One-Day Nagasaki Tour: Historic City Center and Hidden Local Gems
This is a walking tour that takes you through the city center of Nagasaki, covering both iconic landmarks and hidden gems you wouldn't discover without a guide. The city center of Nagasaki is compact, making it perfect for exploring on foot. Of course, if you get tired, we can always take a taxi or tram!
This tour does not include a visit to the Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum. If you would like to visit, please check out my other tour, "One-Day Nagasaki Tour: Peace Memorials and Hidden Gems."
Itinerary
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). On the day of your visit, I will be waiting at the meeting point holding a sign with your name on it. Two days before the tour, our phone numbers will be shared via GoWithGuide, and I hope we can also communicate on the day using apps like WhatsApp. * It costs approximately 1,500 to 2,000 yen per taxi to get to Suwa Shrine or the Tateyama District from a location in the city center.
(Optional) Tateyama District
Nagasaki is known as "the city of slopes"! Let's start exploring local areas by walking down the slopes! Enjoy the great views of Nagasaki’s sloping areas and catch a glimpse of local life.
Note:
There are a few stairs to climb (just a little) and (mostly) descend in this area, so if you’re not confident in your legs, feel free to skip this part.
Suwa Shrine
Suwa Shrine is the most famous shrine in Nagasaki. It is very beautiful and photogenic, offering a wonderful opportunity to capture memorable photos.
Admission: Free (*Donations are appreciated via the offering box.)
*As of December 1, 2024. Please refer to the official website for more details.
Shindaiku-machi shopping street
A super local shopping street where you can truly experience everyday life in Nagasaki. It's located near Suwa Shrine.
(Optional) The Observation Deck on the 19th Floor of Nagasaki City Hall
From this observation deck, you can enjoy a panoramic view of Nagasaki. The scenery before you vividly showcases Nagasaki as both a "port city" and a "city of slopes."
Admission: Free
*As of December 1, 2024. Please refer to the official website for more details.
(Optional) Teramachi Street
Teramachi Street, as the name suggests ("teramachi" means "temple town"), is a street lined with many temples, hosting 14 temples and 2 shrines. Among them, the Chinese style Kofukuji Temple, well-known for its vermilion gate, comes highly recommended.
(Optional) Kofukuji Temple
Kofukuji Temple is famous for its Chinese-style architecture and its striking vermilion gate. Admission fee is 300 yen per person.
Admission Fees:
- Adults: ¥300
- Junior High and High School Students: ¥200
- Elementary School Students: ¥100
*As of December 1, 2024. Please refer to the official website for more details.
Naka-dori shopping street / Hamanomachi shopping street
Nakadori Shopping Street is the oldest shopping street in Nagasaki, with a history of 400 years. It is lined with unique and local shops such as Japanese sweets stores, tea shops, fruit vendors, and more. Enjoy strolling and shopping around!
Lunch at Local restaurant
Let's enjoy lunch at a local restaurant!
Lunch is approximately ¥1,000 to ¥2,000.
(Optional) Mt. Inasa Observatory
Mt. Inasa Observatory provides stunning panoramic views of Nagasaki City and its harbor. Visiting during the day lets you enjoy clear views of the cityscape, the surrounding hills, and the waterfront.
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- From the city center to the Ropeway station
Taxi: around 1,000–1,500 yen per vehicle
- Ropeway fare (round trip):
Adults: 1,250 yen
Junior & Senior High School Students: 940 yen
Elementary School & Young Children: 620 yen
- From the Ropeway station back to the city center
Taxi: around 1,000–1,500 yen per vehicle
(Optional) Local coffee shop
I'll take you to my favorite coffee shop. (Don't worry if you can't drink coffee; there are other drinks on the menu as well.) Let's enjoy some relaxed time.
Nagasaki China Town
Nagasaki China Town, one of Japan's three major Chinatowns, is a lively area filled with Chinese restaurants, shops, and temples. Famous for dishes like champon, it showcases the city's multicultural heritage.
From around chinatown, it costs approximately 1,000 yen per car to take a taxi back to the cruise ship terminal.
(Optional)Nagasaki Seaside Park
Nagasaki Seaside Park is a spacious urban park along Nagasaki Harbor. It features lush green lawns and walking paths, making it perfect for picnics and strolls. Visitors can relax while enjoying harbor views.
The former Nagasaki Foreign Settlement
The former Nagasaki Foreign Settlement is a historic area showcasing 19th-century Western influence. Key sites include Oura Church, Japan's oldest surviving Christian church, and Glover Garden, a picturesque collection of Western-style homes and gardens that reflect the lives of foreign residents of the era.
Glover Garden Admission Fees:
- Adults: ¥620
- High School Students: ¥310
- Elementary and Junior High School Students: ¥180
*As of December 1, 2024. Please refer to the official website for more details.
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.
Ending Point
Somewhere in the city center (I will take you to your desired destination.)
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
- Pick up Fee
- Taxi fare (Guide & Customers)
- Public transportation fees (Guide & Customers)
- Admission fees to facilities (Guide & Customers)
- Lunch (Guide & Customers)
Tour Important Information
* This tour involves a lot of walking, so please wear comfortable shoes. If you have any difficulty with walking or stairs, please let me know—I’ll be happy to adjust the route and transportation accordingly!
*Approximate public transportation costs:
- Tram: 150 yen per ride
- Bus: 150–200 yen per ride
- Taxi:
-> Short distances: around 1,000–1,500 yen per vehicle (e.g., getting around central Nagasaki)
-> Long distances: around 2,000–2,500 yen per vehicle (e.g., from the cruise ship terminal to the Atomic Bomb Museum)
*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.
* Please let me know in advance if you have any food allergies or other dietary restrictions.
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 Shonosuke S.
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!
Reviews
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Andy B.
“An unforgettable experience ”
Sho is not only the nicest guy you can imagine, he is also very knowledgeable. He brings you to places where you can enjoy real life in Nagasaki and get to interact with locals. When going to Nagasaki, do not hesitate to call Sho. He will make the trip unforgettable!
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Shonosuke S.
Hi Andy! Thank you so much for your wonderful review and for visiting Nagasaki — a city I truly love! I’m really glad I could show you what everyday life in Nagasaki is really like. I hope it becomes one of your great memories from your time in Japan. Enjoy the rest of your trip to Kumamoto and Kagoshima! :) See you again!
John M.
“Best possible guide”
You can’t possibly ask for a better guide. Knowledgeable and quite an expert on Nagasaki. A delightful person, who guides you effortlessly through a carefully planned itinerary, and adapting to requests perfectly. I would give six stars if available..
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Shonosuke S.
Hi John! Thank you so much for your kind review and for visiting Nagasaki — a city I truly love! I had an amazing day thanks to you, and I’m so glad you enjoyed the tour, especially the garden and the art museum! I hope it became one of your wonderful memories in Japan. Have an amazing cruise, and see you again!
Joel L.
“great day in Nagasaki”
Really enjoyed being guided by our friend "Sho". he showed us around with lots of patience and ability down to little details and always with a great smile. Thanks for a lovely day.
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Shonosuke S.
Hi Joel! Thank you so much for your kind review! I’m really glad we could spend such a wonderful time together. I hope your time in Nagasaki became a memorable part of your trip. Looking forward to seeing you all again someday!
$353/ per group
More tours by Shonosuke S.
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One-Day Nagasaki Tour: Peace Memorials and Hidden Gems
Let’s enjoy a one-day tour in Nagasaki! We’ll start with must-see spots like the Atomic Bomb Museum, Hypocenter, and Peace Park, then explore some hidden gems around the city. The tour is flexible, especially after lunch—food, cafes, shopping, museums, scenic views, or hidden spots, just let me know your interests! “Optional” stops are included only if time allows or if you’d like to visit them.
One-Day Nagasaki Tour: Peace Memorials and Hidden Gems
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Dive into Local! / Half-Day Nagasaki Walking Tour
Let's explore Nagasaki's local and hidden areas that are unreachable without a local guide! In 3~4 hours, we'll mainly walk around the following 3 areas: 1) Tateyama District: Walking down the slopes of the hillside residential areas in Nagasaki. 2) Suwa Shrine: Discovering the most famous shrine in Nagasaki. 3) Nakadori Shopping Street: Exploring the oldest shopping street in Nagasaki with a 400-year history. *The tour can be flexibly adjusted according to the customer's requests.
Dive into Local! / Half-Day Nagasaki Walking Tour
Hidden Christians of Nagasaki: A Journey Through Faith and Endurance
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.
Hidden Christians of Nagasaki: A Journey Through Faith and Endurance
Other Popular Highlights Tours in Nagasaki
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One-Day Nagasaki Tour: Peace Memorials and Hidden Gems
Let’s enjoy a one-day tour in Nagasaki! We’ll start with must-see spots like the Atomic Bomb Museum, Hypocenter, and Peace Park, then explore some hidden gems around the city. The tour is flexible, especially after lunch—food, cafes, shopping, museums, scenic views, or hidden spots, just let me know your interests! “Optional” stops are included only if time allows or if you’d like to visit them.
One-Day Nagasaki Tour: Peace Memorials and Hidden Gems
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A One-Day Tour in Nagasaki
Enjoy a seven-hour tour in Nagasaki! Atomic Bomb Museum, Hypocenter, and Peace Park are must-see places. Let's wish for world peace, and vow that such a tragic war would never be repeated. Then we will go to Mt. Inasa by ropeway or slope car. Enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of our city and the surrounding area from its summit. Next let's visit our unique streets with several bridges, temples, and the oldest arcade in the city!!
A One-Day Tour in Nagasaki
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The local history in Nagasaki about the damage by the atomic bomb
On 1945 August 9th, the city was damaged by the atomic bomb. In this tour, not only the atomic bomb museum & the Peace Park, some local places are available to vist. However, the Shiroyama elementary school museum is closed after the peace ceremony on August 9th, 2025, because of Seismic reinforcement work for a few years. So until the day August 6th, this school museum is included in this tour. (August 7th to 9th are not on sale because I'm an attendee of the peace ambassador for the ceremony.)
The local history in Nagasaki about the damage by the atomic bomb
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