Nagasaki is a fascinating city with a rich history, but if you have extra time, there are several great day trips within easy reach. Whether you’re looking for scenic coastal views, historical sites, or relaxing hot springs, Nagasaki’s surrounding areas offer something for everyone.
Huis Ten Bosch – A Taste of the Netherlands in Japan
Travel Time: 1.5 hours by train
Huis Ten Bosch is a unique Dutch-themed park located in Sasebo, about 1.5 hours from Nagasaki by train. Designed to resemble a Dutch town, the park features European-style canals, windmills, gardens, and full-scale replicas of Dutch buildings. It’s particularly famous for its seasonal illuminations, flower festivals, and interactive attractions. Visitors can enjoy rides, VR experiences, and themed restaurants, making it a fun destination for families and couples.
Getting There: Take the JR Seaside Line from Nagasaki Station to Huis Ten Bosch Station.
Shimabara and Mount Unzen – Hot Springs and Volcanoes
Travel Time: 2 hours by train and ferry
For those interested in nature and history, a trip to Shimabara and Mount Unzen is well worth the journey. Shimabara is home to Shimabara Castle, a reconstructed samurai-era fortress, and the Samurai Residence District, where visitors can explore well-preserved traditional homes.
A short bus ride from Shimabara takes you to Unzen Onsen, a historic hot spring resort known for its steaming sulfur vents and natural hot baths. Mount Unzen itself is an active volcano with hiking trails and scenic views. The area played a key role in early Japanese Christianity and is known for its connection to the Christian persecution in the 17th century.
Getting There: Take the train from Nagasaki Station to Isahaya Station, then transfer to the Shimabara Railway to reach Shimabara. Alternatively, you can take a ferry from Nagasaki to Shimabara Port. A bus from Shimabara takes you to Unzen Onsen.
Gunkanjima (Hashima Island) – The Abandoned Battleship Island
Travel Time: 50 minutes by boat
One of Nagasaki’s most famous attractions, Gunkanjima (Battleship Island), is an abandoned coal mining island that once housed thousands of workers. After the mine closed in 1974, the island was left deserted, creating an eerie yet fascinating ghost town. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Gunkanjima can only be visited on guided boat tours that provide insights into its industrial past.
Getting There: Tours to Gunkanjima depart from Nagasaki’s main port. It’s best to book in advance, as weather conditions can affect availability.
Sasebo and the Kujuku Islands – Island Views and American-Style Burgers
Travel Time: 1.5 hours by train
Sasebo is a scenic coastal city best known for the Kujuku Islands, a cluster of 208 small islands dotting the bay. You can take a sightseeing cruise from the Pearl Sea Resort to explore the islands up close. Another highlight of Sasebo is its American influence, due to the presence of a U.S. naval base. The city is famous for its Sasebo Burgers, a local specialty inspired by American-style hamburgers but made with fresh Japanese ingredients.
Getting There: Take the JR Seaside Line from Nagasaki to Sasebo Station.
Iki and Tsushima Islands – Hidden Island Escapes
Travel Time: 1-2 hours by ferry
For those looking to escape to a more remote location, Iki Island and Tsushima Island offer stunning coastal landscapes, beautiful beaches, and a glimpse into Japan’s early history. Iki Island is known for its Shinto shrines, natural hot springs, and ancient burial sites, while Tsushima Island, located between Japan and Korea, offers hiking, fishing, and historical sites linked to Japan-Korea relations.
Getting There: Ferries to Iki and Tsushima depart from Nagasaki Port. The journey takes about 1 hour to Iki and 2 hours to Tsushima.
