There's no better way to experience a different culture than by exploring its food scene.
Nagasaki's food culture is unique in Japan with centuries of foreign influences that inspired its famous local fusion kitchen.
This tour combines tastings of the best Nagasaki delicacies and drinks with visits to interesting sites related to Nagasaki's food culture and its history, all customized to your taste, appetite and style.
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
Somewhere in the center of Nagasaki
- The most convenient place for you. Nagasaki Cruise Port, Nagasaki Station, the hotel you are staying at...
In this tour, the tasting of local delicacies is central.
Typically we will walk around town from one food or drink experience to the next and on our way we will see some city highlights, hidden gems, a market, the river, a temple, old sweets shops and things like that. I will tell stories about how the Portuguese, Dutch and Chinese came to Nagasaki and how they influenced Nagasaki's culinary tastes.
Example tour
Dejima
The Dutch trade post, through which many exotic food items were introduced into Japanese culture.
China Town
The Chinese merchants docking in Nagasaki brought with them a wealth of culinary delicacies as well, influencing Nagasaki's unique food culture.
In China Town we can sample Kakuni Manchu (Pork belly buns).
Maruyama town
The former courtesan quarters breathes history in every corner.
It is home to the famous 400 year old Castella cake shop Fukusaya and one of the most interesting restaurants in Japan: Kagetsu, where historical intrigue, Japanese culture and fusion cuisine come together. (Having lunch in this restaurant is not part of this tour but it can be arranged in certain cases and will typically cost about 200 USD pp.)
restaurant of choice
To get the best examples of Nagasaki's local delicacies we will visit 1 or 2 restaurants (depending on the time of day).
Hamanomachi
The oldest shopping district in Nagasaki is centered around a long arcade and houses many interesting shops and restaurants. Typically we will visit a market as well.
Spectacle Bridge and Nakagawa riverside
A nice stroll along the riverside with many historic bridges.
Matcha tea in Koufukuji Temple
One of the most beautiful temples in Nagasaki.
It is possible to enjoy matcha tea and a sweet in a serene temple room.
(alternatively) a sake tasting in a microbrewery
Nagasaki's finest sake brewery offers tastings of different kinds of unfiltered sake and amazake. A real treat for sake lovers
End of the tour
At your preferred location.
Ending Point
Anywhere in the center where you like to be dropped off
This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
Guide fee
A typical budget for eating and drinking is about 7000 yen pp (about 45-50 USD) This also includes something to eat and drink for the appreciating guide.
Of course, it can be more if you have a great appetite or you like to have an exclusive premium culinary experience.
All costs for your personal experience will be communicated beforehand.
In principle we'll go around on foot but if you prefer, public transportation can be taken. (8-12 USD per taxi ride)
Mostly, reservations need to be made in advance. Before the tour it is important that we discuss the various options that fit your appetite, taste and budget as well as any food restrictions.
Between 14:00 and 17:00 the options for savory dishes are very limited in Nagasaki.
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!
$237/ per group