To this day, traces of the Dutch legacy can be found everywhere in Nagasaki.
With many fascinating stories, this tour delves deep into 400 years of Japanese-Dutch trade relations. It shows how the Dutch lived here, what they traded, what technologies they introduced, who they dealt with, and where they went in the city. But above all, I want to show you how warmly the Dutch are remembered in the hearts of the people of Nagasaki.
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
Your Hotel Lobby
- I'll meet you at your Hotel, Harbor, Station, whatever suits you best in the center of Nagasaki
Dejima Museum
The iconic island of Dejima, which served as a Dutch trading post between 1641 and 1858 during the period of national isolation, is now an open-air museum with reconstructed warehouses and houses, allowing visitors to experience the lifestyle of the Dutch at that time.
Spectacle Bridge
This famous 400-year-old stone arch bridge is the first of its kind in Japan. It has nothing to do with the Dutch, but we happen to pass by it anyway.
Kotaiji Temple
A somewhat hidden temple, but one of the most beautiful in Nagasaki, with a special place in the cemetery for the daughter (and wife) of the famous VOC doctor and scientist Von Siebold.
Lunch / coffee break
With many nice cafes and restaurants in the area, this is a convenient place to take a break if needed.
Maruyama Neighborhood
Former pleasure district in the Edo period. One of the most interesting places in Nagasaki. It has an authentic Japanese atmosphere, beautiful houses, a special establishment that plays an important role in Japanese history, and a unique shrine with a surprising link to the Dutch that draws us there.
Nagasaki (Kojima) Yojosho Remains Museum
The site where Dutch ship's doctor Dr. Pompe van Meerdervoort founded Japan's first Western hospital and medical training center is now home to an obscure little museum in his honor that is definitely worth at least 10 minutes of your time.
Holland Slope
A beautiful street in the former international neighborhood with many unique houses, cafes, and an old photography museum. (Our hero Dr. Pompe van Meerdervoort also introduced photography to Japan.)
Ending Point
on a convenient place in Nagasaki center / Cruise Port
This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
Guide fee
*Museums: 730 yen pp
*Lunch (including for the grateful guide)
It involves quite a lot of walking, going up and down stairs.
If you find it a bit difficult, we can skip some stairs and make a shorter version.
On Thursday's this tour only starts from 11:00
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.
Kevin S.
“Nagaski Day excursion”
A full day very well spent with Armando in Nagasaki. He was very well prepared as to make sure itinerary was to our liking. Furthermore, very pleasant personality who went out of his way to accommodate our preferences. To say we enjoyed our day would be an understatement. In fact, we loved it. Highly recommended!
Armando V.
Thank you so much for visiting Nagasaki! It was so nice to spend a day with your family. I wish you many more pleasant travels!
Diane K.
“Customized tour in Nagasaki”
Our tour with Armando was great. He was very personable and knowledgeable about the history of Nagasaki. We visited the Atomic Bomb Museum, Dejima Museum (where we saw Geisha performers) and a delicious traditional lunch.
Armando V.
Thank you ladies and gentleman! Spending a day with you was a real treat. I wish you a wonderful time in Korea as well.
Derek E.
“Excellent walking tour of Nagasaki with Armando”
We had a fantastic walking tour of Nagasaki with our guide, Armando. He was incredibly knowledgeable, full of fascinating historical facts, and explained the city’s unique role as Japan’s gateway to the world with real clarity. We learnt about the influence of the Dutch, British, and Portuguese, as well as the politics of the shoguns, all while exploring the many “firsts” that began here in Nagasaki. Armando’s passion for history and storytelling kept us engaged throughout, even as we walked over 10,000 steps up and down the hills of this remarkable city. By the end of the day our legs were tired, but our minds were buzzing with everything we had discovered. Highly recommended for anyone wanting to understand Nagasaki’s unique vibe and rich history.
Armando V.
Thank you so much for visiting Nagasaki! You were such wonderful people to hang out with:-) I wish you many interesting travels for many years to come. And if you ever have the chance again to pass by, I will show you the other half of Nagasaki. Best wishes!
$217/ per group