Nagasaki City Tour — NAGASAKI Odyssey

Highlights

Immerse yourself in Nagasaki’s winding city streets, reminiscent of the Showa period
Eat and drink your way through Shianbashi, one of Japan’s most historic and popular red-light districts
Learn about the history of war and the beauty of peace at Nagasaki’s Peace Park
Imagine life as a westerner during hundreds of years of isolation, at the beautiful and unique Glover Garden and Dejima Settlement
Discover the true history of Nagasaki that goes far beyond what you learn in the history books.

Description

The full Nagasaki City experience. Join us in exploring iconic Nagasaki destinations, as well as the hidden gems that you won’t find in a guidebook. This is a sample itinerary, so consider this package to be flexible and customizeable.

Itinerary: Peace Park

Nagasaki’s history bears the weight of the atomic bombing of 1945 where one third of the population perished. Through this incident, you can see that Nagasaki’s people have an extremely resilient spirit, and are still pushing forward. The Peace Park and Atomic Bomb Museum remind us of the terrors of war, and the immeasurable value of peace.

Take in the solemn beauty of Nagasaki’s Peace Park. The park was established in 1955 to commemorate the bombing of the city, and is now home to many sculptures gifted to the city by various countries, all hoping for lasting peace.
Adjacent to Peace Park is the Hypocenter park, a minimalistically designed monument standing at the closest point to the bombs detonation in sky. The park is lined with cherry trees and is a popular place to view the cherry blossoms in the spring.
Learn about the tragic Atomic bombing of Nagasaki, and it’s impact on history. The museum provides an in depth timeline of the Atomic bombing, including the events before and after. They are committed to educating the rest of the world that this can never happen again, and that peace is the answer
This prayer hall was constructed as a place to remember those that died in the 1945 atomic bombing, and pray for everlasting peace. The 149,266 names of those killed are recorded here. Here, we will pray for those that lost their lives, and for world peace.
A short walk from the Atomic Bomb Museum stands the One Legged Torii Gate marking the path to Sanno Shrine. The torii gate that leads to the shrine was haklf destroyed by the 1945 blast, but still stands tall to this day.
The entrance of Sanno Shrine holds two magnificent centuries old camphor trees that were both completely stripped naked by the heat rays of the bombing. At the time, it seemed as though they were completely dead, but years later they started to once again show signs of life. As of today, they are flourishing beautifully and have been deemed a monument by the city of Nagasaki, a fitting metaphor for the resiliance of this region!

Itinerary: Shianbashi

Immerse yourself in Japanese culture while walking through Nagasaki’s winding streets. Learn the history of the religious, cultural, and culinary aspects of Nagasaki’s downtown district, and discover the Nagasaki that you won't find in a guidebook.

Built in 1629, Sofukuji temple boasts a long history as a place for Chinese residents belonging to the Obaku school of zen buddhism. The temple is very large and is home to many ornamental buildings and displays.
With over 400 years of history, Shokaku-ji is the oldest and the first buddhist temple in Nagasaki City. The temple was founded in 1604 by the Samurai Michitomo Arima after becoming a buddhist monk as part of the Jōdo Shinshū branch (浄土真宗 - True Pure Land). At the time, Christianity was the majority religion in Nagasaki, so the temple was frequently attacked with stones, arson, and poison, until the Tokugawa Shogunate outlawed Christianity in 1614. The temple is still owned by the descendants of the Samurai Michitomo Arima.
When Buddhism arrived to Japan during the 6th century, it brought with it the practice of cremation. Now in modern day japan, cremation is the most popular practice. The ashes and bones are placed in urns, which are stored in small crypts below family graves. It is customary for Japanese people to visit these graves to show appreciation for their ancestors, and pray that they are resting in peace.
There are special holidays for visiting these family graves during the spring and autumn solstices called “Ohigan” and another holiday on august 15th called Obon
Nakano Chaya is one of the city's many historical sites. During the 18th and 19th centuries, this tea house was for tea ceremonies where Matcha was served to their guests. In 1976, the building partially burned down, but was rebuilt to match its previous construction
The tea house faces a beautiful, traditional japanese garden that has continued to be meticulously maintained. Inside, you will find hundreds of paintings by artist Kon Shimizu, whose subject is typically a mythical river monster called a “Kappa.”
Legend states that one night in 1693, Yasuda Ji-emon was stabbed in the plum tree garden surrounding the deity, Michizane Sugawara’s, grave. However, he had realized that he had no wound, and the statue of Michizane Sugawara was bleeding in his place.
This experience led Yasuda to establish the shrine in 1700, as a way to protect the local Geishas from harm. The grounds are home to the Komainu, which acts as a substitute (migawari) for any problems you may run into. Many people feed the statue candy, as it may become their substitute for bad teeth.
Ryotei are traditional high-end Japanese restaurants, and Aoyagi is one of Nagasaki’s best. Located in Maruyama, one of the Edo period’s most popular Hanamachi (or “red light district”), dining here feels as though you’ve traveled back hundreds of years to try their delicious traditional food.
Geisha are a class of female entertainers trained in traditional japanese performing arts such as dance, music, and singing, as well as being skilled conversationalists and hosts. They were often hired to entertain at private parties known as Ozashiki, typically for wealthy clients. Kenban acted as “registry offices” for managing the geishas and other entertainers in the neighborhood. At one point there were as many as 1443 Geisha in Maruyama, so you can imagine the Kenban was quite busy.
Kagetsu was founded in Maruyama in 1642, and is the most famous Ryotei in Nagasaki. Kagetsu is preserved as a historic site, and is home to one of the most beautiful japanese gardens in Nagasaki. The restaurant also houses a small gallery, containing many paintings and calligraphies done by legendary artists such as Ryoma Sakamoto and Aritomo Yamagata. Kagetsu is known for its Shippoku Cuisine, which is a centuries old fusion of Japanese, Chinese, and Dutch culinary customs. During the Edo Period, Nagasaki was the only city that would allow foreigners to visit, so this is the only place on earth that this cuisine could have been born.

Itinerary: Shrine Temple and Tea Ceremony

Explore Japanese religion and way of thinking through visiting Nagasaki’s most iconic shrines and temples. Then, experience an authentic Japanese tea ceremony while viewing the beautiful landscape

With over 400 years of history, Suwa Shrine is the central Shinto Shrine of Nagasaki. Built in 1614 during the same year the Tokugawa Shogunate changed its policy on Christianity, the shrine was established as a rallying point of Shintoism in the heavily christian Nagasaki. It is home to many festivals, including the lively “Kunchi” held in October.
Next to the shrine you will find a small animal park, as well as a koi pond and cafe. Enjoy some hand made mochi, specific to the neighborhood, and enjoy the picturesque koi fish, and feed the many animals of the park!
Suwa Shrine is home to a beautiful landscape and Japanese garden, with many Komainu living there. Komainu are statues of dogs that hold many meanings in the Shinto religion, they can be found all over the city!
Suwa has many of Japan’s iconic Torii Gates, one of the quintessential symbols of Shinto. These gates can be found at every shrine and symbolize passing from reality, into a sacred and spiritual realm. At Suwa you will find them on the path to the Tamazono Inari Shrine.
Goshuincho is a stamp book used to collect Goshuin, a red stamp and letter in calligraphy given at a temple or shrine as a proof of your visit. If desired, the Goshuincho can be purchased at Suwa shrine, and stamped as well!
Established in 1620, Kofukuji Temple is the oldest Chinese temple in Nagasaki. Exhibiting the unique Chinese architecture that makes Nagasaki so special, the shrine was initially used to pray for the Chinese merchants as they traveled the rough trade routes.
At Kofukuji we will participate in a traditional Matcha tea ceremony, which is typically accompanied by a delicious Mochi snack. The matcha tea ceremony has been an integral part of Japanese culture for centuries, and is a spiritual experience meant to bring you peace, harmony and happiness. Green tea has long been exported from Nagasaki to the rest of the world, so please enjoy this experience!
Meganebashi, or “Spectacles Bridge” is considered the oldest arch bridge in all of Japan. The chinese monk Mokusunyoujo built this bridge over the Nakashima River in 1634, and it has endured many floods and storms since. The banks of the bridge are home to many heart shaped rocks, where it is tradition to wish for eternal love.
An option for lovers of literature. Visit the childhood home of Novelist, Nobel Prize Winner, and Booker Prize Winner, Kazuo Ishiguro.

Itinerary: Western Influences

Explore Japanese religion and way of thinking through visiting Nagasaki’s most iconic shrines and temples. Then, experience an authentic Japanese tea ceremony while viewing the beautiful landscape

Glover Garden is one of Nagasaki’s most interesting cultural treasures. The garden was built in 1863 for Scottish merchant Thomas Glover, who contributed greatly to Japan’s industrialization at the start of the Meiji period. It is an open air park that currently acts as a museum as well. The park is home to several mansions of both western and japanese architecture styles, built for various prominent industrialists of the time
Thomas Glover was hugely influential, and even played a role in overthrowing the Tokugawa Shogunate and ending the Edo period. He was responsible for introducing the Japanese to modern ship-building, mining, and even starting the first national brewery, Kirin Brewery.
Glover was a Scottish merchant in the end of Edo and early Meiji period (the end of 19th century to the early 20th century) in Japan. Glover supported factions in Satsuma (Kagoshima Prefecture) as well as Choshu (Yamaguchi Prefecture) by supplying them with arms, warships, and assisting them with overthrowing the Tokugawa Shogunate. Glover became a key figure in Japan’s Meiji restoration, helping lead them into the modern age of industrialization. He also developed Japan's first coal mine, founded Japan’s first national brewery, Kirin Brewery, and founded the shipbuilding company which was later to become the Mitsubishi Corporation.
Frederick Ringer was a British trader selling Japanese Green Tea to Europe. Ringer also founded a gas company, fishing company, power plant, hotel business, constructing waterways around the area.
William John Alt was a British trader exporting green tea from Nagasaki to America. Alt left the words, “Nagasaki is truly a beautiful city. I don't know anywhere more beautiful.”
Robert N Walker was a British ship captain who contributed to the Japanese shipping industry, especially Mitsubishi Corporation. Walker also founded Japan's first national soft drink company.
Oura Catholic Church is the only Western style building declared a National Treasure of Japan, and considered the country’s oldest church. It was originally named “Basilica of the Twenty-Six Holy Martyrs of Japan,” after the 26 christians who were executed by crucifixion in 1597 at Nagasaki's Nishizaka.
Since Japan was forced to open their port for international trade in 1854, more foreigners made their way to Nagasaki. Oura Catholic Church was built by French missionaries in 1864 for the growing community of foreign merchants in the city.
In 1865, shortly after the churches completion, a small group of christians from a nearby town asked the church’s preist if they could come in to see the Holy Mary. It was soon discovered that they, among tens of thousands of others from the surrounding area, were the descendants of christians from the 1600’s that had all been in hiding during the Edo period. This was considered a miracle by Pope Pius IX, and a bronze relief at the church depicts the memorable scene of this discovery.
Christian Museum is next to Oura Catholic Church. The museum consists of two buildings; the first one, “Former Latin Seminario” used to be a theological school. The second building is a “Former the Archbishop Hall of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese.”
The museum exhibits one hundred thirty items about the Christian history of the arrival of Christianity, a ban, persecution, hidden Christianity, and the rivival. One of the most famous painting is “Martyrdom of Genna” which is described about The Great Martyrdom of Nagasaki in 1622, and another one about Twenty-six St. Martyrdom in 1597. The movie, Silence directed by Martin Scorsese is based on the true story of Nagasaki's persecution.
What was once an island serving as a trade headquarters and residence for foreigners, has now been modified into a museum and replication of life from Japan’s isolation period. Walk the streets and imagine life as a dutch trader.
A sprawling and beautiful park adjacent to the wharf, view the ships coming in and out of the harbor and feel the breeze of the ocean on your way to Glover Garden
An option for lovers of literature. Visit the childhood home of Novelist, Nobel Prize Winner, and Booker Prize Winner, Kazuo Ishiguro.

Itinerary: Nightlife

During your stay, it is essential to experience the rich nightlife of Nagasaki City, and all of the unique and delicious cuisine that comes with it.

Located west of Nagasaki, Inasayama is a mountain standing around 1000ft above sea level. After taking a cable-car to the top of the mountain, Nagasaki’s “10 Million Dollar View” can be seen from the observation point. It’s considered one of the top night views in Japan.
During the Edo period, Shianbashi was one of the three busiest red light districts in Japan. Today, the history of this fun nightlife neighborhood lives on with tons of bars, restaurants, and izakaya. It perfectly encapsulates a vibe that can only be found in Nagasaki
Adjacent to Shianbashi and Chinatown, Dozamachi feels like a time machine bringing you back to Japan’s famously exciting 1980’s. Remnants of the Showa Period can be seen everywhere. This lively neighborhood is lined with every kind of Japanese restaurant you could imagine, as well as fun and exciting bars and Izakaya.
In Japan, Nagasaki is well known for its wide variety of fresh fish. Natually, the best way to sample this iconic Japanese delicacy is with Sashimi.
Basashi, or horse sashimi, is a well known staple in Kumamoto, one of the neighboring cities in Kyushu. Many people living in this region have als adopted this rare delicacy, and a handful of places certainly stan out in terms of quality and flavor.
The signature ramen of Nagasaki. Champon calls apon Nagasaki’s historic chinatown and fresh fish to create a delicious seafood ramen. This dish is served all over the world, but trust us, it’s best served from the source.
Yakitori is the practice of cooking skewered meat, typically chicken, over burning charcoal. This dish is very popular thanks to the delicious charred flavor, and the small portions that allow you to try many different dishes in one sitting. Tastes great with beer!

Details

    
            Price
            Starts at $3,800 for two people, depending on chosen accomodations

            Tour Departure
            between 9:00a.m. and 2:00 p.m.
        
            Duration
            2 nights, 3 days
        
            Langauges Offered
            English
        
            Includes
            Admission, Transportation, Accommodation, Tour Guide Fee
        
            Excludes
            Unspecified food and drink, airfare, transportation to Nagasaki
        
            Meeting Location
            Flexible, we can meet you at your accomodation in Nagasaki City
        
            Special Notes
            Availability for certain accomodations varies, Minimum number of guests is 2
        
            Cancelation Policy
            100% if canceled at least 3 days before the scheduled tour
        
            Rain Policy
            This tour runs rain or shine

Nagasaki City Tour Package