Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Nagasaki?

Q: Is a weekend (two to three days) enough time in Nagasaki?

A weekend trip is usually not enough time to experience the welcoming city of Nagasaki, so you may find yourself somewhat rushed. Or, perhaps you'll want to return another time experience everything that this medium sized city has to offer. You don't want to miss the main attractions such as the famous sights and museums, the restaurant scene, the nightlife scene, and the big city activities. Many tourists set aside two to three days for their visit. However, if your schedule only gives you a couple of days, we have a handful of recommendations to make the most of your weekend adventure in Nagasaki below.

Should you spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Nagasaki?

Many travelers spend two to three days in Nagasaki during their visit. After all, the welcoming city has plenty to explore such as the famous sights and museums, the restaurant scene, and the nightlife scene.

Nagasaki is set against a natural harbor and surrounded by hills. Many people associated the city with the nuclear attack during World War II. Today there is a moving memorial - the Peace Park - that is dedicated to those lost during the attack.

Do you have one or two days to visit Nagasaki? Here's our comprehensive breakdown of how much time you might need for your trip along with some suggestions for things to do.

Is one day enough time in Nagasaki?

Nagasaki, renowned for its numerous sights and attractions, is a major draw for tourists. So with one day, you'll probably feel rushed to see the main attractions around the city. You really need more time to appreciate everything that the welcoming city has to offer. Many visitors prefer to have two to three days to fully enjoy the city even though it's not huge. If you have one day or less, we still have some great ideas for what to do while you're in town.

How to spend a day in Nagasaki

Don't miss the Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum during your trip to Nagasaki, as it's one of this destination's most well-known attractions. You should make sure to set aside enough time to see it.

The restaurant and food scene here is top notch, so make sure you spend time at one of the local restaurants where you can taste the delicious cuisine. The city has a cosmopolitan cuisine which has been influenced by China and several Western cuisines. Popular local dishes include Chanpon (a noodle dish), Sara Udon (meat, vegetables, and noodles), and Kakuni Manju (pork belly on a dough bun).

The public transit in Nagasaki is fast and efficient. Over the course of a few days, you should be able to explore the city quite easily and affordably. The city has four tram lines as well as city buses.

Is a weekend (two to three days) enough time in Nagasaki?

A weekend trip is usually not enough time to experience the welcoming city of Nagasaki, so you may find yourself somewhat rushed. Or, perhaps you'll want to return another time experience everything that this medium sized city has to offer. You don't want to miss the main attractions such as the famous sights and museums, the restaurant scene, the nightlife scene, and the big city activities. Many tourists set aside two to three days for their visit. However, if your schedule only gives you a couple of days, we have a handful of recommendations to make the most of your weekend adventure in Nagasaki below.

Nagasaki, Japan (©Sue Ann Simon/©JNTO)

How to spend 2 days in Nagasaki

With a weekend (two to three days) in Nagasaki, you'll have a bit more time to enjoy everything that the city has to offer.

A number of fantastic museums and famous landmarks are found in Nagasaki, so spend at least one full day exploring those that look the most appealing to you. Nagasaki Peace Park is a moving tribute to those lost during the atomic bomb attack. Other sights around town include the Nagasaki Shinchi Chinatown, Kofukuji Temple, and Huis Ten Bosch.

A few tour suggestions include:

Gunkanjima Digital Museum Attraction Ticket ($12)

The nightlife scene is very popular here. After dark, head out to one of the many venues around town. The best areas for nightlife are the Doza-machi and Shianbashi districts. Shinanbashi is filled with narrow alleys and its easy to get lost.

More Info

If you're looking for more information about Nagasaki, we have even more advice to help you plan your journey.