2 Days in Nagasaki - The Ultimate 48 Hours Itinerary

Time to explore Dejima. This is a former island where first the Portuguese, and later the Dutch, were permitted to conduct business with the Japanese during the isolation era. It was through this island that Japan imported all its western knowledge and products. Today the area functions as a sort of large museum about the Dutch trade with Japan and it’s a great place to explore with the whole family. There is so much to learn about the Dutch culture here and how western science, engineering, medicines spread into Japan

Take in the picturesque views from Mount Inasa located on the western side of the city. Mount Inasa is relatively close to downtown Nagasaki and is easily accessible by a scenic ropeway. The ride itself is breathtaking and when you reach the summit you’ll be able to marvel at the magnificent twinkling night scene below. The observation deck is the perfect place for a date night with the romantic atmosphere created by the play of lights that seem to magically rise from below. The 333 meters high Mount Inasa is located very near Nagasaki‘s city center, providing a perfect view of the city both at day and at night. The night view from Mount Inasa Observatory is so good, that it’s listed as one of the best night views in all of Japan, along with the night view from Mount Hakodate in Hokkaido and the Maya Mountains in Kobe. After enjoying the breathtaking scenery head to the city center to enjoy Nagasaki’s delicious cuisine.

Start your second day in Nagasaki with a stroll along Meganebashi Bridge over the Nakashima River. Also known as Spectacles Bridge, this is one of the older bridges which cross the Nagashima River. This stone arch bridge was first constructed in 1634 and it’s said to be the oldest stone arch bridge in Japan. Then head over for a bite to eat at Café & Bar Umino, their fruit sandwiches are delicious and it’s the perfect place to grab a cup of coffee before you set off to explore more of the best things to do in Nagasaki.

Time to explore some of the temples, first up Kofuku-ji. This temple is located in Nagasaki’s temple town district. It was the first Obaku Zen temple in Japan and was established in 1620 by a Chinese priest, as a place to pray for the safety of seafarers. Its Chinese architecture makes Kofuku-ji stand out among the Japanese temples and shrines. Then head over to somewhere like Unryutei for a dish of delicious gyoza or a scrumptious Sasebo burger from Hikari.

Spend the afternoon exploring a rather unusual place in Japan that will make you feel like you’re walking down a street somewhere in England or Europe. The Dutch Slope, or The Hollander Slope, is a specific paved street leading up a hillside in Nagasaki‘s Higashiyamate neighborhood. The surrounding area was inhabited by wealthy western merchants after Japan opened its ports for foreign trade in 1859. The area still has a few original residences from that time, some of which can be visited. It’s a great place to explore if you’re looking for unusual things to do in Nagasaki or that picture-perfect moment. 

End off your two days in Nagasaki with a visit to the oldest Christian church in Japan. The Ōura Church was built towards the end of the Edo Period in 1864 by a French missionary for the growing community of foreign merchants in the city. The church is dedicated to the memory of the 26 Christians who were executed in the city in 1597 and today, the working church stands as an attractive example of contemporary European architecture. The church was the first Western-style building in Japan to be designated as a national treasure and is an unusual sight among the traditional Japanese buildings.