The port town of Nagasaki is packed with charming sightseeing spots like Mount Inasa and the Peace Park, fascinating historical sites like Suwa-jinja, and delicious food. The photogenic scenery is always breathtaking no matter what time of the year you visit. This neighborhood guide will help you decide where to stay in Nagasaki depending on what you’re looking to do during your visit.
Just south of Nagasaki's central station, you will find the old Dutch district of Dejima. This area of the city was actually once a bustling man-made island built for trading purposes. Between the 17th and 19th centuries, it was against the law for foreigners to enter the country so the island was made for trade. Today, the island is linked to mainland Nagasaki by land reclamation and this district now has an altogether different feel. Many old original colonial buildings have been renovated using authentic materials, giving the district its unique Dutch ambiance. This is a lovely area in which to wander the streets and to sit outside at a café whilst watching passers-by.
Nagasaki is home to a small and very condensed Chinatown. Unlike the Dutch who had to reside and work exclusively on the single island of Dejima, Nagasaki's Chinese traders were initially allowed to move around the city more freely. Later during the Edo Period, however, they were confined to live in a dedicated district surrounded by walls. The Chinatown district can be found next to the Dejima district and is a melting pot of styles, smells, and sights. It can be very busy at times, but this adds to its character. It’s a great place to explore all the interesting street food and sample the local delights from the stalls.
Just west of northern Nagasaki, you will find one of the city's most frequented areas and the perfect area to stay if you’re wanting to tick off all the sights. It is known locally as Heiwa and is home to the famous Peace Park and Atomic Bomb Museum. The Heiwa district is a very peaceful neighborhood, despite the constant flow of visitors, it being a largely residential area of Nagasaki, there is so much to do and there are also many educational institutes in the area. Next to Peace Park, you will find Urakami Cathedral, which is also popular with visitors.
To the west of the city center and tailing out into the bay, you will find Motofuna. This district is home to a number of good hotels, as well as excellent views of the bay and the port area. From the port, you can catch a ferry to a variety of places, such as Iojima. It’s the perfect place to stay for a stop-over or if you are wanting to explore more with day trips from this area.
Daikoku is also known as central Nagasaki and is a very cultured and thriving hub. It is however also extremely busy with both people and buildings. You will find many shops, restaurants, and bars along the main strip, as well as a good choice of hotels and travel information centers.
