GoWithGuideFind your perfect tour guide at GoWithGuide. Relax and cherish unforgettable tours with loved ones. Create personalized tours for a truly memorable trip!
GoWithGuide
GoWithGuideFind your perfect tour guide at GoWithGuide. Relax and cherish unforgettable tours with loved ones. Create personalized tours for a truly memorable trip!
Nagasaki Private Tour - Spectacles Bridge
Spectacles Bridge
Nagasaki Private Tour - A view from Suwa shrine
A view from Suwa shrine
Nagasaki Private Tour - Inside Suwa shrine
Inside Suwa shrine
Nagasaki Private Tour - Champon, Nagasaki local cuisine
Champon, Nagasaki local cuisine
Nagasaki Private Tour - Shianbashi / Doza area
Shianbashi / Doza area
Nagasaki Private Tour - Kinenzaka
Kinenzaka
Nagasaki Private Tour - Oura Church
Oura Church
Nagasaki Private Tour - Kofukuji-temple
Kofukuji-temple

One-Day Nagasaki Tour: Historic City Center and Hidden Local Gems

Highlights
Nagasaki Tour Guide - Shonosuke S.

Joined 2024

Shonosuke S.
5.00 / 5
(28 reviews)
Identity Verified
Interview-Based Quality Checks
Nagasaki
English, Japanese (Native)
7 hours
Private tour (only you and Shonosuke S.)
Up to 8 people

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!

09:00 AM

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!

12:30 PM

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.


***

- 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?

This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.

Inclusions & Exclusions

What‘s included

- Guide Fee

- Pick up Fee

What‘s not included

- 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
Nagasaki Tour Guide - Shonosuke S.

Joined 2024

Shonosuke S.
5.00 / 5
(28 reviews)
Identity Verified
Interview-Based Quality Checks

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

Greater than I can even put in words

I will start by saying that I am a travel agent and have very high standards as I work for luxury clients. This trip was for my own family of 19 people. 5 kids were under 4 years old. We arrived on a 13 hour time difference. You could imagine we were not an easy group for him, nor are we easy to please. Sho was a shining star both before and during our tour. In all the other cities we visited communication with guides was very difficult. He communicated regularly with me prior to the trip and answered all my questions quickly. Sho was quick, efficient, had good ideas, executed the day flawlessly, flipped between the sensitive subject of Nagasaki and the vibrant, fun part easily, and just simply made this our best day on an 18-day trip. He worked well with the pressure of young kids crying, had the foresight to figure out quickly who was interested in what and made sure that all 19 got what they wanted. I know this is not easy, yet he made it seem like it was second nature to him. I cannot find words to give him a high enough referral. Just know that when you can take 19 people with varying interests, lugging along 5 kids under 4 years old who are jet lagged, all while in extreme heat, you are doing everything right. And that was exactly what Sho did! Thank you Sho, we will remember our day with you with fondness forever. Sincerely, Staci Thomas and Family

Staci T.

Shonosuke S.

Hi Staci, thank you so much for your kind review and for visiting Nagasaki, the city I truly love! It was such a hot day, and with all the stairs and hills in Nagasaki I know it must have been tough for everyone. But the reason we were able to enjoy the tour was thanks to your family’s warmth and kindness. I honestly feel that I should be the one thanking you—for the gracious and joyful way your whole family welcomed me and made me feel like part of your trip. I truly hope you’ll come back to Nagasaki again someday—there are still so many beautiful spots and hidden corners I’d love to share with you. Until then, please give my warmest regards to your entire family!

Seeing the real Nagasaki

We had the privilege of touring Nagasaki with our guide, Sho, and it was an unforgettable experience. Unlike the usual tourist routes, Sho introduced us to the real culture of Nagasaki, sharing hidden gems and authentic local spots that we would never have found on our own. What stood out most was Sho’s genuine personality and thoughtful approach. He took the time to understand what we were interested in and tailored the experience perfectly, weaving in insightful stories and historical context that brought the city to life. Sho gave us a deeper appreciation of Nagasaki’s culture and community, far beyond what a typical tour could offer. His warmth, knowledge, and sincerity made the day truly special. Highly recommended for anyone who wants to experience Nagasaki in an authentic and meaningful way.

Michael S.

Shonosuke S.

Hi Michael! Thank you so much for your wonderful review and for visiting Nagasaki, a city I truly love! I’m thrilled to hear you enjoyed the tour and felt honored to introduce you to real and authentic Nagasaki life. It was such a pleasure to be part of your lovely family trip, and I had a truly fun day as well! I couldn’t help but think how wonderful it would be to have a family like yours—so lovely! And I have to admit, I’m also a bit jealous of that amazing party room in your house!! Please do come back to Japan—and to Nagasaki—again sometime!

Half Day Nagasaki Walking Tour

My daughter and I had a wonderful experience with Sho! His itinerary was excellent and he was so engaging and passionate about Nagasaki. His personality, knowledge and English were really great. We enjoyed the tour he gave us and having lunch with him as well. We would recommend him without any reservations. Thanks Sho!

Carmen F.

Shonosuke S.

Hi Carmen! Thank you so much for your wonderful review and for visiting Nagasaki, a city I truly love! I was so happy to show you around, especially the more local spots. I had such a fun and memorable time with you! I hope you’ll come back to Japan—and to Nagasaki—again soon! And I hope she gets the chance to work in Korea someday! :D

Want to Personalize?

$373/ per group

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