2-Day Nagasaki Itinerary: From Hashima Island to the Atomic Bomb Area

Happy boys, having just arrived in Nagasaki!

Why Nagasaki Should Be on Your Japan Itinerary

Nagasaki's deep historical roots make it one of Japan’s most fascinating cities. Located on the western coast of Kyushu, it played a vital role in Japan’s international trade and cultural exchange. For centuries, it was the only Japanese port open to foreign trade, which led to the development of unique foreign settlements, such as the Dutch and Chinese communities.

Additionally, Nagasaki became a center for Christianity in Japan, introduced by Portuguese missionaries in the 16th century. Sadly, Christian converts were later persecuted, and the city is now home to important Christian heritage sites, including the Oura Church and the Twenty-Six Martyrs Museum.

Beyond its international influences, Nagasaki also boasts several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the scenic Glover Garden and the thought-provoking Nagasaki Peace Park, making it a must-visit destination for any Japan traveler.

Nagasaki Trip Logistics: How to Plan Your Nagasaki Trip

When is the best time to visit Nagasaki?

The best time to visit Nagasaki is spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November). Spring brings cherry blossoms (although you will have to go quite early in Spring to see cherry blossoms in Kyushu), while autumn offers pleasant temperatures and colorful foliage.

Winter (December–February) is mild, and summer (June–August) can be hot and humid, with a risk of typhoons.

How do I get to Nagasaki?

• By Air: Fly into Nagasaki Airport (NGS), which has domestic connections from Tokyo, Osaka, and other major cities. There are also international flights from select destinations.
• By Train: Take the Kyushu Shinkansen from Fukuoka’s Hakata Station to Takeo-Onsen, then transfer to the Nishi Kyushu Shinkansen to Nagasaki. The total journey is about 1.5 hours.
• By Bus: Express buses run from Fukuoka, taking about 2.5 hours.
• By Ferry: There are ferries to Nagasaki from nearby islands like Goto Islands.

How do I get around Nagasaki?

• Trams: Nagasaki’s tram system is the easiest way to explore the city, with a flat fare of ¥140 per ride or a ¥500 day pass.
• Buses: Buses cover areas not accessible by tram, including Mt. Inasa and Glover Garden.
• Walking: Many attractions are within walking distance, but the city is hilly.
• Taxis: Available but more expensive than public transport.
• Rental Cars: Useful for visiting nearby attractions like Unzen Onsen or Shimabara.

How long should I stay in Nagasaki?

As this is a 2-day Nagasaki Itinerary, we recommend at least two days to see the city. Of course, if you can manage a longer trip (we love slow travel), that is ideal, but to see the sights in this itinerary, you will need two days.

Where should I stay in Nagasaki?

A 2-Day Nagasaki Itinerary

Day 1: Nagasaki Food & Nightlife

Ryan and I celebrated our one-year anniversary here, and it turned out to be one of the best we could’ve had 🥂.

After checking into the Dormy Inn, we went out to explore the city. Having just arrived in Japan a few days prior through Fukuoka, everything was still new to us, so we admittedly wandered around the nearest Family Mart for probably too long, scanning the aisles, playing with the coffee machines, and indulging in onigiri.

We made our way down to the port for a leisurely walk, even spotting a heron, which gave off Miyazaki vibes to the max. The waterfront of Nagasaki is very pedestrian-friendly, so you can spend quite a bit of time here just people (and heron watching).

The magical moment of seeing a heron on the waterfront where you suddenly feel part of a Miyazaki film.

We made our way towards Dutch Slope, where many foreign traders resided after the city's port opened 1859. Fun fact: prior to that, the Dutch were the only Westerners allowed in the city for the preceding two centuries. Now the area is home to some pretty beautiful architecture and a university. It is the ideal place to snap some pictures as the sun goes down.

As evening came on, our Nagasaki itinerary took a turn for an indulgent self-guided food tour!

First, we grabbed drinks at a local Japanese bar🍻 and sampled okonomiyaki, a savory pancake loaded with delicious toppings. While not my absolute favorite Japanese dish, it was still a fun experience and it pairs well with a local Asahi beer. There are plenty of these tiny bars around, so when you head to Nagasaki, don't be afraid to slide one of the bar's unsuspecting doors open and walk right in.

Okonomiyaki, drenched in mayo, Ryan's favorite.

We then dined at Taichi Sushi, one of Nagasaki’s best sushi restaurants. The owner was born on Gunkan Island, which we planned to visit the next day. The restaurant’s specialty was squid 🦑, and the chef had a unique method of preparing it to enhance its texture. We also tried sea urchin for the first time—it was like a creamy, ocean-infused oyster.

During dinner, we had the pleasure of talking with a local businessman who shared a lot of interesting information about Japan with us. We also drank cold and hot sake 🍶 (it’s a must!), which made for a great evening.

To top off the night, we hit a karaoke box 🎤, where I had my first true Japanese karaoke experience. It was a struggle at first to figure out the system, but once we got the hang of it, it was an unforgettable night. Our favorite karaoke place, that is both inexpensive and consistently amazing, is Manekineko; and there is a venue in Nagasaki.

Day 2: Hashima Island, Nagasaki’s Portside Attractions & the Atomic Bomb Memorial

We started the second day of our Nagasaki itinerary with a cruise to Gunkanjima Island (Hashima Island). Once a major coal mining site, it also has a darker history involving forced labor during WWII. China and Korea initially opposed its UNESCO listing, but a later agreement was reached. At its peak, the island had the world’s highest population density, which was nine times that of Tokyo.

You are more likely to not be able to dock due to currents, but the trip is still well worth it.

Due to strong currents, we couldn’t dock (which happens quite regularly), but the captain took us around twice, providing informative explanations in both Japanese and English. Despite not stepping foot on the island, the cruise was a highlight of the trip, offering views of Nagasaki’s port, the Mitsubishi Dock, and the massive Megami Ohashi Bridge.

After the cruise, we enjoyed an affordable Japanese lunch right at the port. I ordered a spicy noodle soup loaded with meat—including bacon. It turned out to be the best ramen I’ve ever had (to this day), and the best part? It came from a vending machine, so it was even cheaper!

Nagasaki was just the beginning of our Japan trip, but to this day, this was my favorite ramen.

We concluded our Nagasaki itinerary by visiting the Atomic Bomb Museum and the Peace Park, the site of the atomic bomb’s hypocenter. This museum was even voted as Japan’s best museum and the best thing to do in Nagasaki by TripAdvisor users. Walking through these exhibits was an emotional but essential experience, offering deep insights into Japan’s history and resilience before, during and after the atomic bomb that was dropped over Nagasaki.

Our entire experience was incredibly intriguing and thought-provoking. For example, I pondered how many atomic bomb tests have been conducted around the world (over 2000) despite the destruction that they caused in Hiroshima and Nagasaki, as well as the adverse effects these tests have on the environment 🤯.

Before heading off to Kumamoto and other parts of Kyushu, we had a wander around Nagasaki Peace Park, which lies just above the hypocenter of the atomic bomb, and is a stark reminder and wish that the world can live in peace and harmony and not have to endure such destructive conflicts. I reckon if more people around the globe came to places like Nagasaki, this pacifist approach to life and war would become more mainstream.

In the park is a remarkable statue that resembles a fusion of Buddha, Jesus, Shiva, and Goku from Dragon Ball 😇. Overall, the memorial is strikingly beautiful and features a peaceful garden.

The 9.7 meter high Peace Statue in Peace Park. Is it designed after Buddha? Jesus? Shiva? Goku from Dragon Ball?

Nagasaki exceeded my expectations. If you’re planning a trip to Kyushu, I highly recommend adding this Nagasaki itinerary to your Japan travel plans! And if you are headed to other parts of Kyushu, make sure to check out our full Kyushu itinerary.