Nagasaki has a long history of flourishing as a base for overseas exchange. For this reason, it is still a popular tourist destination today where you can feel an overseas atmosphere. In this article, we will introduce 7 nightlife spots that you should definitely visit so you can enjoy Nagasaki at night.
Highlights and characteristics of Nagasaki at night
Nagasaki has long been a city with active trade with China and the Korean Peninsula. In the 16th century, trade with Europe began to flourish. For this reason, it is now known as a city where cultures from various countries take root.
Even in Nagasaki at night, there are many tourist spots where you can experience the culture of various countries. You should also definitely take a look at the night view of Nagasaki, which has been selected as one of the “New Three Most Spectacular Night Views in the world”. Nagasaki’s nightlife spots are characterized by the unique historical background and wonderful night views that can only be enjoyed in Nagasaki.
Nightlife spots in Nagasaki
Recommended #1: Huis Ten Bosch
Huis Ten Bosch is a theme park that faithfully recreates the streets of medieval Europe. “Huis Ten Bosch Palace”, the iconic building in Huis Ten Bosch, is a palace recognized by the Dutch Royal Family. It is known as the theme park with the largest area in Japan, and you can enjoy a variety of attractions.
At night, one of the world’s largest illuminations lights up the city, making it a perfect photo spot. There are 5 official hotels in Huis Ten Bosch, so guests can enjoy the glittering city until late at night. For couples and families sightseeing, we recommend staying at an official hotel. You can enjoy the charm of Huis Ten Bosch to the fullest.
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| Official website | https://www.huistenbosch.co.jp |
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The most recommended night attraction is the Sky Carousel, Japan’s first Triple-Decker Sky Merry-Go-Round. The sight of it wrapped in illumination and shining brightly is very magical.
Recommended #2: Mount Inasa Observation Deck
(©NAGASAKI CITY)
Mount Inasa Observation Deck is an observation deck located at an altitude of 333 meters. Nagasaki’s night view has been recognized for its beauty and has been selected as one of the “New Three Most Spectacular Night Views in the world”, along with Monaco and Shanghai. Furthermore, it has been certified as one of “Japan’s New Three Most Spectacular Night Views”. The Observation Deck of Mount Inasa is a popular spot where you can admire the beautiful night view.
Although you can go to the observation deck by car, we recommend using the ropeway or slope car if possible. From the ropeway or slope car, you can enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view.
The observation deck at the summit of Mount Inasa at night is a recommended sightseeing spot for couples.
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| Official website | https://www.inasayama.com |
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At the restaurant “ITADAKI” attached to the observation deck, you can enjoy dinner while admiring the night view. Authentic course meals are also available, so it is recommended for couples.
Recommended #3: Nagasaki Shinchi Chinatown
Nagasaki Shinchi Chinatown is known as one of Japan’s three largest Chinatowns, along with Yokohama Chinatown and Kobe Nankinmachi Chinatown. Approximately 40 stores, including Chinese restaurants, Chinese sweets, and Chinese miscellaneous goods, are lined up at the crossroads with a total length of about 250m. It is an attractive spot with an exotic townscape.
There are many Chinese restaurants that serve Nagasaki’s famous “Champon” and “Sara Udon”. “Champon” is a noodle dish topped with lots of vegetables, meat, seafood, etc. “Sara Udon” is a dish of crispy fried noodles topped with starch sauce containing vegetables, meat, seafood, etc. Both are Nagasaki’s soul foods, so they are must-try dishes when sightseeing in Nagasaki.
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| Official website | https://www.nagasaki-chinatown.com |
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The Nagasaki Lantern Festival is held every year from late January to early February to celebrate the Chinese New Year. Nagasaki Shinchi Chinatown is also decorated with many Chinese lanterns, creating a fantastic sight.
Recommended #4: Shianbashi
(Source:（一社）長崎県観光連盟)
Shianbashi is Nagasaki’s largest entertainment area, lined with many restaurants. In the 17th century, Maruyama Yūkaku, a red-light district that mainly catered to foreigners, was built near this area, and it is said that the name “Shian” (translated as “contemplate”) came from all the guys who wondered if they should go or not to enjoy themselves.
Nowadays, it is lined with a variety of stores such as Izakaya (Japanese style pub), hostess bars, clubs, bars, and karaoke, but it still features an old-fashioned townscape. If you are interested in Japanese Izakaya and hostess bars culture, you can enjoy a variety of things by visiting Shianbashi. It is crowded with locals and tourists until late at night.
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| Official website | https://www.at-nagasaki.jp/spot/98 |
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Recommended #5: Glover Garden
In 1858, Japan (then the Edo Shogunate) signed treaties allowing to trade with 5 countries: the United States, the Netherlands, Russia, Great Britain, and France. As a result, foreign merchants flocked to Nagasaki and a settlement was created for them.
This “Glover Garden” is an outdoor museum built on the remains of the home of Thomas Blake Glover, a Great Britain merchant.
The European-style historical buildings that previously scattered Nagasaki city have been at the time have been relocated to Glover Garden, and you can now tour various structures. Also, since it is located on a hilly area, one of its highlights is the perfect location with a panoramic view of Nagasaki Port. This is a recommended tourist spot to experience the remaining Western culture in Japan.
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| Official website | https://glover-garden.jp |
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Recommended #6: Nagasaki Dejima Wharf
Nagasaki Dejima Wharf is a commercial complex that opened in 2000. It was built in the Nagasaki Port Bay area to commemorate the 400th anniversary of Japan-Dutch exchange. It is famous as a spot where you can enjoy a resort-like atmosphere while viewing the sea and night scenery.
The feature of this place is that it is located right in front of Nagasaki port, along with restaurants, bars, cafes, etc. located in the area, allowing you to enjoy the night view while dining. After dinner, taking a walk around the port at night is also a great idea.
Nagasaki Port is also the departure and destination point for the “Gunkanjima Cruise”, a popular daytime tour. Therefore, it is an easily accessible and convenient area for tourists to visit when they visit Nagasaki. How about enjoying the harbor at night on your way back from a Gunkanjima cruise?
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| Official website | http://dejimawharf.com |
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Recommended #7: Ajidokoro Yudokoro – Yoshicho
“Ajidokoro Yudokoro – Yoshicho” is a shop that combines a restaurant and hot springs. You can enjoy the famous Obama Champon, fresh seafood from the nearby port, and Obama Onsen. They also have the nice service that if you take a meal, you can enter the hot spring for free.
The interior is spacious, with tatami seats available as well. We recommend going with your family or close friends.
You can enjoy delicious meals and hot springs in a great location overlooking the ocean. It’s a good idea to stop by while driving.
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| Official website | https://www.yoshicho-obamaonsen.com |
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