Nagasaki, a coastal city in southwestern Japan, is known for its rich cultural heritage and numerous historical attractions. The city offers a range of accommodations, from traditional Japanese inns to modern hotels, so I am sure you will find a comfortable and convenient place to stay. Nagasaki is also a very walkable city, you can easily explore its attractions on foot regardless of where you decide to stay. In addition, public transportation is very good, including buses and trams that connect different parts of the city.
The city experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers and cool winters. The best time to visit Nagasaki is in spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November), when the weather is mild and comfortable. Nagasaki’s beautiful cherry blossoms in the spring and colourful autumn foliage make these seasons particularly appealing for tourists. Important to remember however that Nagasaki’s coastal location can make it susceptible to typhoons during the summer months, so be conscious of this when you are planning your trip.
Table of Contents
- Where to stay in Nagasaki? – Summary
- Where to stay in Nagasaki?
- Dozamachi
- Where to stay in Dozamachi
- Shianbashi
- Where to stay in Shianbashi
- Nagasaki Station Area (Downtown)
- Where to stay in the Nagasaki Station Area
- Peace Park Area
- Where to stay in the Peace Park Area
- Nagasaki Airport (Takematsu)
- Where to stay close to the Nagasaki Airport
- Getting to Nagasaki
- Getting to Nagasaki from Tokyo by Train
- Getting to Nagasaki from Tokyo by Plane
- Frequently Asked Questions
Where to stay in Nagasaki? – Summary
Best Nagasaki Neighbourhoods:
- Best area for first time visitors: Dozamachi
- Best area for couples: Mt. Inasayama (across the harbour)
- Best area for nightlife: Shianbashi
- Best area for families: Dozamachi
- Best area for shopping: Hamamachi
- Best area for history: Ouramachi (Dutch Slope), Peace Park area
- Best area for budget: Shinchi Chinatown
| ❤️ Best Area for first time: | Dozamachi |
| 💎 Best luxury 5* hotel: | Hilton Nagasaki |
| 🏨 Best mid-range hotel: | Candeo Hotels |
| 🛏️ Best budget hotel: | hotel H2 TRIP&BUSINESS |
If you’re a first-time visitor to the city of Nagasaki, the Dozamachi area is an excellent place to stay. It’s located close to all major attractions you would want to visit during your stay in Nagasaki.
Shianbashi is a popular area in Nagasaki for a night out, with several bars, restaurants, and nightclubs catering to a diverse range of visitors. The neighbourhood is particularly famed for its lively ambiance, traditional Japanese-style pubs called “izakaya” and karaoke bars. Shianbashi is just a few minutes walk from Chinatown.
If you are visiting Nagasaki for a romantic getaway, or just want to take a short, relaxing break, consider booking a room in the Garden Terrace Nagasaki Hotel & Resort, located at the foot of Mt. Inasayama. It’s the perfect romantic spot for couples. The resort boasts beautiful views of the harbour and the city.
You’ll find plenty of attractions in Shinchi Chinatown and the neighbouring areas to keep everyone entertained if you are travelling with your family. You will find the most amount of accommodations in Chinatown, and some hotels offer larger, family rooms.
If you’re a fan of shopping, you have to visit the shopping streets of Hamamachi. This district boasts a variety of shops, department stores (Hama Cross 411), and cafés. Shop for clothes, produce, local products and souvenirs in the Hamamachi Arcade, a large, covered shopping street, and when you need a moment to rest, grab a coffee and a slice of cake at one of the many coffee shops.
Ouramachi is a historic neighbourhood, known for the Dutch settlers who lived there during the 19th century. The Dutch Slope and the Oura Catholic Church are famous landmarks in the area. The Peace Park area commemorates the atomic bombing of the city in 1945. It includes several monuments and memorials to the victims and survivors of the bombing, with the Peace Statue being the most recognizable. You will find the Meganebashi Bridge in Uonomachi, 10 mins walk from Chinatown.
Shinchi Chinatown remains a great option to stay for those on a budget, although it’s worth noting that many budget hotels in the area have closed due to the pandemic. However, you can still find a few affordable accommodation options and get a good deal if you book early.
If you are still unsure where to stay in Nagasaki during your trip, pick a hotel in the Chinatown area. It’s well-connected to all the other parts of the city and have plenty of restaurants and bars around.
Where to stay in Nagasaki?
The central areas of Nagasaki city stretch about 3.5 km along the bay and the Uragami River. Where to stay in Nagasaki depends on your itinerary and what you are interested in. If you’re planning a trip to Nagasaki, here are some recommended areas to stay:
- Dozamachi – This area is the heart of the city and a great place for first-time visitors and families. It’s perfect if you want to be close to the city’s main shopping and entertainment districts.
- Shianbashi – Great area for nightlife as it has many bars and nightclubs. Maybe not so good for authentic restaurants.
- Nagasaki Station (Daikokumachi) – Quite a few hotels in this area. You will find the only 5-star hotel in Nagasaki here. In the small streets, plenty of no-fuss restaurants serving honest food.
- Peace Park (Iwakawamachi) – Few accommodation options here, but lots of attractions. Iwakawamachi has very good restaurants serving Japanese food from all over the country.
- Nagasaki Airport (Takematsu) – It’s a good area to stay for a night if you arrive late night from Tokyo and don’t have connections to the city. It’s very far from the centre, so you won’t want to stay here long.
Japan Rail Pass
The optimal way to explore Japan is with a rail pass that is available for durations of 7, 14, or 21 days, offering unlimited travel across the country. Shinkansen included!
Dozamachi
I must say, Dozamachi is an unusual area. Despite being the main hub for accommodations in Nagasaki, there are no specific attractions or sights in the area that you can visit.
The neighbourhood is very central, it’s a fantastic location to stay, and it is within easy walking distance to the main tourist attractions. You have an excellent tram system for your disposal should you not fancy walking. The trams are convenient, affordable, and easy to navigate.
In the evening, you can pick from a large selection of restaurants serving Japanese and Chinese food, as well as international dishes. If you fancy a drink, walk over to Shianbashi and grab a nice cocktail at one of the many bars.
Across the Harusame Street is the Hamamachi shopping district. The covered streets house countless shops and at the crossroad, you will find the Hama Cross 411 shopping centre. Further down the road, there is a Don Quijote discount shop. This shopping district is technically part of Chinatown, but it’s less obvious than the Shinchi Chinatown area. You will find some Western style restaurants, and fast food chains here, alongside local shops and mini markets.
Shinchi Chinatown, the oldest Chinatown in Japan and one of Japan’s three largest, is next door, literary 5 mins away. The streets are covered with hundreds of red lanterns and traditional Chinese and Japanese motives. Along the main road, you will find many beautifully decorated Chinese restaurants, some café shops and a few interesting souvenir shops.
While in the area, check out Futabaya a really cool Japanese sweets shop selling a wide range of sweets, cakes ad mochi. Their fruit jelly is absolutely delicious.
In terms of tourist attractions, everything is very close. For example, the Dutch Slope is 10 mins on foot (or 10 mins by tram). The Dutch Slope is a historic street, named after the Dutch traders who once lived and worked in the area during the Edo period (1603-1868). The street is also known as “Oranda-zaka” in Japanese, which means “Dutch Hill.”
Stay on the tram for one stop after the Dutch Slope to get to the Ōura Church. This is a historic Catholic church and UNESCO World Heritage Site, built in 1864. It’s one of the oldest and most famous churches in Japan, known as the “Church of the 26 Martyrs” due to the execution of Catholic converts in 1597. The church is a beautiful example of Gothic architecture and features a white facade, twin spires, and stained-glass windows. The centre feature of the church, the Virgin Mary, was brought to Japan by the Portuguese in the mid-16th century.
Surrounding the church is the Glover Garden. It’s really worth it to walk up the hill because of the amazing views of the harbour and Nagasaki from the observation deck. The gardens are lovely in the spring and autumn, and you can always sit down for a tea at the teahouse. Along the way, you will see old Western-style mansions occupied by Portuguese traders in the past.
In the opposite direction, just 8 mins by tram, is the famous Meganebashi Bridge. Also known as the Spectacles Bridge because of the two arches resemble a pair of spectacles when reflected in the water below. A UNESCO World Heritage Sit, it was built in 1634 and is considered to be the oldest stone arch bridge in Japan. The Meganebashi Bridge has played an important role in the history of Nagasaki. It was part of the old Nakashima River route that connected the port of Nagasaki with the rest of the city.
Where to stay in Dozamachi
You will find mostly 3-star hotels in Dozamachi and the surrounding area. All the hotels are tall, Western style hotels with slightly larger rooms than you might be used to in Tokyo.
This 3-star apart hotel features family rooms with air conditioning, a fully equipped kitchen, a flat-screen TV, and a private bathroom with bidet, slippers, and a hair dryer. There is a desk in each unit, and kitchenware, a microwave, a fridge, and a kettle are provided.
This hotel offers air-conditioned rooms fitted with a flat-screen TV and private bathroom. There is an on-site restaurant. The property has a pool, sauna, hot tub, and spa centre.
Click here for prices and book Candeo Hotels Nagasaki Shinchi Chinatown
The guest house offers air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi and shared bathrooms. Some units have a terrace with a city view. All rooms are equipped with a fridge, microwave, kettle, bidet, hairdryer, and wardrobe.
Shianbashi
Shianbashi, in a way, is an extension of Dozamachi but the streets are narrower, the bars and restaurants are a bit smaller. It’s a true nightlife place where people come after work to relax, have drinks and some food. You will find restaurants, izakayas, bar and clubs at every corner. Most places open after 4pm or 6pm and stay open until late night.
Shianbashi is a great place for a few drinks. Grab a carefully prepared cocktail at “Victor” or sing karaoke at iBex International Bar. The nightclubs usually open after 8pm and stay open until 2am.
The narrow streets get busy at night and while the area is generally safe, be aware of your surroundings and exercise caution.
Getting back to your hotel is easy if you are staying in Dozamachi. Otherwise, note that trams usually run until midnight. If you miss the last tram, you can hail a taxi on Harusame Street.
Where to stay in Shianbashi
There are a few hotels in Shianbashi, but I don’t recommend you to stay here. It’s going to be noisy at night, every night. Also, if you check prices, the rooms are very expensive compared to other parts of the city. So, if you are trying to figure out where to stay in Nagasaki, I personally would discourage you from picking Shianbashi.
The apart hotel offers accommodation with free Wi-Fi, full-day security, private check-in/check-out, and private entrance. Each unit has air conditioning, a flat-screen TV with streaming services, a fully equipped kitchen, and a private bathroom with free toiletries.
The apartment has a TV and a kitchen with a fridge, microwave, and stove. The bathroom includes free toiletries and a hairdryer.
The air-conditioned rooms feature modern decor, a flat-screen TV, a seating area, a desk, an electric kettle, and a refrigerator. The en suite bathroom has a bath, free toiletries, and a hairdryer. The hotel offers a coin launderette, luggage storage, vending machines, and a free-use microwave.
Nagasaki Station Area (Downtown)
When you first arrive to Nagasaki by train on the JR line, your last stop is the Nagasaki Station. Although this part is the centre or downtown area of Nagasaki, it’s fairly small, and you will have to walk or take the tram to access most tourist attractions.
If you decide to stay in this area, you get access to a good selection of restaurants in the main station building and across the road at Nagasakiekimae Station. This is also where you can get the tram to other parts of the city.
About 10 mins walk from the station, is the Nagasaki Museum of History & Culture, a modern museum that showcases the city’s cultural and historical heritage. The exhibits showcase Nagasaki’s history from ancient times to the present day, including its trading relationship with China, Korea, and the Netherlands, as well as the impact of Christianity in the region. The museum also offers insight into the effects of the atomic bombing of Nagasaki in 1945.
Behind the museum, surrounded by trees in the hills, you will find the Suwa Shrine one of the oldest and most important shrines in the Nagasaki that has a history dating back over 1,000 years. The main hall (honden) is known for its impressive architectural features, including its intricate carvings and use of natural materials.
Further up the hill, check out the observation deck at Tateyama Park overlooking Nagasaki Bay, and offering you stunning views of the surrounding area. During the cherry blossom season, the park is covered in beautiful Sakura flowers.
Walk to the famous Meganebashi Bridge, also known as the Spectacles Bridge due to its two arches resembling a pair of spectacles when reflected in the water, is located in the Uonomachi neighbourhood. This UNESCO World Heritage Site was built in 1634 and is considered the oldest stone arch bridge in Japan. The Meganebashi Bridge played a vital role in the history of Nagasaki, as it was part of the old Nakashima River route, which connected the city’s port with the rest of the area.
Once you have crossed the bridge, head to Kofukuji Buddhist temple complex. This is a Zen Buddhist temple built using intricate woodwork. The gardens surrounding the temples are stunning. Entry is from the North entrance, and there is no entry fee.
The station area is great for shopping, Amu Plaza Nagasaki is right in front of the station, offering local and international brands, some restaurants, and café shops. Alternatively, head to the Hamamachi shopping district, which is 15 mins on foot or 10 mins on the tram.
Where to stay in the Nagasaki Station Area
In this area, you’ll have a range of Western-style hotels and apartments to choose from during your trip to Nagasaki. While there are a few budget-friendly options available, you’ll also find Nagasaki’s only 5-star hotel, Hilton Nagasaki, right here.
This is a great place to stay as you are in between the two areas with major tourist attractions, with easy access to both. In the North, the Peace Park and in the South the Shinchi Chinatown, Dutch Slope and the Hamamachi Shopping District. Walk or take the tram to other parts of the city, the ride is fast and it’s very affordable.
During the day, the streets are busy, but it quiets down for the evening. There is not much nightlife going on here, but the bars and clubs of Shianbashi are nearby.
The rooms in the Hilton Nagasaki are air-conditioned and include a desk, fridge, TV, and private bathroom with a shower. Guests can enjoy a buffet breakfast and access to the spa centre.
Hotel New Nagasaki offering air-conditioned rooms with private bathrooms. The hotel features free WiFi, a beauty salon, massage services, and a lobby with free computer use. The 3 on-site restaurants offer a variety of international cuisines, while the Western and Japanese-style breakfast buffet on the 13th floor offers a stunning view.
The apart hotel offers full-day security and free WiFi throughout the property. Each unit includes a sofa, seating area, flat-screen TV, well-equipped kitchen, and private bathroom with slippers. The kitchen includes a microwave, fridge, stovetop, and kettle. Kitchenware is also provided for guest use.
Peace Park Area
At 11:02am on 9th August 1945 the second nuclear bomb was detonated over Nagasaki. The Peace Park and the surrounding museums are all dedicated to commemorating the victims and educating visitors about the devastating effects of nuclear warfare.
The Peace Park is located near the hypocentre of the atomic bomb explosion and was created to promote peace. The park displays a variety of sculptures, monuments, and memorials dedicated to the victims. The centrepiece of the park is the Peace Statue, a 10-meter-tall bronze figure of a man with his right arm pointing upwards to represent the threat of nuclear weapons.
The Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum and Memorial Hall features exhibits and artefacts that show the effects of the bombing, including photographs, personal belongings of victims, and detailed models of the city before and after the devastation. The museum also has an extensive collection of documents related to the development of the atomic bomb. The hall was built to honour the victims and to provide a place for people to come together and remember those who lost their lives. The large water basin in the centre is surrounded by walls inscribed with the names of the victims.
The Sanno Shrine one-legged Torii Gate is a symbol of the destructive power of the atomic bomb and was left standing after the explosion as a testament to the resilience of the people of Nagasaki.
Where to stay in the Peace Park Area
There are very few hotels in this area as it is further away from the centre of the city. Tourists come here to see the Peace Park and the museums, but rarely stay afterwards. If you are looking for a budget-friendly accommodation, the Iwakawamachi neighbourhood offers some saving opportunities. However, I strongly recommend that you check the reviews before booking. Despite this, the area can still be a convenient choice if you want to stay close to the attractions while also keeping within their budget.
The tram takes you to the main station in 10 minutes or 20 mins to the Dutch Slope and Shinchi Chinatown.
The rooms are equipped with various amenities such as a microwave, fridge, kettle, flat-screen TV, and a private bathroom with a hairdryer and free toiletries. The hotel provides air conditioning and a wardrobe in all rooms. Guests can enjoy a buffet or American breakfast during their stay.
This is a new hostel concept where you get Wagyu Beef for dinner. Check out the hostel website for more details: https://www.hostelnedoko.com/
Nagasaki Airport (Takematsu)
The airport is located within the Omura Bay, about 1.30 hours away from the centre of Nagasaki. Domestic and international flights arrive here, and you can take the Nagasaki-Airport Limousine Bus service to the centre.
Beside the airport, this is a residential area and not much to do. If you miss the last bus to the centre, there are a few hotels around the Omura Station where you can spend the night.
Where to stay close to the Nagasaki Airport
It is unlikely that you will stay near the Nagasaki Airport unless it’s too late (or early) to catch the bus to the centre. Check the bus schedule before booking your flight, as the last bus leaves the airport at 21:45 (spring schedule).
At the hotel, every room comes with a balcony and include air conditioning and a desk. The closes station is Suwa Station and you can catch the Express Bus from the bus stop in front of “Mori” Drug Store.
Situated in Omura, Omura Station Hotel features 3-star accommodation with private balconies, air-conditioned rooms with a private bathroom and free WiFi. The units are equipped with a kettle, a flat-screen TV and a hairdryer. The closes station is Suwa Station and you can catch the Express Bus from the bus stop in front of “Mori” Drug Store.
Getting to Nagasaki
To travel from Tokyo to Nagasaki, you have two main options: by plane or by Shinkansen to Fukuoka and then connecting to a local train or bus to Nagasaki.
Getting to Nagasaki from Tokyo by Train
- Take the Shinkansen from Tokyo to Hakata Fukuoka Station. This journey takes approximately 5 hours on the fastest Nozomi trains. The trip is included in your JR Pass.
- From Hakata Station, transfer to a local train or bus to Nagasaki. The journey takes around 2 hours by train or 3 hours by bus.
- Alternatively, you can take a limited express train called the Kamome, which connects directly from Hakata Station to Nagasaki Station. This journey takes around 2 hours and is also covered by the Japan Rail Pass.
Getting to Nagasaki from Tokyo by Plane
- Take a flight from Tokyo’s Haneda Airport (HND) to Nagasaki Airport (NGS). Flight time is approximately 2 hours.
- There are several airlines that operate this route, including ANA, JAL, and Peach Aviation. Prices for a one-way ticket typically start at around $60 (8000 yen).
- Once you arrive at Nagasaki Airport, you can take a bus or train to Nagasaki city centre. The journey takes around 45 minutes by bus or 20 minutes by train.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best hotels to stay in Nagasaki?
We have picked the very best hotels in Nagasaki based on their reviews, size of the rooms, location, and amenities. Here are the top 3 hotels in Nagasaki:
Dormy Inn Premium Nagasaki Ekimae
Grand Base Nagasaki Chukagai
Candeo Hotels Nagasaki Shinchi Chinatown
What are the best cities to stay in Nagasaki?
Nagasaki city is the best place to stay if you want to visit Nagasaki Prefecture. Wherever you want to go, you will have access to convenient public transport.
The best areas to stay in Nagasaki city are:
Dozamachi
Shinchi Chinatown
Nagasaki Station Area
Hotel near Nagasaki Train Station
There is a variety of Western-style accommodations and apartments to choose from near the Nagasaki Station.
Our top hotel recommendations are:
Hilton Nagasaki
Hotel New Nagasaki
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