Tours/Nagasaki/Explore Nagasaki History by Private vehicle with Licensed Guide
Viator · Private tour

Explore Nagasaki History by Private vehicle with Licensed Guide

5.0(4)Nagasaki1 hour
TRIPADVISOR5.0(4)

Description

Enjoy a full day of discovering Nagasaki's rich history with a licensed guide on this private tour. From the early influences of the Dutch and Portuguese to the impactful events of World War II, including a visit to the poignant Atomic Bomb Museum, you'll gain deep insights into the city's complex past. Start your journey from Nagasaki Matsugae Terminal or Sasebo Port, and travel in a private vehicle to explore the historical highlights of the region. This tour includes hotel or port pickup, public transportation, and a lunch break to enjoy local cuisine — offering a well-rounded and immersive experience. - Private tour tailored to your interests with a nationally licensed guide - Visit key historical sites, including the Atomic Bomb Museum - Includes public transportation and hotel or port pickup - Suitable for travelers with moderate physical fitness; dietary restrictions accommodated

Tour Options

From Sasebo Port
  • from Sasebo Port: Nagasaki City Highlight Tour from Sasebo Port Pickup included
Nagasaki Highlight Matsugae
  • Nagasaki City Highlight Tour: from Matsugae Port Pickup included
Shimabara Route from Matsugae
  • Shimabara Route: Shimabara Castle, Samurai Residence District, Shimeiso Garden Villa, Lunch at Michi-no-Eki Himawari, Peace Park in Nagasaki. Pickup included

Itinerary

Admission included60 min

Atomic Bomb Museum displays the changes in the cityscape before and after the bombing, as well as a number of items left behind after the bombing. Among other things, visitors can learn about what happened on that day in Nagasaki, Japan, through photographs and videos of people who witnessed the horrific scenes of the time. *If you will feel sick from the shocking images, it is possible to change the A-bomb museum to another itinerary.

30 min

The beautiful brick church building with a statue of Mary and the sound of the Angelus bell, which withstood the atomic bomb blast. Visitors can see the painful scars of the atomic bombing up close in the majesty of the church.

40 min

Peace Park, located on a small hill on the north side of the Atomic Bomb Dropping Center Park, was created with a pledge never to repeat the tragic war and a wish for lasting world peace. The Peace Statue, which symbolizes the wish for peace of the citizens of Nagasaki, symbolizes the love of God and the mercy of Buddha, and is filled with prayers for the repose of the souls of the victims of the atomic bombing. If you look up at the sky above the nearby Atomic Bomb Drop Center monument, you will see an unremarkable sky there.

Admission included40 min

Oura Catholic Church is Japan’s oldest surviving wooden Gothic church, built in 1864 by French missionaries. It is famous as the site where hidden Christians revealed their faith after centuries of persecution and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Admission included60 min

Six Western-style buildings from the Meiji period, scattered throughout the city, have been relocated and restored. The former Glover Residence, the former Ringer Residence, and the former Alt Residence are designated as National Important Cultural Properties and serve as the main buildings. The stone pavement and stone steps, which retain the appearance of the settlement period, further enhance the scent of history and culture. The park is adorned with flowers, creating picturesque scenes for photography. Additionally, the park offers an excellent location with a panoramic view of Nagasaki Port against the backdrop of Mount Inasa, a landmark of Nagasaki City.

Pass by

Shimabara Castle is a stunning five-story castle built in the early Edo period, known for its elegant white walls and surrounding moats. From the top floor, you can enjoy panoramic views of Mt. Unzen and the Ariake Sea — perfect for photos. Inside, the museum features rich exhibits on Christian history and the Shimabara Rebellion, making it a must-visit for history lovers. You can also enjoy cultural experiences such as samurai armor try-ons and kimono rentals. Nearby, preserved samurai residences offer a glimpse into life during the feudal era. This itinerary is for guests who select the Shimabara route option. If you choose the Shimabara route, the entrance fee to Shimabara Castle is included in the tour price.

Pass by

The Samurai Residence Street in Shimabara is a charming historical area where samurai once lived during the Edo period. The street is lined with well-preserved stone walls, thatched-roof houses, and clear water canals where colorful carp swim, creating a peaceful and nostalgic atmosphere. Some residences are open to the public for free, offering a close look at traditional architecture and daily life of the time. This picturesque district perfectly captures the spirit of a castle town and is a must-visit along with Shimabara Castle. *This itinerary is for guests who select the Shimabara route option.

Highlights

Private Vehicle
Admission Fee
Hotel or Port Pickup
National Licensed English Speaking Guide. Please let us know if you prefer any other languages.

What's included

Included
Private Vehicle
Admission Fee
Hotel or Port Pickup
National Licensed English Speaking Guide. Please let us know if you prefer any other languages.
Not included
apx. 15-25 USD per person
Personal Expenses
Souvenirs

Pickup Locations & Times

The guide will be waiting for you at your hotel lobby or at the gate of the cruise or at the ticket gate of the station with your name sign. Please inform about your pick-up details in advance.Mizube-no-Mori Park Pier (Dejima Pier) is also available.

Traveller Ratings

5.0
4 reviews
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Important Information

  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Specialized infant seats are available
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • The itinerary might be changed due to weather condition or other reasons.
  • We can accommodate dietary restrictions such as vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, etc. If you have dietary requirements. Please indicate it to the special requirements at the time of booking.

Reviews(4)

8
847jeanfrancoisl
May 15, 2026
Great day in Nagasaki with our guide Hide!!!

From the get-go, learning that our guide came from Kokura and that his family could have been directly affected by the atomic bomb made the experience even more meaningful and emotional. He was friendly, attentive, and had a wonderful sense of humor. Above all, he was a genuinely kind and caring person who treated his guests with great respect and consideration. Overall, we would describe him as kind, cheerful, respectful, funny, and truly enjoyable to spend time with.

Operator response

Thank you very much for your kind and thoughtful review! We’re truly glad to hear that your experience was so meaningful and that Hide made your day both enjoyable and memorable. It’s wonderful to know that his friendly, attentive, and caring approach, along with his sense of humor, helped create such a positive atmosphere throughout the tour! We’re very happy that you had a pleasant time and enjoyed sushi for your lunch. Thank you again for choosing us, and we hope to welcome you back to Japan in the future for another wonderful journey! Best Regards Saaya MY Travel Consulting

C
cmN2753UG
April 30, 2026
Best day in Arita

We got a private tour with the most enthusiastic and knowledgeable tour guide, Eriko. Her English is perfect. She gave us a great history lesson and made sure that everyone had a good time. We were able to visit galleries of 2 porcelain artisans designated as national "living treasures" , and we even met one in person (There are only 3 of them) I bought beautiful pieces from the living treasures as well as on the streets of Arita. A wonderful day!

Operator response

Thank you very much for your wonderful review! We’re happy to hear that you had such a memorable day in Arita with Eriko. It’s fantastic to know that you enjoyed learning about the history and had the rare opportunity to visit the galleries of living treasure artisans. Your kind words mean a lot to us, and we hope to have the pleasure of welcoming you again on your next visit to Japan. Warm regards, Saaya MY Travel Consulting Inc.

2
290akshaym
April 11, 2026
Nagasaki visit: Excellent and outstanding client focused services.

Masaaki was the guide for our shore excursion tour in Nagasaki. He explained the history of all monuments very nicely. He understands client needs and works well with the allocated time. We all were very happy. Kisha was the driver, who drove very safely, systematically and within time. He was very prompt. Both gave exceptional service to us. Thanks a lot.

Operator response

Thank you very much for your wonderful review of your visit to Nagasaki. We are truly pleased to hear that you had such an excellent experience, and that both Masaaki and Kisha provided attentive and client-focused service throughout your tour. Your kind words about Masaaki’s clear explanations and flexibility, as well as Kisha’s safe and punctual driving, are sincerely appreciated and will be shared with them. We are also pleased to know that, despite the weather, you were able to enjoy the tour comfortably and that it met your expectations. Thank you once again for choosing our services. We very much look forward to welcoming you again on your next visit to Japan. Warm regards, MY Travel Consulting Inc. Satomichi

U
USAWorldTraveler10
March 19, 2026
Terrific Day!

Masa was a wonderful guy. We had the most terrific day with him! We traveled with my 86-year-old mother and my nine-year-old nephew. He had a wonderful day. Thank you so much Masa!

Operator response

Dear jill, Thank you so much for your lovely review. We’re delighted to hear you had such a terrific day with Masa. It means a great deal to know that your whole family—including your 86-year-old mother and 9-year-old nephew—enjoyed the tour. We truly appreciate your kind words and hope to welcome you again in Japan. Best regards, MY Travel Consulting Takanori

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