Last Updated: 19/11/2022
Having risen from the ashes of a tragic past, Nagasaki has done exceptionally well to regain its old day glories. It is now one of the premier locations for visitors to Japan, presenting a bucket load of fun things to do in Nagasaki, with the flourishing port city synonymous with holiday getaways like the Goto islands and the castle town of Omura. White sandy beaches of love like Takahama continue raising the bar of what the perfect holiday, not just in Japan but anywhere in the world, is all about!
People often think of Huis Ten Bosh when the prefecture comes to mind and as they ready their itinerary of things to do in Nagasaki, wowed by the Dutch-theme park’s headline-hogging display of technology, colorful tulip fields, and flawless replication of 18th century Netherlands. But there’s a lot else to do, namely snorkeling with yellow tangs in Sasebo, hiking the Shiroyama trail, and various marine sports like kayaking, canoeing, and SUP.
There’s much to cover and things to do in Nagasaki in terms of history as well, and that is vividly backup by wonderfully constructed fortresses such as Shimabara castle.
Please join us on a journey across the best of Nagasaki!
1. Spend the day in Japan’s futuristic version of Holland
Travel to Nagasaki, Japan, for an authentic experience in past-millennium Amsterdam entailing classic windmills, ancient canals, and tulip fields. At Huis Ten Bosch in Sasebo, a theme park of bartending robots and fancy technology comes to life!
2. Diving with yellow tang in Sasebo
Better yet, follow the fish into their homes with a diving experience in Sasebo. Fill your camera with pictures of curious yellow tangs and glimpse into the life of Japanese amberjacks, among many other species!
Beginner-Friendly Diving Experience in Sasebo
Saikai, Nagasaki
Observe the Underwater Sea Creatures and Corals in a Diving Adventure in Sasebo (Recommended for Diving License Holders)
Saikai, Nagasaki
Explore the Sea of Nagasaki with Night Diving Experience (License Required)
Saikai, Nagasaki
3. Peculiar mountains and romantic white beaches at Goto islands
Famous for its Christian history, Goto islands are a popular holiday getaway entailing scenes of endless blue and green seclusions. Be sure to stop by the archipelago’s cinder-cone volcano (Mt. Onidake) and Takahama beach!
Join a Cycling Tour Around Goto Islands Surrounded by Breathtaking Sea and Mountain Views with English-Speaking Guide (Mitsui Raku Course)
Hamanobe, Miirakumachi, Goto City, Nagasaki
Join a Cycling Tour Around Goto Islands Surrounded by Breathtaking Sea and Mountain Views with English-Speaking Guide (Nihongusu Course)
Nihongusu, Kishikumachi, Goto City, Nagasaki
4. Become a chef for the day: Nigiri sushi and Tamagoyaki cooking class
Experience the taste of Japan by making Nigiri sushi and Tamagoyaki (Japanese rolled omelette) with a professional Japanese chef, in a sushi restaurant, enjoy authentic tastes from Japan, and eat your creations!
Learn from a sushi chef: ``Nigiri sushi and Tamagoyaki`` authentic cooking workshop
Onomachi, Sasebo City, Nagasaki
5. Canoeing amid jumping fish on Takashima island!
Offering 360-degree sweeps of a gorgeous portion of the Sea of Japan, a Takashima island canoe tour promises an artistry of scenery under a beautiful sun-lit sky. Keep an eye out for catapulting fish hunting down food!
Enjoy Sea Kayaking Tour with Your Friends and Family in Tsushima (Half-Day Course)
Tsushima, Nagasaki
6. Visit famous sightseeing spots in Nagasaki with a guide
If you love history and want to visit the must-see spots in Nagasaki, you'll want to bring an expert guide! Get insider tips and tricks from a local on where to go, how to get there, and what to see. Highlights include Glover Garden, Nagasaki Peace Park, Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum, and Meganebashi Bridge (Spectacles Bridge) with an English-speaking guide.
Visits Glover Garden, Nagasaki Peace Park, Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum, and Meganebashi Bridge (Spectacles Bridge) with a Japanese and English Speaking Guide! (with tram 1-day ticket)
Onoemachi, Nagasaki
7. A marine sports outing on Tsushima island
The Tsushima archipelago is known for many things, the highlight of which are enticing marine sports such as snorkeling picnics and sea kayaks. SUP tours are also available in Isahaya!
Enjoy a Relaxing Walk on the Water Surrounded by Beautiful Nature Views with an SUP Tour in Saikai
Saikai, Nagasaki
8. Eco-friendly textile dyeing in Unzen city
Harness the color of plants to turn bland pieces of clothes into beautiful shoals, among other wares. The view of the sea from the hillside studio is sure to provide lots of creative inspiration!
Get Inspired by the Colors of Nature and Experience Textile Dyeing Using Seasonal Plants (Family-Friendly Course)
Unzen, Nagasaki
Creatively Dye a Canvas Bag, Towel, or Bandana in Your Own Patterns Using Natural Plans (Family-Friendly Course)
Unzen, Nagasaki
9. Shimabara castle: An Edo masterpiece in nature
Descending elegantly over five levels like a whitewashed pyramid, Shimabara castle impresses with the 33-meter tall layout that wonderfully contrasts the crowds of green around it. Visit for the memorial and festivals too!
10. Divine relaxation awaits in the steams of Mt. Unzen
Japan might be a little chilly this time of year, but that’s not the case at Unzen onsen, where hot springs cloud the air with warmth and fog. Cool off from the troubles of the world in a classic ryokan bath!
Frequently asked questions
QAre there any good holiday activities in Nagasaki?
AWinter is always a great time to visit the prefecture as white snow elevates the experiences and fun things to do in Nagasaki: The perfect wish list includes:
• Takashima island canoeing
• Huis Ten Bosch tours
• Kayaking and trekking Shiroyama
• Unzen onsen trips
• Goto island holidays
QWhat sightseeing tours are available in Nagasaki in winter?
AThe season comes with all sorts of goodies and things to do in Nagasaki this time of year. The pick of the bunch encompass:
• Glover garden walks
• Nagasaki Peace Park tours
• Huis Ten Bosch visits
• Shimabara castle tours
QWhy is Nagasaki popular? What makes it so famous?
AWith diverse landscapes and untamed islands, the flourishing port town is most famous for feats of nature like the cinder volcano Mt Onidake and the Goto Islands. The prefecture’s Dutch themed amusement park, Huis Ten Bosch, also regularly features in the headlines.
QAre there any good attractions in Nagasaki at night?
AHuis Ten Bosch is especially beautiful after sunset. All manner of lights add to the excitement of rides in the theme park. Additionally, Mt Inasa offers lovely views of the glowing cityscape from a height of 333 meters. Visitors can also try night snorkeling!
QWhat kid-friendly activities can families try out in Nagasaki?
AChildren-friendly experiences are available in plenty in Nagasaki, offering fun for all ages. Your entire family will fit right in with:
• Inasa ropeway tours at night
• Textile dying experiences in Unzen city
• Shimabara castle trips
• Pottery in the castle town of Omura
