Nagasaki Prefecture lies along the southwestern coast of Japan's Kyushu region, surrounded by a myriad of islands scattered along its coastline. Embraced by the ocean and mountains, Nagasaki is known for its breathtaking sunset vistas that create a tranquil island paradise and its variety of fresh seafood from all over Japan.

 

Known globally for both its past and present, Nagasaki invites exploration into a unique blend of East and West, where ancient Japanese customs harmonize with the influences of European and Asian cultures. From the serene beauty of its gardens to important historical sites, Nagasaki weaves a rich tapestry of history, art, and spirituality that beckons travelers to immerse themselves in its compelling narrative. With the Oura Cathedral and other historical Christian sites, it is one of the few destinations that has Christian heritage in Japan.

 

 

In Nagasaki, visitors have the opportunity to engage closely with the abundant wildlife, observing these creatures in their natural surroundings. The experience provides insights into the animals' distinctive lifestyles and cycles, fostering an understanding of how to contribute to a more sustainable and compassionate world for them.

 

Nagasaki Bio Park

 

© Nagasaki Prefecture Tourism Association

 

Here’s your chance to meet the famous capybaras and other fluffy animals! The Nagasaki Bio Park offers an enjoyable and distinctive experience suitable for visitors of all ages. The park has over 200 species of animals as well as over 1,000 plants, granting a paradise for animal and plant lovers of all types.

 

Unlike traditional zoos, the majority of animals here inhabit areas designed to replicate their natural environments. Every aspect of the animals' natural habitats has been meticulously researched and considered at the Nagasaki Bio Park, resulting in an environment that truly reflects their comfort and well-being. The enclosures are open to visitors, and you can feed and pet capybaras, alpacas, squirrel monkeys, kangaroos, and more. There are designated resting areas within their enclosures for animals who need a break from human interaction.

 

When visiting the park, you can enjoy various events such as feeding animals of various sizes during feeding time, crawfish fishing during the spring to autumn season, or watching the capybaras in their hot spring baths with floating "zabon" (a huge citrus fruit) in the winter months (December to February). Additionally, children will definitely have fun in the petting zoo and watch guinea pigs cross bridges from one point to another.

 

 

 

Minamishimabara Dolphin Watching

 

© Minamishimabara Dolphin Watching

 

For those seeking to witness a one-of-a-kind experience, Minamishimabara Bay offers breathtaking scenery to remember. In the Hayasaki Strait lies the home of approximately 200 wild Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins. With its abundance of population, there is a high probability of seeing wild dolphins all year-round. However, with other uncontrollable factors like weather conditions, wave height, and their wild nature, there are days when sightings are not guaranteed. 

 

Minamishimabara Dolphin Watching runs under the slogan "Friendly to both dolphins and the environment." Their policies focus on protecting dolphins and allowing people and nature to coexist harmoniously. Dolphin watching is an opportunity to appreciate these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat and advocate for them. Because these dolphins are wild, the tour is only for observation, and feeding is not allowed as this may ruin the ecosystem.

 

There are two tourist boats available: a 34-seater and a 50-seater. Before boarding, there will be a 10-minute dolphin-watching class to educate guests about the dolphins and their habitat. For safety, all passengers are insured on the boat tour and life jackets are mandated. Reservations are required for this program.

 

 

 

 

Obama Onsen

 

© Nagasaki Prefecture Tourism Association

 

Situated on the western side of the Shimabara Peninsula with a picturesque view of Tachibana Bay, Obama Onsen attracts numerous tourists. With its name similar to the 44th president of the United States, President Barack Obama, the resort has used this opportunity to associate the name through souvenir towels featuring an illustration of him.

 

Located by the sea, Obama Onsen is known for its beautiful scenery and famous for its 100°C+ hot spring waters that emit steam throughout the area. The onsen is reputed for its medicinal properties that can help relieve conditions like neuralgia and rheumatism.

 

Among the main attractions of the Obama Onsen is the Hot Foot 105. This stands out as the longest foot bath in Japan, symbolized by its length of 105 meters and water temperature at 105°C. The foot bath faces the seaside that allows weary visitors to soak their feet while enjoying the expansive ocean view free of charge.

 

Just an 8 minute walk away from Obama Onsen, you can find Musigamaya, a restaurant that specializes in steamed seafood. Here, local vegetables and fresh seafood such as crabs, abalones, octopuses, are delicately steamed using the Obama hot spring temperatures soaring up 105°C.

 

 

 

 

Discover the unique and diverse local delicacies that reflect the city's rich cultural tapestry.

 

Izumiya Castella Cake

 

© Izumiya

 

When you’re in Nagasaki, you can’t miss the chance to try castella. Castella is a sweet golden cake with a fluffy and moist texture. Initially introduced to Nagasaki in the 16th century by Portuguese merchants, the cake has evolved over time to cater to Japanese preferences.

 

Izumiya is dedicated to sharing the distinct flavors of Nagasaki with a wider audience, meticulously baking the castella to perfection, and constantly innovating the line of castella sweets that blend various flavors with the traditional Nagasaki castella recipe. By using select local eggs for extra fluffiness and sourcing high-quality ingredients, including caster sugar, mizuame syrup, pure honey, and coarse sugar, Izumiya ensures an unparalleled taste experience. The skills and passion of their master chefs contribute to the unique and authentic taste of Nagasaki tradition in every product they offer.

 

 

 

Nagasaki Ikedoki Tea Tours

 

© Nagasaki Ikedoki Tea Tours

 

Are you a tea lover? If so, then you must taste and experience Nagasaki's delightful teas with Nagasaki Ikedoki Tea Tours in the town of Higashi-Sonogi. The experience offers a chance to indulge in a variety of local tea specialties, including the renowned tamaryokucha (a steamed curly green tea), shiraore (a mild tea twig tea), houjicha (roasted green tea), wakoucha (Japanese black tea), and more. Participants have the opportunity to visit picturesque tea fields overlooking Omura Bay, gaining insights into the tea-making process through a guided tour of a tea factory. The journey also provides a glimpse into the broader context of Japanese tea and the local history of Nagasaki and the Sonogi tea region.

 

Various tea tours are available for diverse preferences such as guided tours, group tours, or customized tours where you can include other destinations. Online tea workshops are also available for those unable to visit in person, providing an opportunity to learn about Japanese tea through virtual platforms.

 

The standard tea tour encompasses a comprehensive program featuring an introduction to Japanese teas and local history, a visit to tea fields, a guided tour of a tea factory, and lunch at a local restaurant. The tours are available at two locations, the main office and Meiji no Minka, which is in an old thatched farmhouse behind the local farmer's market. Booking this location comes at an additional cost of ¥2,000 per person on top of the normal tour price. Reservations are required.

 

 

 

Nagasaki transcends being a mere destination with its rich historical significance and a myriad of diverse attractions. It naturally provides a holistic learning experience through its profound connection and compassion for nature. Each destination serves as an embodiment of Japan's essence, captivating all your senses and crafting an unforgettable journey that resonates with the spirit and beauty of the country.