Glover Garden
📍 Address: 8-1 Minamiyamate-machi, Nagasaki, Nagasaki Prefecture 850-0931, Japan
Located on the Minamiyamate hill overlooking Nagasaki Port, Glover Garden is one of Nagasaki’s most popular tourist spots, exuding an exotic atmosphere. It features a collection of Western-style residences from the foreign settlement era, including the ‘Former Glover House,’ Japan’s oldest wooden Western-style building, which have been relocated and restored here.
Beyond simply viewing historical buildings, the true delight of this place lies in its ‘stunning views that leverage the terrain’ and the ‘joy of walking.’ The panoramic view of the port against the backdrop of Nagasaki city and Mount Inasa is picturesque from every angle. Although Nagasaki is a city of many slopes, the garden is equipped with moving walkways and escalators, making it easy to access the top comfortably. The classic route is to slowly descend while enjoying the scenery.
Additionally, the ‘Heart Stones’ hidden somewhere in the cobblestones are said to be a power spot for love, where finding and touching them will make your romantic wishes come true. Furthermore, from mid-July to early October, the Western-style buildings are lit up, transforming the daytime atmosphere into a romantic nightscape. If your timing is right, consider utilizing the free volunteer guides. They can share fascinating historical anecdotes not found in captions, significantly enhancing your sightseeing experience.
Dejima
📍 Address: 6-1 Dejima-machi, Nagasaki, Nagasaki Prefecture 850-0862, Japan
For approximately 218 years during the Edo period, ‘Dejima’ was Japan’s sole window to the West. Although the surrounding area has been reclaimed and it’s no longer an island, Nagasaki City has faithfully restored the buildings and landscape of that era. Stepping onto Dejima feels like a time warp to the 19th century.
A definite must-visit is the ‘Chief Factor’s Room,’ which was the residence of the head of the Dutch Trading Post. This beautiful fusion of Japanese and Western styles, with traditional karakami wallpaper harmoniously blended with Western antique furniture, offers a glimpse into the highest-class living of the time. Just imagining ‘what views the Chief Factor saw from here’ evokes an undeniable sense of historical romance.
There’s also a ‘Mini Dejima’ on site, replicating Dejima as it was back then, which helps deepen your understanding if you explore it after getting an overview. Since it’s open until 9 PM, strolling through the nostalgically lit streets at night is another profound way to enjoy the area.
Spectacles Bridge (Meganebashi Bridge)
📍 Address: 2 Uonomachi, Nagasaki, Nagasaki Prefecture 850-0874, Japan
Built in 1634, this is Japan’s first arch-style stone bridge and a nationally designated Important Cultural Property. Its name, ‘Meganebashi’ (Spectacles Bridge), comes from its reflection in the river, which creates a double circle resembling a pair of spectacles. On calm, windless days, you can capture a stunning photo of its perfectly round ‘spectacles’ shape.
The fun here isn’t limited to gazing at the scenery from the bridge. When the water level is low, you can descend stairs to the riverbank and stroll along the water’s edge by crossing stepping stones. Similar to Glover Garden, several ‘Heart Stones’ are hidden in the stone walls of the embankment. One particular spot, known only to a few, is a photogenic location where a stone in the upper right resembles the letter ‘i,’ allowing you to capture an ‘i♡YOU’ composition when photographed from an angle.
During the ‘Nagasaki Lantern Festival,’ a winter tradition, the ‘yellow lanterns’ displayed specifically around Nakashima River reflect on the water, creating a breathtakingly magical scene. Its proximity to Chinatown and the arcade shopping streets makes it a perfect spot to casually drop by during a city stroll.
Peace Statue
📍 Address: 9 Matsuyama-machi, Nagasaki, Nagasaki Prefecture 852-8118, Japan
A symbol of peace in Nagasaki, this is a place of prayer that all Japanese people, and indeed people worldwide, should visit at least once. The bronze statue, approximately 9.7 meters tall and weighing about 30 tons, was created by Seibo Kitamura, a sculptor from Nagasaki Prefecture.
The right hand, pointing vertically to the sky, symbolizes the ‘threat of the atomic bomb.’ The left hand, extended horizontally, represents ‘peace.’ The gently closed eyes signify ‘praying for the repose of the atomic bomb victims.’ Standing before the statue, its immense size and solemn atmosphere naturally straighten one’s posture and deeply impress upon us the preciousness of peace, which should never be taken for granted.
Nearby, the ‘Fountain of Peace’ bears an inscription from the diary of a young girl who died shortly after the bombing, pleading ‘Water, water.’ The optimal route to deeply understand the message of Nagasaki is to visit Peace Park in the quiet morning hours, when there are fewer people, to compose your thoughts, and then proceed to the adjacent ‘Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum.’
Nabekanmuriyama Observatory
📍 Address: 2-144-1 Izumo, Nagasaki, Nagasaki Prefecture 850-0924, Japan
It’s said that ‘tourists go to Mount Inasa, but locals go to Mount Nabekanmuriyama,’ making this a highly recommended hidden gem for night views among Nagasaki residents. At an elevation of 169m, about half the height of Mount Inasa (333m), its main feature is that the city lights, Megami Ohashi Bridge, and ships docked in the harbor feel immediately close, allowing you to enjoy a more ‘three-dimensional and dynamic night view.’
Unlike the intense crowds at Mount Inasa, a pleasant aspect is being able to quietly monopolize the gradient from magic hour to the night view. The observatory itself was beautifully renovated in 2016, offering a breathtaking panorama that you’ll want to gaze at forever while feeling the sea breeze.
Access is about a 10-15 minute walk after transferring from the ‘Ishibashi Station’ tram to the Glover Sky Road (sloped elevator). However, the path to the observatory involves narrow, steep stairs and slopes, so comfortable sneakers are essential. While caution is needed in the dark, the jeweled cityscape awaiting you after the strenuous climb will undoubtedly become a lifelong memory.
Nagasaki Sightseeing Tips to Enjoy 120%
Nagasaki is known as a ‘city of slopes,’ and many major tourist spots are located on hills or inclines. Therefore, the smart way to get around is to cleverly combine tram rides (a one-day pass is highly recommended!), sloped elevators like the Glover Sky Road, and walking.
Furthermore, when visiting historical spots, a little bit of prior knowledge about their background (e.g., why Dejima was built, why Western-style houses line the Minamiyamate area) will multiply your on-site experience. With its exotic streets, prayers for peace, and breathtaking scenery, Nagasaki boasts multifaceted charms. Be sure to fully immerse yourself in them with all five senses.
