8 Best Day Trips From Nagasaki [2026]

Name: Nagasaki
Address: JP

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.

Top day trips

Handpicked excursions within easy reach.

18 km offshore from Nagasaki Port

Hashima Island (Gunkanjima / Battleship Island)

Licensed tour boat from Nagasaki Port Terminal (Ohato). Book at gunkanjima-cruise.jp or yasashi-gunkanjima.jp. Cost: ¥4,500-5,500 ($29-36) including landing fee.

Highlights: Guided walk along three fixed viewing platforms overlooking the ruined mining town · Reinforced-concrete apartment blocks dating to Japan's earliest large-scale housing complexes · UNESCO World Heritage-listed coal mine shaft towers and sea wall · 50-minute scenic ferry crossing of Nagasaki Harbour · Narrated history of the mining boom and 1974 abandonment

45 km east of Nagasaki

Unzen Onsen and Jigoku (Hell Valley)

Bus from Nagasaki Ken-ei Bus Terminal (adjacent to Nagasaki Station) to Unzen Onsen; approx 1hr 30min; fare ¥1,750 ($11.38). Buses operated by Nagasaki Ken-ei Bus. Alternatively rent a car from Nagasaki (45 min drive).

Highlights: Jigoku (Hell Valley) boardwalk through steaming sulfur vents and boiling mud pools · Onsen-boiled eggs sold by vendors at the edge of the geothermal fields · Public bathhouses and ryokan day-spas with milky sulfuric hot spring water · 17th-century Christian martyrdom sites within the Jigoku grounds · Azalea blooms in May-June and maple foliage in October-November

80 km north of Nagasaki

Hirado Island (Historic Merchant Town)

Nishikyushu Shinkansen (Kamome) to Takeo-Onsen, then Kamome express to Haiki, then bus to Hiradoguchi/Hirado. Total journey approximately 2hr 30min. JR Pass accepted on shinkansen + express segments. Alternatively, highway bus from Nagasaki Bus Terminal direct to Hirado (3 hours, ¥2,000/$13).

Highlights: Hirado Castle keep with panoramic views over the strait · Dutch Trading Post ruins and restored 17th-century stone warehouse · Old merchant town streets mixing temples and a historic Catholic church · Matsura Historical Museum in the former clan lord's residence · Cherry blossoms framing the castle in spring

65 km north of Nagasaki

Sasebo and Huis Ten Bosch Dutch Theme Park

Nishikyushu Shinkansen (Kamome) from Nagasaki to Takeo-Onsen, then Kamome limited express to Sasebo; ¥2,810 ($18.27) unreserved. Alternatively, highway bus Nagasaki → Sasebo (90 min, ¥1,750/$11.38). Huis Ten Bosch is 10 minutes by bus/taxi from Sasebo Station.

Highlights: Huis Ten Bosch Dutch-themed park with canals, windmills, and flower gardens · Kingdom of Light illumination display running November through March · Spring tulip fields across the park's gardens · Sasebo burger, a local specialty tied to the city's naval base history · Kujukushima island cluster views and sightseeing boats from Sasebo

55 km east of Nagasaki

Shimabara Castle and Onsen Town

Ferry from Nagasaki Port (Ohato Terminal) to Shimabara Port; 1 hour; ¥900 ($5.85) one way — Nagasaki Ferry (095-822-1231). Shimabara Castle is 1km from the ferry port on foot.

Highlights: Shimabara Castle keep with exhibits on the 1637 Shimabara Rebellion · Bukeyashiki samurai residence street with a running water channel · Shimeikan spring-fed koi pools in a former retreat garden · Scenic 1-hour ferry crossing from Nagasaki Port · Cherry blossoms framing the castle walls in April

100 km west of Nagasaki

Goto Islands (Fukue Island)

Jetfoil (high-speed ferry) from Nagasaki Port Terminal (Ohato Terminal) to Fukue Island; ¥4,400 ($28.60) one way; several daily departures. Book via kyusyu-shosen.co.jp. Bicycle rental at Fukue Port for island exploration (¥1,000-2,000/day).

Highlights: Dozaki Church, one of the region's oldest Catholic churches built by persecuted Christian communities · Nagata Beach with white sand and clear water on Fukue's western coast · Goto udon, a hand-pulled noodle specialty unique to the islands · Kashiwazaki Park cliffside lookout over the East China Sea · Ishida Castle ruins in Fukue's old town

150 km north of Nagasaki

Fukuoka City (Half-Day or Full Day)

Nishikyushu Shinkansen (Kamome) from Nagasaki to Takeo-Onsen (23 min), then transfer to Kyushu Shinkansen Hakata bound (30 min); total 1hr 50min; fare approximately ¥6,200-7,000 ($40-45) one way. JR Passes valid. Alternatively highway bus ¥2,750 ($17.90) for 2hr 30min journey.

Highlights: Fukuoka Castle ruins and Ohori Park's pond-side walking path · Canal City Hakata shopping and entertainment complex · Kushida Shrine, home to the Hakata Gion Yamakasa festival floats · Evening yatai open-air food stalls along the Naka River · Tonkotsu ramen, a Fukuoka culinary specialty

120 km north of Nagasaki

Ojika Island (Remote Island Escape)

Train from Nagasaki to Arita (90 min via shinkansen to Takeo-Onsen, then Matsuura Railway). Bus to Tabi-hama Port. Then ferry to Ojika Island (1hr 30min; ¥1,000/$6.50 one way). Requires full-day commitment and ferry timetable checking.

Highlights: Kakinoura settlement's traditional wooden fishing village houses · Small Catholic church tied to the region's hidden Christian history · Coastal cliff walks near Kakigasaki overlooking the sea · Terraced rice paddies and quiet rural island scenery · Uncrowded fishing port largely untouched by mass tourism

Day trip tips

Make the most of your excursions.

Tip

Start early — most popular day-trip destinations get crowded by mid-morning.

Tip

Check return transport times before you leave — missing the last train or bus can be costly.

Tip

Carry water, snacks, and layers — weather and food options can be limited at smaller destinations.