Dejima was the small fan-shaped artificial island built in Nagasaki Harbour in 1636 that served as Japan's only direct window to the West during more than two centuries of national isolation, first housing Portuguese traders and then, from 1641, the Dutch East India Company. Land reclamation long ago absorbed the original island into the surrounding city, but a multi-decade restoration project has rebuilt roughly a dozen warehouses, trading offices, and residences on their original footprints, filled with reproduction furniture, trade ledgers, porcelain, and scale models showing the island's layout at different points in its history. Visitors walk a compact loop through the reconstructed buildings, which include the chief factor's residence, a warehouse displaying original excavated foundations under glass flooring, and a reproduction of the short bridge that once connected the island to the mainland under armed guard. A visit takes about one to one and a half hours at an unhurried pace. Dejima is busiest with tour groups around midday, while evenings bring atmospheric lighting across the reconstructed streets, especially during seasonal illumination events. The site works well paired with a walk through nearby downtown Nagasaki, since it sits directly on the Dejima tram stop in the city center.
Good to know
- Hours
- 8:00AM-9:00PM (last entry 8:40PM)
- Best time
- Anytime; evening illumination is atmospheric
Location
6-1 Dejima-machi, Nagasaki, 850-0862
32.7440, 129.8724 View on map
Highlights
- Reconstructed Dutch trading houses and warehouses on their original footprints
- Excavated foundations visible beneath glass flooring in one warehouse
- Scale models showing the island's fan shape across different centuries
- Reproduction of the guarded bridge that once linked the island to Nagasaki
Tips for visiting
- Visit in the evening during seasonal illumination for atmospheric lighting across the reconstructed streets
- Allow about 90 minutes to see all the reconstructed buildings without rushing
- The site connects directly to the Dejima tram stop, making it an easy standalone stop
- Combine with a walk into Nagasaki Chinatown, a short walk away
- Free multilingual pamphlets at the entrance help identify each building's original function
When to visit
Evenings during seasonal illumination events give the reconstructed streets an atmospheric glow; daytime visits are calmer on weekday mornings.
Accessibility
Dejima's main walkways are flat and paved, and most reconstructed buildings have ramped entrances, though a few interior sections retain traditional raised thresholds.
Visit, book or contact
Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit take?
A thorough walk through the reconstructed buildings takes about 1 to 1.5 hours.
Is it worth it for kids?
The scale models and reconstructed rooms give children a tangible sense of history, making it a reasonably engaging stop for families.
Is photography allowed?
Photography is permitted throughout the outdoor grounds and inside most of the reconstructed buildings.
What is Dejima's historical significance?
For over two centuries it was the only place in Japan where trade and cultural exchange with the West was permitted, making it the country's sole direct link to Europe during national isolation.