NAGASAKI

Nagasaki is a mid-sized city with a population around 420,000 people, and is one of the rare Asian cruise ports where the ship docks right in the city. The cruise port has a fully equipped terminal building with seating, WIFI access, automated money exchange and ATMs as well as a full-service visitor information desk.

Nestled in between two hills, Nagasaki is quite compact, and most points of interest are within walking distance from the ship or accessible via the public street tram or taxi. Within a mile of the port, you will find the Glover Garden, the Hollander (Dutch) Slope, the Oura Cathedral, the former Dutch trader post, Dejima, the Hanamo-Machi shopping arcade, and the Nagasaki Chinatown. Remember, the city is on hills, so expect some inclines! For a full view of the city, consider taking a ride up the ropeway to the Mt Inasa Observatory, which is quick cab ride away.

The real draw of Nagasaki is it's historical significance, and a trip to the Nagasaki Peace Park and the Atomic Bomb Museum is highly recommended. It is approximately 15 minutes away by car or tram, and it gives visitors the opportunity to learn about the makings, impact, and significance of the atomic bomb.

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TIP: Utilize the public tram system to get to the Peace Park for a cost efficient way to travel. You can buy a pass from the terminal visitor information desk. A taxi each way is around 2200 Yen ($20 usd), compared to a 500 Yen day pass for the street trams. Just note that there may limited seating, which should be taken into consideration if you have a mobility concern.

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Nagasaki is a city that epitomizes Japan’s ability to respect and remember the past without letting it negatively affect the present, and you'll walk away learning something new.

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BONUS: Nagasaki has our all time favorite sushi restaurant! Be sure to subscribe to the email list to get bonus information like this, as well as other hidden gems!