Flight Destinations
Flights to Nagasaki
Destinations in Japan
Known throughout the world as the site of the World War II atomic bombing, Nagasaki has many other attractions and sights to offer for the tourist besides its unique place in history.
Flights to Nagasaki
The Nagasaki Airport (airport code: NGS) is just outside Nagasaki but technically in the town of Omura. Flights to Nagasaki from London are quite limited, and your only option is a 2-stop flight with Lufthansa that goes through Frankfurt and Nagoya. You will get more options if you arrive at the Narita Airport (code: NRT) in Tokyo. From Tokyo, you can get a domestic or charter flight to Nagasaki with Skynet Asia Airways. One-stop flights to Tokyo are available with KLM, Turkish Airlines and Air France. Virgin Atlantic goes to Tokyo non-stop.
Nagasaki Tourist Attractions
Nagasaki Penguin Aquarium
You can see 8 different species of penguins at the aquarium, including the Antarctic King Penguin and the Australian Little Penguin. The enclosures are very natural and you can even get out on the water with a kayak.
Gunkanjima
Gunkanjima is an unusual tour, where you can see a completely abandoned city on the island of Hashima. A 15-acre mining complex and accompanying residences have been abandoned since 1974, and has been opened for tourism in recent years. Buildings in various states of ruin are part of the tour, appealing to people who enjoy seeing unusual areas that are normally unseen. Only one company offers these tours, so you should reserve a place before your trip.
Nagasaki Museum of History and Culture
This Nagasaki Museum showcases how the city connected with the rest of the world during the isolationist period of Japan. Many items are on loan from other nations, and exhibits focus on how other countries influenced Nagasaki's history. The museum is open daily except for the third Tuesday of each month.
Atomic Bomb Museum
Though not the most cheerful of destinations, you can't come to Nagasaki and not visit the Atomic Bomb museum. It holds the history of the bombing of Nagasaki and also serves as a memorial to those who died. The museum is at 7-8 Hirano-machi and there is a small fee for admission.
Sofuku-ji Zen Temple
Built in 1629, the Sofuku-ji Temple was built in the Chinese style and is still an active Buddhist temple today. The temple has large classic red gates, large statuary and the temple grounds are well-manicured. It's open for visitors every day of the year.
Oura Church
This is the oldest Catholic church in all of Japan, and has been designated as a national treasure. The wooden church was originally built in 1864 but has been renovated since then and is now a Gothic-style church.
When Should You Visit Nagasaki?
The climate in Nagasaki has 4 distinct seasons, and the best time to travel is usually during the late spring and autumn. Winters are above freezing but can be a little cool for sight-seeing. Between December and February, it will be below 15C (59F). On the other hand, the hottest parts of the summer are in August when it will reach over 30C (86F). The best compromise is April, May, October and November for travel to Nagasaki.