Fantastic Creatures and where to find them in Nagasaki
A tour centered around the most interesting and photogenic creatures and other interesting hidden gems in Nagasaki.
As we walk from one temple or shrine to the other you'll receive a little bit of a crash course in Buddhist, Shinto and ancient Chinese mythologies. On our way we'll pass by a couple of Nagasaki highlights as well.
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
Information center in Nagasaki JR Station or Nagasaki Cruise Port
Twenty-Six Martyrs Monument
The Twenty Six Martyrs Monument and museum are dedicated to the twenty six Christians who were executed here on February 5, 1597.
Fukusaiji temple
Unique temple in the shape of a turtle with on top, a giant Kannon, the Bodhisattva of compassion.
Suwa shrine
Nagasaki's major Shinto Shrine, 400 years old and a centre of the local community. It is famous for its annual Kunchi festival.
Teramachi Cemetery
The serene and awe inspiring hillside cemetery is an enormous labyrinth with countless historical gravestones, Buddhist statues and monumental trees with many stories to tell behind every turn and secret corner.
Lunch in a restaurant of choice
Soufukuji temple
Designated national treasure, one of the most beautiful Chinese temples in Nagasaki.
Maruyama Machi
The former the chief courtesan district of Nagasaki in the Edo period, serving chiefly the Chinese and Dutch communities of the port city. A place breathing history in every corner.
the former Chinese quarters
This old Chinese settlement hides small temples and little treasures.
Dutch Slope
The many western style houses in this neighborhood are still witness to a bustling period around the time of the Meiji restoration when many Westerners settled in Nagasaki to kick-start the Japanese industrial revolution.
Nagasaki Koshibyo Confucius Shrine
Built in 1893, this is the only Confucian mausoleum constructed by the Chinese outside China. It features rare objects, national treasures and Chinese architecture.
Ending Point
Any place in Nagasaki center where you would like to be dropped off.
Want to personalize this tour?
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This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
Inclusions & Exclusions
Guide fee
lunch, including for your appreciative guide
public transportation about 1 USD pp.
entrance fees about 6 USD pp.
Tour Important Information
This tour involves a lot of walking and some stairs so please wear comfortable clothing.
Cancellation Policy
- Free cancellation - 8 days prior to meeting time
- 50% Refund - 3 to 7 days prior to meeting time
- No Refund - Within 2 day(s) prior to meeting time
About Tour Guide Armando V.
Hi there! I’m Armand. Living in Nagasaki since 2016. I am living a most relaxing life on my permaculture homestead in the hills of Nagasaki, where you get the best views in Japan. I love my town. As a dancer and actor I love telling stories too. And there are so many great stories to share about all the interesting people that once dwelled in this adventurous town full of historical intrigues.
Want to experience the rich Nagasaki culture? Eat the freshest fish of Japan? Make the most beautiful photos of hidden treasures and landscapes? Come and explore the town together with me.
I’ve made it my mission to get to know everything there is to know about this place.
Reviews
Kevin G.
“Incredibly Personable, flexible, & favorite”
Our day with Armando V was our favorite out of 6 days with other guides! He was so flexible as to schedule and taking us to location’s we wanted to see. He shared so much about Hiroshima that was personal to him and his family line which was impactful. And took us to special places like the Hawai’i ice cream shop. Overall, my family loved his tour the most and would highly recommend. We will use his services again!
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Armando V.
Thank you so much for coming to Nagasaki with the whole family. It was such a pleasure to get to know all of you lovable people and spend a great time together! I'm definitely looking forward to meeting you again to show you the rest of Nagasaki and its amazing history and hidden treasures. Have a wonderful time until then!
Ellen E.
“Nagasaki like I never Imagined!”
If you are looking for an amazing view of Nagasaki...not only the traditional sites but the backstreets, the people, the way of life, book a tour with Armando. His joy, grace and knowledge of Nagasaki of yesterday and today is unmatched. His humor and human touch was beautiful as Armando guided us through with personal stories which added an additional touch you won't find with larger tours. We asked for one of his favorites for lunch and he did not disappoint...topped off with a visit to his favorite ice cream shop. Armando...thank you for an unforgettable day.
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Armando V.
Wow, Ellen, Thank you so much! It was such a pleasure spending this wonderful day with you all. You are a special bunch! I really hope we'll meet again one day. I wish you all the very best and many more happy travels around the world!
Dan G.
“Nagasaki history walk and Atomic bomb museum”
Armando did a wonderful job giving us a walking tour of his city with personal stories that highlighted the determination of its people and its storied history as a major trade route city in the past. Guiding us through the Atomic Bomb museum, we left with an indelible impression of how fragile our world really is and that this event should never be repeated. He then took us through parts of Nagasaki that we expect most tourists never see, providing us with historical information through stories and a real sense of the culture and heritage of this city. We also stopped at his favorite coffee shop and walked through a colorful indoor shopping mall nearby. He is extremely personable and provides information that is educational and memorable. We were very appreciative of his guiding and, if we were in town longer, would have tried to find more time to spend with him.
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Armando V.
Dear Dan, Thank you for coming to Nagasaki. It was an honor to share my stories with you and have great conversations together. It was a pleasure to meet you. I hope the rest of your Japan tour will be memorable as well. I wish the two of you many more years with great and wonderful journeys to come!
$285/ per group
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