Nagasaki Private Historical Tour with Licensed Guide
Description
This is a walking tour using public transportation. This tour offers insights into Nagasaki's unique history and culture, highlighting its past as a center of trade during Japan's period of national isolation and its experience as a victim of World War II's atomic bombings. As the only country to have endured nuclear attacks, Japan's history is profoundly impacted by these events. Guided by a nationally licensed expert, this tour provides valuable insider knowledge and historical context. Stroll through a city where European and Japanese cultures blend, and reflect on historical scenes from that era. The itinerary includes a visit to a site related to wartime history. If you will feel sick from the shocking images, it is possible to change the Atomic bomb museum to another itinerary.
Tour Options
Itinerary
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.
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.
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.
*This stop is not included for participants who choose the Mount Inasa option.If you would still like to visit this location as part of your itinerary, please contact us in advance to discuss possible arrangements. One of the three most famous bridges in Japan, it is one of the oldest existing arched stone bridges and is designated as a National Important Cultural Property. When the water level is low, visitors can use the stairs to go down to the river edge and stroll along the water's edge. The heart stones on the Nakajima River seawall, including the Megane-bashi Bridge, are noted as a power spot for romance, so be sure to look for them when you visit.
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.
*This stop is not included for participants who choose the Mount Inasa option.If you would still like to visit this location as part of your itinerary, please contact us in advance to discuss possible arrangements. Take a walk around Ōura Church, Japan’s oldest existing Christian church and the first Western-style building to be designated a national treasure. Built in 1864 by French missionaries, it became a symbol of the long-prohibited Christian faith in Japan and is famous as the site where the “Hidden Christians” revealed themselves after centuries of persecution. Today, the beautifully restored church and its surrounding museum allow visitors to explore its rich history and architectural elegance.
*This itinerary applies only to participants who choose the Mount Inasa option.If you would like to include this option in your visit, please let us know in advance. Mount Inasa, standing 333 meters tall, offers commanding views of Nagasaki’s city and harbor. From the summit observatory, visitors can gaze out over a city cradled by rolling hills and a winding bay. As dusk falls, the scene transforms into a sea of glittering lights, creating a magical atmosphere that has earned the title of one of the “New Three Major Night Views of the World.” The ropeway ride provides a scenic and memorable approach, making the ascent part of the adventure. More than just a viewpoint, Mount Inasa invites reflection—its illuminated panorama speaks to Nagasaki’s layered history, shaped by global exchange, resilience, and a deep cultural spirit. Whether visited by day or night, it offers a moment of stillness to take in the beauty of both landscape and legacy.
Highlights
What's included
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
Important Information
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- For those who are at risk of being offended by shocking war-related images, please inform the guide at the time of reservation or on the day of the tour so that the tour can be taken to a less shocking location.
- 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.
- The total duration of the tour includes the travel time.
- The itinerary might be changed due to weather condition or other reasons.
Reviews(16)
Masa was our guide and gave us a very lovely day. He was well informed and shared a lot of knowledge with us. We would highly recommend.
Dear nicole, Thank you for your wonderful review. It is wonderful to hear that Masa's knowledge and hospitality helped make your experience memorable. Thank you again for choosing our tour, and we hope to welcome you back to Japan in the future. Best regards, Moeka MY Travel Consulting Inc.
Our guide was great! She was very knowledgeable and our tour was exactly as discussed. She was a lovely person and helped us with some local shopping suggestions which was greatly appreciated. Highly recommend!!!
Thank you very much for your wonderful review. We are delighted to hear that you had such an enjoyable experience with your guide, Naoko. It is especially pleasing to know that the tour met your expectations exactly as discussed and that you found her knowledgeable and pleasant to spend the day with. We are also glad that her local shopping suggestions were helpful and added to your experience. Your kind recommendation means a great deal to us, and we will be sure to share your comments with Naoko. She will be truly encouraged by your feedback. We sincerely hope you enjoyed your time in Nagasaki and that you will have the opportunity to visit Japan again in the future. It would be our pleasure to assist you on another trip. Warm regards, MY Travel Consulting
Naoko was great to spend the day with. She was waiting for us when wee got off the ship and had all of our tickets arranged for the places we went to visit. She allowed us to spend as much or as little time at each place as we wanted and was able to give us plenty of history and background. She also helped us find a special shop we wanted to go to near the end of our day.
Thank you very much for your kind review of your tour in Nagasaki. We are delighted to hear that you enjoyed your day with your guide, Naoko. We are pleased that all arrangements went smoothly and that you were able to spend the amount of time you wished at each location. It is wonderful to know that you enjoyed visiting important sites such as Oura Cathedral, Glover Garden, the Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum, Peace Park, Urakami Cathedral, Dejima, Meganebashi Bridge, and the Hamano-machi shopping area. We are also happy to hear that Naoko was able to provide historical background throughout the day and assist you in finding the special shop you wished to visit. Creating a flexible and meaningful experience tailored to each guest is very important to us. Your kind words will certainly be shared with Naoko, who will be greatly encouraged by your feedback. We sincerely hope that you will have another opportunity to visit Japan in the future, and we would be honored to assist you again. Warm regards, MY Travel Consulting
Noriko (Norah) is A+, the perfect blend of friendly professionalism and knowledge. Choice of traditional restaurant also top notch
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re delighted to hear that you had such a great experience with Noriko and that her friendly professionalism and deep knowledge made your Nagasaki tour memorable. We’re also glad you enjoyed the traditional Japanese lunch. It’s always special to share authentic local flavors as part of the cultural experience. We truly appreciate your kind words and hope to welcome you again on your next visit to Japan. Warm regards, Saaya MY Travel Consulting
Noriko is a super fun tour guide! I had injured myself the day before, and she was great at modifying the day so that I could still get the most out of a day in Nagasaki! Visited the Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum and Peace Memorial. I learned how to make an origami crane! We walked across spectacle bridge, had a traditional lunch and I learned how to eat in a triangle. We hit up Starbucks (my request) , a drug store, Lawsons and City Hall where we saw some really great views. Over all a really amazing day!
Thank you so much for your wonderful review. Your cheerful and positive personality made the day truly enjoyable for our guide, Noriko! Despite the heat and your injury, you stayed smiling throughout the tour—we are genuinely grateful for that. We’re especially glad you felt the spirit of Nagasaki through places like the Atomic Bomb Museum, the Peace Memorial, and even the origami and triangle-eating experience. Please take good care of yourself, and we wish you many more wonderful journeys ahead. We hope to welcome you back to Japan someday! Best wishes, Manami
It was a rainy day but the guide was able to show us sites that was new & interesting. My group was over 20 of us & he did a good job of keeping up with the tour & stay on target. Thank you!
Thank you so much for joining our Nagasaki tour and for your kind words. Although the tour took place in unfortunate weather, we are very pleased to hear that you enjoyed learning about Japanese history, including Gunkanjima. Your warm feedback about our guide and organization means a lot to us, and we truly appreciate your recommendation. We hope to welcome you again for another memorable journey in Japan. Yuina
Amazing Tour Guide!! I would do it again!! Our family really enjoyed!! Instructor was informative and answered every question.
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re happy to hear that your family enjoyed the tour and that the guide was helpful and informative. We truly appreciate your kind words, and we’d love to welcome you again in the future! Summer
Great tour, tour guide Ken did a great job. No need for private driver as the tram service is amazing
Thank you sincerely for your thoughtful feedback. We're truly pleased to hear that your journey left a lasting impression, and that Ken's guidance helped make the experience a meaningful one in spite of the hot weather. It was our pleasure to be part of your travels, and we would be honored to assist you again on your future journeys. Warmest regards, Summer
This is a great tour to learn the complex history of Nagasaki from the Dutch and Portuguese traders/missionaries to the Abomb and beyond. Our guide was very knowledgeable and had god stories which helped peak our interest. Highly recommend!
Dear Catherine, Thank you very much for taking the time to share your experience. We are delighted to hear that you found the tour of Nagasaki insightful and meaningful. The city’s history—from its early connections with Dutch and Portuguese traders and missionaries to the events surrounding the atomic bomb and beyond—is indeed complex and deeply moving. We’re pleased to know that our guide was able to share this history in a way that captured your interest and enriched your understanding. Your kind recommendation means a great deal to us. We hope to have the opportunity to welcome you again on another journey through Japan. Warmest regards, Summer
Our tour guide Nora was great and she helped us experience many interesting and beautiful sites in Nagasaki.
Thank you very much for your kind words. We're so glad to hear that you had a great time exploring Nagasaki with Norah. It’s wonderful that she was able to help you experience so many interesting and beautiful sites. We truly appreciate your feedback and hope to welcome you back to Japan again someday! Best wishes, Manami
