Nagasaki has a rich and diverse history.
There’s so much about this fascinating place that remains lesser-known.
If you think you know Nagasaki, these unusual facts will surprise you, revealing much more.
Overall, Nagasaki is in my top 5 Japanese cities.
Looking to visit Nagasaki? Here are some recommendations in English:
1) The hypocentre commemorates the atomic bomb’s devastating impact
In Nagasaki, the Hypocenter Park marks the exact spot where the atomic bomb exploded.
A smooth, black-stone column indicates the point directly below the blast.
Nearby, you can also find relics like the bomb-blasted wall of the Urakami Cathedral.
This park is a stark reminder of the immense devastation caused on August 9th, 1945.
2) Urakami Cathedral rebuilds after destruction
Urakami Cathedral has a captivating history.
Built in the early 20th century, it was once the largest Catholic church in East Asia.
On August 9, 1945, an atomic bomb fell on Nagasaki.
The explosion shattered the cathedral, leaving only a few remains standing.
Despite this tragedy, the community remained determined to rebuild.
In i959 the reconstruction was completed, restoring Urakami Cathedral to its former glory.
3) Hollander Slope’s enchanting Dutch-style architecture
When you walk up Hollander Slope, you’ll find charming stone-paved streets.
This area began thriving in the late 19th century with Dutch merchants.
Old brick houses and wooden windows give a European feel.
4) Spectacular night views from Mount Inasa
You can’t visit Nagasaki without experiencing the incredible night views from Mount Inasa.
Sitting 333 metres high, this mountain offers one of the best night panoramas in Japan.
The city lights up at night, creating a stunning display from the observatory.
It’s often called the “1000 million dollar night view.”
Mount Inasa’s observatory provides a 360° view of the city and its surroundings.
5) Glover Garden pays homage to European influence
Glover Garden is a gem in Nagasaki that highlights the European touch in Japan’s history.
The park is named after Thomas Blake Glover, a Scottish merchant. It shows how Western culture influenced the Meiji period.
When strolling through the garden, you’ll see elegant buildings moving from their original spots.
These homes and structures once belonged to European residents who settled in Nagasaki.
6) Hashima Island (Gunkanjima), the ghost town
Gunkanjima, also called Hashima Island, is about 15 kilometres from Nagasaki.
Because of its shape, people also call it “Battleship Island.”
This tiny island was once a bustling coal mine.
More than 5,000 people lived there on less than one square kilometre.
Today, the island is abandoned, with crumbling buildings and eerie streets.
Its ghostly appearance attracts many curious visitors and reminds them of a once-thriving community left behind.
7) Nagasaki Lantern Festival’s vibrant display
Every year, Nagasaki comes alive with the Lantern Festival.
The festival is a lively celebration of the Lunar New Year. Everywhere you go, you’ll see colourful lanterns lighting up the city.
The festival isn’t just about lanterns.
You can enjoy music, dragon dances, and other performances. Local and international artists come together to make this festival special.
The food is also delicious, from traditional Chinese dishes to local favourites. It truly is a feast for the senses.
8) Shippoku Cuisine blends Japanese, Chinese, and Western flavours
Shippoku cuisine is a unique dining style you’ll find in Nagasaki.
It brings together tastes from Japanese, Chinese, and Western dishes.
Imagine sharing different dishes with friends or family around a big round table.
This communal experience is critical to Shippoku.
9) Nagasaki Peace Park’s scenic beauty
You’re greeted by a peaceful environment when you visit Nagasaki Peace Park.
The park provides a calm, peaceful atmosphere.
Winding paths take you through well-maintained gardens and beautiful lawns.
Colourful flowers bloom during different seasons, adding vibrancy to the park.
You’ll also encounter various artistic statues and sculptures.
10) Kofukuji Temple is one of Japan’s oldest Obaku Zen temples
Kofukuji Temple was founded in 1620 by Chinese monks from the Ming Dynasty.
It’s a fascinating stop in Nagasaki’s Temple Town district.
This temple is notable for starting the Obaku school of Zen Buddhism in Japan.
Its strong Chinese architectural influences are likely to be noticed.
The buildings and gates are painted red, making Kofukuji Temple stand out from traditional Japanese temples.
11) Spectacle Bridge (Meganebashi) resembling eyeglasses
When you visit Meganebashi, you might be amazed at how much it looks like a pair of eyeglasses.
The bridge’s reflection in the river creates this unique sight.
Built-in 1634, it’s one of Japan’s oldest stone bridges.
Its double arches are beautiful, and it’s a popular spot for both tourists and locals.
12) Nagasaki Kunchi Festival’s quirky dragon dances
At the Nagasaki Kunchi Festival, dragon dances steal the show.
Performers dress as dragons, moving rhythmically to traditional music.
These dances are a colourful and lively spectacle.
13) Magome Catholic Church
When you visit Magome Catholic Church in Nagasaki, you’ll feel a sense of peace.
The church stands on a small hill, offering beautiful views.
At night, it lights up and looks even more magical.
14) Hot Foot 105 cm onsen experience
At Obama Onsen in Nagasaki, you find the Hot Foot 105.
This foot bath is 105 metres long.
It’s the longest in Japan.
The name comes from the fact that the water at its source is 105 degrees Celsius.
Don’t worry!
They cool it down to a comfortable level for you.
Feel the soothing warm water on your feet as you stroll through the path.
It’s a relaxing break with beautiful views of the surrounding area.
15) Oura Cathedral’s tragic history
Oura Cathedral in Nagasaki is full of history.
It dates back to the 1860s when it served as a beacon for hidden Christians in the region.
In 1867, some brave Christians from Urakami declared they wanted Christian funerals.
This was surprising to the village headman.
He quickly informed the Nagasaki Magistrate’s Office.
The current brick structure you see was finished in 1879.
16) Nagasaki Penguin Aquarium’s playful inhabitants
When you visit the Nagasaki Penguin Aquarium, you will meet over 180 playful penguins.
You’re likely to see penguins swimming in the four-metre-deep tank.
They glide through the water with ease.
17) One-legged Torii Gate’s iconic resilience
You’ll find a unique sight in Nagasaki: the One-legged Torii Gate.
This gate stands on just one pillar because the other leg was destroyed by the atomic bomb blast on 9 August 1945.
19) Dejima Wharf’s waterfront dining
Dejima Wharf in Nagasaki is more than just a historical site.
It’s also an excellent spot for waterfront dining.
You can choose from a variety of restaurants.
Each one offers stunning views of Nagasaki Harbour.
At Dejima Wharf, you can enjoy fresh seafood, traditional Japanese fare, or even Western cuisine. There’s something for every palate.
Dining at Dejima Wharf makes for a memorable experience.
Watching the sunset while you eat is truly special.
