Nagasaki is a port city on Japan's Kyushu island with a uniquely layered history — centuries of trade with China, Portugal, and the Netherlands left behind temples, cathedrals, and Western-style mansions, while August 9, 1945 marked it as the second city struck by an atomic bomb. Today Nagasaki blends solemn peace memorials with lively Chinatown streets, hillside tram rides, and some of Japan's most distinctive cuisine.
Do's and don'ts
Quick guide to local norms.
Do
- Greet people warmly and learn a few local phrases.
- Respect religious and historic sites.
- Dress modestly when visiting places of worship.
- Ask permission before photographing individuals.
Don't
- Raise your voice in public — it's considered rude.
- Touch people on the head or point with your feet in religious settings.
- Refuse hospitality without a polite explanation.
- Wear revealing clothing in conservative areas.