Most commonly associated with its devastating WWII past, Nagasaki is a fascinating city with a far more multi-layered history than most visitors anticipate. Now a thriving modern metropolis, it's a popular business destination as well as a holiday spot for culture-minded visitors or families bound for the quirky nearby Huis Ten Bosch theme park. Accommodation options tend to be located within the city centre or close to the amusement park, with many of the best places to stay in Nagasaki offering flexible options for couples, friends or families.
Set on the western side of Kyushu, Nagasaki was originally a small port town with a long history of international trade. The Portuguese arrived in 1543, followed by the Dutch and the English. The 17th-century Great Fire of Nagasaki destroyed much of the city, but it recovered to become an important point of connection between Japan and the outside world. You’ll find this history reflected at Dejima Museum, the Oura Catholic Church and the Urakami Cathedral. To understand the traumatic impact and aftermath of the events of 9th August 1945, visit the Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum and the nearby Nagasaki Peace Park.
Outdoorsy travellers can hike up Mount Inasa for striking views of the city and coastline, stroll through scenic Nabekanmuriyama Park or Glover House & Garden, and cycle around Omura Bay. Big days out at the Huis Ten Bosch theme park, with its life-sized copies of old Dutch buildings, come highly recommended. Some of the best places to stay in Nagasaki are set along the river and leafy gardens of the park itself.
