Situated on Japan’s Kyushu Island, Nagasaki is renowned for its famous port and 19th-century UNESCO-listed churches. During World War ll, a nuclear attack destroyed much of the city, evidence of which can still be seen at the one-legged Sannō Shrine and the Atomic Bomb Museum, home to photographs and relics. Today, Nagasaki is one of Japan’s most modern cities and has been expanded to include much of the surrounding suburbs.
During your visit to Nagasaki, you’ll find a selection of temples and monuments highlighting Japan’s Buddhist and Confucian faiths. The best examples are at the Sōfuku-ji and Kōfuku-ji Temples and the Confucius Shrine. Alternatively, the Twenty-Six Martyrs Monument and the Aura Church provide insight into Nagasaki’s Christian influence. To learn more about the culture of Nagasaki, head to the Museum of History or the Prefectural Art Museum or visit the islands of Hashima and Dejima – a former trading post for Dutch merchants.
Similar to other Japanese cities, Nagasaki specialises in food. Across the city's Chinatown district, you'll find friendly street vendors serving fusion cuisine and traditional snacks like Kakuni Manju – a marinated pork cutlet in a steamed bun. You'll also be able to sample Nagasaki's local favourite, Champon – a boiled ramen noodle soup full of seafood and vegetables. Don't leave without visiting the Glover Garden, where you can relax in a traditional Japanese tearoom and admire picturesque views of the city.