Explore Nagasaki’s Hidden Christian sites, where faith endured centuries of persecution. Discover sacred landmarks, blending Christian and local traditions, and uncover stories of resilience and devotion.
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
Somewhere in the city center
- If it is in the city center, I will come to pick you up (e.g., your hotel, JR Nagasaki Station, or the Nagasaki International Cruise Ship Terminal).
Nishizaka Hill / Museum of 26 Martyrs of Japan
Nishizaka Hill is the site where Christians were first executed by the ruling authorities in Japan, marking the beginning of Christian persecution in the country. It is home to a monument honoring their faith and the Museum of the 26 Martyrs of Japan, which displays relics, historical artifacts, and the history of Christianity in Japan.
The museum provides a clear and engaging explanation of Christianity and Hidden Christians in Nagasaki, making it an ideal starting point for your journey.
Admission Fees:
- Adults: ¥500
- High School and Junior High School Students: ¥300
- Elementary School Students: ¥150
*As of December 1, 2024. Please refer to the official website for more details.
(Optional) Nakamachi Church
The Catholic Nakamachi Church is a historically significant Catholic church located in Nagasaki City, originally built in 1897. Although it was destroyed by fire in the atomic bombing of 1945, leaving only the outer walls and spire intact, it was rebuilt in 1951 and still retains its beautiful appearance today.
Inside the church, a replica of the "Smiling Cross," associated with St. Francis Xavier, is displayed, leaving a profound impression on visitors. Additionally, the grounds feature a monument dedicated to St. Thomas Nishi and 15 martyrs, offering a glimpse into the history of Christianity in Nagasaki.
Nakamachi Church is close to Nishizaka Hill.
Admission: Free (*Donations are appreciated via the offering box.)
*As of December 1, 2024. Please refer to the official website for more details.
St. Kolbe Museum
The St. Kolbe Memorial Museum is located on the grounds of the Immaculate Garden Monastery, established in 1931 in Hongouchi, Nagasaki, by Father Maximilian Maria Kolbe from Poland.
The Museum features exhibits such as the "Room of St. Kolbe," restored to its original condition, the priest's liturgical vestments, his handwritten diaries, and materials related to the Auschwitz concentration camp. Through these displays, visitors can learn about Father Kolbe's life, his activities in Nagasaki, and his profound faith and love.
*From Nakamachi Church to the St. Kolbe Museum, it takes approx. 10 minutes and costs about 1,500 yen per taxi.
Admission: Free (*Donations are appreciated via the offering box.)
*As of December 1, 2024. Please refer to the official website for more details.
Lunch at Local restaurant
Let's enjoy lunch at a local restaurant!
*From St. Kolbe Museum to a restaurant, it takes approx. 5 minutes and costs about 1,000 yen per taxi.
* Lunch is approximately ¥1,000 to ¥1,500.
Ōura Cathedral
Ōura Cathedral, built in 1864 by French missionaries, is the oldest surviving wooden church in Japan and has been designated as a National Treasure and a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site. Known for its stunning Gothic architecture, it gained global recognition as the site of the "Discovery of Hidden Christians," where believers revealed their faith during the era of Christian persecution. It is a symbolic landmark of Nagasaki's Christian history and attracts numerous visitors from around the world.
*To reach Ōura Cathedral, you can take a tram and then walk.
The tram fare is 140 yen per person.
Admission Fees:
- Adults: ¥1,000
- Junior High and High School Students: ¥400
- Elementary School Students: ¥300
*As of December 1, 2024. Please refer to the official website for more details.
Urakami Cathedral
Urakami Cathedral was built by the people of Urakami, who inherited the faith of Hidden Christians. Completed in 1914, it was said to have been the largest church in East Asia at the time, but it suffered catastrophic damage from the atomic bombing in 1945. The cathedral was rebuilt in 1959 and stands in its present form today. On its grounds, remnants of the bombing and restored stained glass windows can be found, serving as a symbol of peace and faith that attracts many visitors.
To reach Urakami cathedral, you can take a tram and then walk.
The tram fare is 140 yen per person.
Admission: Free (*Donations are appreciated via the offering box.)
*As of December 1, 2024. Please refer to the official website for more details.
Ending Point
Somewhere in the city center (I will take you to your desired destination.)
This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
- Guide Fee
- Pick up Fee
- Taxi fare (Guide & Customers)
- Public transportation fees (Guide & Customers)
- Admission fees to facilities (Guide & Customers)
- Lunch (Guide & Customers)
*In Japan, taxis typically accommodate a maximum of four passengers. Therefore, for tours with four guests, the group size becomes five including the guide, requiring the use of two taxis.
* This tour involves some walking, so make sure to wear comfortable shoes.
* Please let me know in advance if you have difficulty walking, use a wheelchair, or have similar needs.
* Please let me know in advance if you have any food allergies or other dietary restrictions.
Hi! I'm Sho! I live in the center of Nagasaki city and work as a YouTuber, podcaster, and tour guide specializing in sharing the charms of Nagasaki.
Actually, I was born and raised in Yokohama, near Tokyo, and worked for about 5 years in Tokyo. However, I fell in love with the culture and history of Nagasaki and moved here in 2020.
Nagasaki has a rich history of international exchange and friendship, established about 450 years ago as an international trading port in Japan. Since then, many people from all over the world with diverse cultures and values have visited this city. I love these stories and histories of Nagasaki.
Nagasaki is often associated with the sad history of the atomic bomb, which is, of course, an important part of this city's history, but Nagasaki has much more than that. I'm looking forward to introducing you to the many charms of Nagasaki!
Nina R.
One-Day Nagasaki Tour: Peace Memorials and Hidden Gems
“A Tour witz Sho makes youngblood in love with Nagasaki”
If you want to get to know Nagasaki from its very personal side, you should definitely spend a day exploring the city with Sho. He loves this city and you can see that in the many little special places he shows you and the great information you get from him. We had such a wonderful day with him in Nagasaki that we also fell in love with this city. Ask him to visit the small cafe in the hills!! Thank you Sho, we would love to come back and tour with you!! <3
Shonosuke S.
Hi Nina! Thank you for visiting Nagasaki, a city I love, and for sharing your lovely review! I really enjoyed the tour with all of you, and I hope it became a precious family memory of your time in Nagasaki. Yes, that little café on the hill was definitely our highlight! :D (By the way, I hope the Starbucks cups you bought in Japan made it safely home!) See you again in Nagasaki or Germany!
Sridhar R.
One-Day Nagasaki Tour: Peace Memorials and Hidden Gems
“Nagasaki town highlights”
Shonosuke-San was a pleasant, thoughtful and pleasing guide to us. He tailored the day trip per our wishes and also suggested economical transportation options. The most interesting part of Nagasaki is peace memorial and the tram up the hill.
Shonosuke S.
Hi Sridhar-san! Thank you so much for your kind review. I’m really glad to hear that you enjoyed the tour and found Nagasaki’s highlights meaningful. I hope the clothes and shoes the ladies chose will be a perfect fit back in America! Please take care, and I hope we can explore more together in the future!
Jill P.
One-Day Nagasaki Tour: Peace Memorials and Hidden Gems
“Amazing day with our guide Sho! ”
Sho is an interesting, personable and knowledgeable young man. His love for Nagasaki comes through every description of landmarks during our day long tour. From temples to ropeway rides for spectacular views of the city, to tiny laneways filled with history and interesting stories. Sho knew it all and explained it with both love and humour. I would highly recommend this tour, especially with Sho !!
Shonosuke S.
Thank you so much for the wonderful review! It was a delight to take in the views from Mt. Inasa, try daifuku sweets at the shopping street, explore the hidden alleys of the bar district, and more! I truly enjoyed our time together, and I hope these experiences have become fond memories of your time in Nagasaki and Japan. Thank you again for visiting my beloved city, Nagasaki! I look forward to seeing you again, whether in Canada or Japan!
$280/ per group