming in clear spring-water channels.
Buses run from Isahaya Station to Unzen; ferries link Shimabara with Kumamoto.
Read this area guide →The islands have small churches built by hidden Christian communities, part of a World Heritage site. Some churches require advance notice before visiting. Beaches have very clear water.
Ferries and jetfoils run from Nagasaki Port; flights serve Fukue.
Read this area guide →An editorial route idea, not a timed tour. Adjust it for weather, opening days and your walking pace.
Peace Park and the Atomic Bomb Museum.
Champon noodles for lunch.
Dejima, then Oura Church and Glover Garden.
Night view from Mount Inasa.
Try champon, sara udon, Turkish rice, castella sponge cake and kakuni buns.
Stay near Nagasaki Station or in the Shianbashi area; Unzen has hot-spring hotels and Huis Ten Bosch has its own hotels.
From Hakata, take a limited express to Takeo-Onsen and the Nishi-Kyushu Shinkansen to Nagasaki. Trams run in the city.
