Nagasaki Prefecture is located in the northwest of Kyushu, Japan. This place not only offers breathtaking scenery and fascinating tourist attractions but also features a blend of Eastern and Western architecture and unique historical landmarks.
Today, we will introduce seven of the best tourist destinations in Nagasaki that you must visit when you go to Japan in 2025.
1. Inasayama Observation Deck
Mount Inasa is located in Nagasaki City and is one of the most famous tourist destinations in the prefecture.
At its peak, you’ll find the Inasayama Observation Deck, renowned as one of the best places in the world to enjoy nighttime views.
From this deck, you can admire a mesmerizing view that includes Nagasaki Port, Oura Cathedral, and Dejima Wharf all at once.
Its stunning nightscape has even been recognized globally. In 2021, Nagasaki was selected alongside Monaco and Shanghai as part of the “Three Best New Night Views in the World.”
This spectacular view makes Inasayama Observation Deck a must-visit destination when traveling to Nagasaki!
📍 Address: Inasa-machi, Nagasaki City, Nagasaki Prefecture
⏰ Opening Hours: 09:00 AM – 10:00 PM
2. Glover Garden
Located in Nagasaki City, Glover Garden was once the residence of Thomas Glover, a famous merchant from the late Edo period.
This house is the oldest surviving Western-style wooden building in Japan and was designated as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site in 2015.
Inside the garden, you will find beautiful flowers, a unique Bengali-style house, and personal belongings of Thomas Glover.
There is also a hidden room that takes you back to the turbulent era of the late Edo period.
Additionally, Glover Garden is known as a romantic spot. Legend has it that if you find two heart-shaped stones in the garden, you will receive good luck in love.
This makes Glover Garden one of the must-visit destinations in Nagasaki!
📍 Address: 8-1 Minami-Yamate-machi, Nagasaki City, Nagasaki Prefecture
⏰ Opening Hours: 08:00 AM – 06:00 PM (Last ticket purchase at 05:40 PM)
3. Oura Cathedral
Oura Cathedral, located in Nagasaki City, was built to honor the “Nihon Nijūroku Seijin” or “26 Martyrs of Japan”, who were executed during the Azuchi-Momoyama period due to the persecution of Christians.
This place is an important historical site that marks the journey of Christianity in Japan.
Apart from its historical significance, Oura Cathedral also boasts unique architecture.
While featuring a Japanese-style roof and plastered walls, its interior is designed with Gothic-style vaulted ceilings and stunning stained-glass windows.
Whether you wish to visit for a pilgrimage or simply to admire its architectural beauty, Oura Cathedral is a perfect tourist attraction!
📍 Address: 5-3 Minami-Yamate-machi, Nagasaki City, Nagasaki Prefecture
⏰ Opening Hours: 08:00 AM – 06:00 PM (Last entry at 05:30 PM)
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4. Shimabara Castle
As one of Japan’s 100 historic castles, Shimabara Castle was built during the Edo period and has long been a famous spot for cherry blossom viewing.
With its magnificent architecture reflecting the Azuchi-Momoyama era, the castle looks even more stunning with cherry blossoms blooming in the background.
If you visit at night, the view becomes even more magical.
From the castle’s main tower, visitors can also enjoy a breathtaking view of Ariake Sea and Mount Unzen.
This place is a must-visit for your travel list!
📍 Address: Jounai 1-chome, Shimabara City, Nagasaki Prefecture
⏰ Opening Hours: 09:00 AM – 05:30 PM
5. Nagasaki Penguin Aquarium
The Nagasaki Penguin Aquarium is home to around 180 penguins from 9 different species, making it the largest penguin aquarium in Japan.
One of its main attractions is the adorable penguin parade, where penguins walk in their cute and unique way.
Additionally, there are feeding sessions and an observation area where visitors can watch penguins swimming in the sea. If you are a penguin lover, this place should be on your travel list!
📍 Address: 3-16 Shukumachi, Nagasaki City, Nagasaki Prefecture
⏰ Opening Hours: 09:00 AM – 05:00 PM (Open until 06:00 PM during the Obon Festival)
6. Huis Ten Bosch
Huis Ten Bosch is a Dutch-themed amusement park located in Sasebo, Nagasaki.
Covering an area of 1.52 million square meters, this park features European-style buildings, windmills, canals, and year-round blooming gardens.
At night, the spectacular illuminations and light displays create an even more romantic atmosphere.
If you want to experience the beauty of Europe without leaving Japan, Huis Ten Bosch is a destination you can’t miss!
📍 Address: 1-1 Huis Ten Bosch-cho, Sasebo City, Nagasaki Prefecture
⏰ Opening Hours: 09:00 AM – 09:00 PM (Operating hours may vary depending on the season)
7. Iki Island
Iki Island is a natural paradise that remains largely untouched by modern development.
During the summer, this island becomes a favorite destination for visitors looking to swim and enjoy various water activities.
Beyond its natural beauty, Iki Island also boasts many historical sites and unique tourist attractions.
From a culinary perspective, Iki Island is famous for its high-quality Iki-gyu beef and fresh seafood, such as sea urchins and tuna.
If you’re planning a trip to Nagasaki, make sure Iki Island is on your travel itinerary!
📍 Address: Iki City, Nagasaki Prefecture
Aside from these seven must-visit destinations, Nagasaki Prefecture offers many more breathtaking landscapes and historic sites worth exploring.
As one of Japan’s major trading ports in the past, Nagasaki provides a rich cultural and historical experience for travelers. So, are you ready to plan your ultimate trip to Nagasaki this year 2025?
