How to get there

On my recent trip to Japan, I stayed in Hakata for a few days and included a day trip to Nagasaki on my itinerary. From Hakata Station, I took the Limited Express Kamome train (covered by my Japan Rail Pass) early in the morning and arrived at Nagasaki Station two hours later.

Night shot of Nagasaki bay, Nagasaki, Japan

How to get around

Once at Nagasaki Station, I looked for the tourist information office to purchase a one-day street car pass that cost 500 yen.

What to see

Nagasaki Peace Park

Nagasaki Peace Park was my first attraction to visit, so I got on a street car at a stop just in front of the Nagasaki Station.

Being at the Hypocenter of the nuclear explosion, and seeing the Fountain of Peace, the Peace Statue, and the Peace Symbols Zone up close were surreal as I had only been reading about these places in history books not too long ago.

High angle view of Nagasaki Peace park in Japan. Scenery consist of statue,

Atomic Bomb Museum

Wanting to learn more, I proceeded to the nearby Atomic Bomb Museum (entrance fee of 200 yen), and was not disappointed with its various exhibits that not only showed the devastation caused by the atomic bombing but also the city’s culture and customs prior to the attack.

Glover Garden

The next attraction on my list was Glover Garden, located five or so kilometres away, so I got on another street car and was on my way.

Getting off the tram, I followed the signs towards Glover Garden and passed by Japan’s oldest church, Oura Church.

Walking to the park required a bit of effort as it was on top of a hill. Once there, I was treated to old Western-style mansions and gardens and a great view of the Nagasaki harbour, perfect for taking photos, a quick rest and a snack.

Hirado bridge in Hirado, Nagasaki, Japan

Chinatown

I spent the rest of late afternoon in Shinchi Chinatown, the oldest Chinatown in Japan. I went there on foot as it was only a kilometre and a half away from Glover Garden.

Because I went there during the Nagasaki Lantern Festival (and a couple of days after Chinese New Year), thousands of big and small, red and yellow lanterns could be found all over.

I tried a local specialty noodle dish, sara udon, in one of the several restaurants and highly recommend it to anyone going there.