Things to Do in Nagasaki

An annual autumn festival held at Suwa Shrine, featuring dragon dances, floats, and traditional performances dating back to the 17th century. Some viewing areas require tickets, but much of the street action is free.

🕐 Daytime hours; check local listings for exact programme

💡 The festival runs 7–9 October each year (dates vary slightly). Stand near the shrine gate for a good free view—arrive by 9am to claim a spot.

A large open park built to commemorate the 1945 atomic bombing. Features the iconic Peace Statue, a fountain, and a long walkway lined with sculptures donated by countries worldwide.

🕐 Always open

💡 Visit early morning for quiet reflection, then walk down the adjacent hill to the Atomic Bomb Museum (small fee) for the full context.

An open-air museum on a hillside with restored Western-style homes from the 19th century, including the former residence of Scottish merchant Thomas Glover. Offers sweeping views of Nagasaki Harbour.

🕐 08:00–18:00 (last entry 17:40); closes earlier in winter

💡 The entry fee is around 600 yen (roughly £3). Go after 3pm when the tour buses leave and the light turns golden for photos.

Japan's oldest surviving Christian church, built in 1864 in Gothic style. A UNESCO World Heritage site that documents the hidden Christian history of Nagasaki.

🕐 08:00–17:30 (last admission 17:00); closed some days around New Year

💡 The entry costs about 1,000 yen. Skip the interior if queue is long—the exterior and the small museum next door are free and equally fascinating.

A cable car ride to the top of Mount Inasa, offering one of the best night views in Japan (ranked alongside Hong Kong and Naples). The journey takes about 5 minutes each way.

🕐 09:00–22:00 (last upbound 21:40)

💡 Round trip ticket is about 1,250 yen. Go 30 minutes before sunset to see daylight fade into the illuminated harbour—bring a jacket; it gets windy up top.