Nagasaki Day Trip from Fukuoka: Complete One-Day Itinerary

Nagasaki is a historic port city about 156 kilometers from Fukuoka, located on the western coast of Kyushu. With a compact city center and relatively few tourist spots, it’s a great choice for a day trip.

• Nagasaki has a long history of international trade, especially with China and the Netherlands, which gives the city a unique multicultural feel.

• In 1945, it became the second city after Hiroshima to be hit by an atomic bomb.

• Shipbuilding and tourism are the city’s main industries. Locals are known for being friendly and laid-back, and the city has a generally practical political atmosphere.

• For many Japanese, Nagasaki is associated with three words: “tragedy,” “international,” and “slow-paced.”

by Roméo A. | Yuika Takamura

Getting to Nagasaki from Fukuoka

If you have a JR Pass:
Take a train from Hakata Station (Fukuoka) to Nagasaki Station. The trip takes about 1.5 to 2 hours, with a transfer at Takeo Onsen Station. This route is fully covered by the JR Pass. Without a pass, the fare is around ¥5,960.
Tip: Most trains have plenty of non-reserved seats, so advance booking isn’t usually necessary. Want more JR Pass info? Check here

If you don’t have a JR Pass:
The best option is the highway bus. It’s a direct ride from Fukuoka to Nagasaki, takes about 3 hours, and costs only ¥2,900. No transfers—just hop on and relax.
Tip: Tickets are available online or at station ticket machines.

Nagasaki Day Trip Sample Itinerary

Morning:
8:54 AM – Depart from Hakata Station (Fukuoka) → Arrive at Nagasaki Station at 10:32 AM
Walk 10 minutes to the “Nagasaki Ekimae” tram stop → Take the tram (¥150, 11 min) → Get off at “Atomic Bomb Museum” → Walk 5 minutes
11:00 AM – Visit 1. Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum (Allow 1 hour)
12:00 PM – Take the tram (¥150, 17 min) → Get off at “Shiyakusho (City Hall)” → Walk 5 minutes
12:30 PM – Visit 2. Meganebashi (Spectacles Bridge) (Allow 15 minutes) → Have lunch nearby

Afternoon:
1:30 PM – Take the tram (¥150, 13 min) → Get off at “Ōura Tenshudō” → Walk 5 minutes
2:00 PM – Visit 3. Ōura Church (View from outside; no need to enter)
2:05 PM – Visit 4. Glover Garden (Allow 1.5–2 hours)
4:05 PM – Take a bus (¥160, 10 min) → Get off at “Nagasaki Ekimae Minami-guchi” → Explore Amu Plaza Nagasaki (shopping/dinner)

Evening:
6:30 PM – Take a bus (¥160, 5–10 min) → Get off at “Ropeway-mae” (the cable car station is right next to the stop) → Take the Ropeway (one-way, ¥730, 5 min) to the summit
7:00 PM – Arrive at 5. Mount Inasa Summit for sunset (Assuming sunset is at 7:30 PM — check current time here)
7:30 PM – Take the Slope Car down (¥300, 7 min)
→ Then take a bus back to Nagasaki Station (¥190, about 15 min)
Alternative option: If short on time, take a taxi from the summit to the station (~¥2,500, 15 min)
8:20 PM – Take the train back to Fukuoka → Next departure: 9:18 PM, arrive at 9:56 PM

Map:

If One Day Feels Too Rushed:
Stay overnight near Nagasaki Station and return to Fukuoka the next day. Recommended Hotel: Dormy Inn Premium Nagasaki Ekimae Convenient location near the station, Free late-night ramen, and On-site onsen (hot spring)

Transportation Notes:
Both Nagasaki’s trams and buses accept electronic IC cards (e.g., Suica, PASMO, ICOCA). by Hiroyoshi Urushima

Top Attractions in Nagasaki

1. Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum

This museum is relatively small but offers a powerful look at the impact of nuclear weapons. Through photos, artifacts, models, and written accounts, it reconstructs the aftermath of the bombing and provides historical background on World War II and the events leading to the attack.

Hours: 8:30 AM–5:30 PM (until 6:30 PM from May to August)
Admission: ¥200 (adults), ¥100 (minors)
Recommended Visit Time: 1 hour
Getting There: Take the tram to Atomic Bomb Museum Station, then walk about 5 minutes to the entrance
Watch: Nagasaki atomic Bomb museum tour Historical Background:

• By the end of World War II, Japan’s military actions in China and across Asia had caused an estimated 19 to 35 million deaths. In August 1945, Japan still had around 7 million troops. U.S. military planners believed a full-scale invasion could cost 500,000 to 1 million American lives, with no clear end in sight.
• On August 6, 1945, the U.S. dropped the first atomic bomb on Hiroshima, killing 70,000 to 80,000 people that day. Japanese military leaders assumed the U.S. had only one bomb and continued their wartime plans.
• Three days later, on August 9, a second bomb was dropped on Nagasaki. That evening, Emperor Hirohito decided to accept surrender terms. Japan officially announced its surrender by radio broadcast on August 15.
• Originally, the U.S. had planned to bomb Kokura, an industrial and military city about 200 kilometers from Nagasaki. However, heavy cloud cover forced the bomber to circle over Kokura for 40 minutes before switching to the backup target—Nagasaki, which also had military facilities, including the Mitsubishi Shipyard.

2. Megane Bridge (Spectacles Bridge)

Built in 1634, this stone arch bridge is 22 meters long and 3.65 meters wide. It’s the oldest surviving stone arch bridge in Japan. The name “Spectacles Bridge” comes from the two circles formed by the bridge and its reflection in the water, which look like a pair of glasses.

Recommended Visit Time: 15 minutes
Getting There: Take the tram to Shiyakusho, then walk about 5 minutes to the bridge Tip: There are many restaurants nearby—good spot for lunch.
Watch: 長崎市「眼鏡橋」ドローン空撮

Photo Highlights:
by Tayawee Supan

Look for the heart-shaped stone hidden in the riverbank wall—fun to find and popular with couples.

3. Ōura Church

Built in 1864, this small wooden church (26 meters long and 12 meters wide) holds up to 200 people. It was originally built for Nagasaki’s foreign residents, mainly French. Due to its historical and religious importance, it is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site (see notes below).

Hours: 8:00 AM–6:00 PM.
Admission: ¥1000 (adults), ¥400 (high school students), ¥300 (children)
Recommended Visit Time: up to 15 minutes
Most visitors choose to view the church from the outside, as the admission fee is relatively high for such a small building.

Getting There: Take the tram to Ōura Tenshudō, then walk about 5 minutes to the entrance
Watch: 長崎市「大浦天主堂」ドローン空撮

Historical Background:

• Christianity was introduced to Japan in the 16th century and quickly spread, reaching around 300,000 followers. Nagasaki became its center. However, because it conflicted with traditional Shinto and Buddhist beliefs—and was linked to political unrest—it was banned in 1614 by Tokugawa Ieyasu. Churches were destroyed, and Christians were forced to give up their faith. Despite this, Christianity survived underground for over 250 years.
• When Ōura Church was completed in 1864, a group of hidden Christians (Kakure Kirishitan) came forward and revealed their faith. This event, known as the “Miracle of Ōura,” shocked Western missionaries and brought the church international attention.
• Today, Shinto and Buddhism are still the main religions in Japan. Only about 1% to 1.5% of the population identifies as Christian.

4. Glover Garden

Glover Garden is home to nine preserved Western-style buildings and several viewpoints overlooking Nagasaki Harbor. It offers a look at how foreign residents lived during the Meiji era.

Hours: 8:00 AM–6:00 PM.
Admission: ¥620 (adults), ¥310 (high school students), ¥180 (children)
Recommended Visit Time: 1.5–2 hours
Getting There: Take the tram to Ōura Tenshudō, then walk about 7 minutes to the entrance
Official Site: glover-garden.jp
Watch: Glover Garden, Nagasaki Japan What’s the story behind Glover Garden?
After Japan ended its long period of isolation in 1859, foreign traders were allowed to settle in Nagasaki. One of the most influential was Thomas Blake Glover, a Scottish merchant who played a key role in Japan’s modernization. He supported the anti-shogunate movement during the Meiji Restoration and later co-founded Mitsubishi and Kirin Brewery. His former home is now the main highlight of the garden, with furnished rooms and exhibits that offer a glimpse into Nagasaki’s international history.

5. Mount Inasa Sunset & Night View

Mount Inasa, standing 333 meters tall, was once named one of the “New Three Best Night Views in the World” by a little-known organization. Honestly, the night view is just okay—but the sunset is truly worth seeing. You can reach the summit observation deck by Ropeway cable car, Slope Car (an inclined elevator), or simply by taxi.

Hours: 9:00 AM–10:00 PM
Recommended Visit Time: 30 minutes.
Tip:

• Take a bus to Ropeway-mae, right next to the cable car station.
• Ride the Ropeway to the top (¥730 one-way, 5 minutes) and time your visit with sunset hours for the best view.
• To avoid the crowds when coming down, take the Slope Car (¥300, 7 minutes) instead of the Ropeway.
• For a faster return, you can take a taxi from the summit to Nagasaki Station (~¥2,500, 15 minutes).
• After descending, Take a bus back to Nagasaki Station (¥190 fare).

Official Site: inasayama.info
Watch: Mt.Inasa Nagasaki by Drone Phantom4 Pro

Watch: 长崎vlog｜自然风光篇｜稻佐山夜景

Hope you enjoy your Nagasaki adventure!
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