Nagasaki Cruise Port is conveniently located close to the city center. Most of the major attractions — including the Atomic Bomb Museum, Peace Park, and Glover Garden — are within a 15–20 minute drive. This makes it easy to experience the city’s highlights even on shorter excursions.
Best Nagasaki Shore Excursions, Day Trips & Tours from Cruise Port
When mentioning about Nagasaki, almost all will remember the dropping of the second atomic bomb. Although this history event overshadows people awareness, Nagasaki still marks an impressive point in the world travel map. Instead of dipping into sadness, this city moved on from darkness and stepped into a brighter future. Nowadays, Nagasaki is a vibrant city with endless charm far beyond just land with bomb museums, monuments, and peace memorial parks. Enjoy a tour exploring this serene city with a lively trading history between Japan, Europe, and China. Nagasaki shore excursions are full of interesting attractions such as Western-style churches, traditional Japanese shrines, and the attractive mixture cuisine.
- Nagasaki Peace Memorial Park – a place to remind about the bomb’ victims with a splendid statue
- Atomic Bomb Museum – exhibits documents, photos, and history of nuclear weapons development
- Mount Inasa – delivers one of three best night views in Japan
- Sofukuji Temple – a Chinese-style Zen temple with an attractive red-color appearance
- Glover Garden – an open-air park displays Western mansions
- Shimabara Castle – just a short drive from Nagasaki port to visit this steady white-covered castle
Below on Japan Shore Excursions, we introduce a variety of tours from Nagasaki port. In case you want to design your own Nagasaki shore excursions, don’t hesitate to contact us. Let our experts be freely creative!
Nagasaki Shore Excursions
- Duration: 6 hours
- Pick-up/Drop-off: Nagasaki port/ Nagasaki port
- Highlights: Izumiyama Quarry, Kyushu Ceramic Museum, Gen'emon Kiln, Peace Memorial Park
- Tour Customizable: Absolutely! (Tell us your specific requirements in the inquiry form)
Nagasaki Shore Excursions
This half-day walking tour of historic streets of Nagasaki takes you to the well-known Sofukuji Temple and Kofukuji Temple, and learn about the history as well as architectures. Enjoy the leisure walk along the river that the Spectacles Bridge passes over. End the tour with the exploration of shops and snack stalls at Hamanmachi Shopping Street.
Nagasaki Shore Excursions
Enjoy this half day trip to Japan’s fascinating Gunkanjima Island being one of its most densely populated areas to an unoccupied island. Explore this once prosperous island with its ruins and admire filming sites of famous movies before heading back to Nagasaki port.
Nagasaki Shore Excursions
If you are a history and nature lover, grab this half-day Nagasaki History Tour specially designed for cruise passengers disembarking at Nagasaki Port. The highlight attractions include the Peace Memorial Park, Atomic Bomb Museum, Dejima Museum and Glover Garden.
Nagasaki Shore Excursions
The Nagasaki shore excursion with Shimabara provides you a perfect visit to the magnificent Shimabara Castle at the bottom of volcanic Mt. Unzen, Samurai Residents Street as well as Mud Flood Park with delicious Japanese food. This one day tour is particularly designed for passengers at Nagasaki cruise port.
Nagasaki Shore Excursions
This shore excursion will take you to discover Takeo city through visiting the must-see place – Yoko Museum complex including the lovely Keishu-en Japanese Garden and classic wooden teahouse Mifune-Jaya. Take a glance at the horror of atomic bombing in Nagasaki in the Peace Memorial Park.
Why Nagasaki Shore Excursions are Perfect for Cruise Passengers?
Nestled along the scenic coast of Kyushu, Nagasaki offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty that makes it an exceptional destination for cruise passengers. With its compact layout, well-preserved heritage sites, and warm hospitality, the city is perfectly suited for shore excursions that are both enriching and comfortably paced. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a lover of serene landscapes, or simply seeking a taste of authentic Japan, Nagasaki delivers unforgettable experiences right from the moment you disembark.
Time Efficiency
Most Nagasaki shore excursions are carefully timed with cruise ship schedules, offering 3–6 hour itineraries that explore key highlights like Glover Garden, Oura Church, and the Nagasaki Peace Park, all located within easy reach of the port.
Comfortable Trips
All tours include round-trip transport from the cruise port in modern, air-conditioned vehicles. Itineraries are designed for comfort and convenience, making them ideal for mature travelers who prefer a relaxed and enriching experience.
Unique Experience
Discover Nagasaki’s captivating blend of cultures, where East meets West through centuries of global exchange. Visit historic churches, scenic harbor views, and tranquil temples, all guided by knowledgeable, English-speaking locals who bring Nagasaki’s stories to life.
Top Things To See & Do in Nagasaki from Cruise Port
Perfect for cruise passengers, day trippers, and cultural explorers
Located on the island of Kyushu is the center of international exchange and home to some of the most famous historical sites in Japan – the city of Nagasaki. Despite its horror past as one of the two cities to experience the most dreadful destruction of an atomic bomb towards the end of World War II, nowadays it still attracts tourists for beautifully natural and historical attractions. Accompany with Nagasaki Shore Excursions so as not to miss any of the must-visit sites:
Atomic Bomb Museum
The solemn Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum serves as a remembrance of the atomic bomb explosion on August 1945. Its establishment symbolizes the nuclear age and acts as a reminder of the severe destruction and indiscriminate death caused by nuclear arms to signify a commitment to peace.
Next to the museum stands the modern design of Nagasaki National Peace Memorial Hall in tribute to the victims of the atomic bombing. The hall is located almost all underground and involves water and light in its design.
The museum provides tourists with essential information on the history of nuclear arms development as well as distinguished displays that include documents, artifacts, and photographs related to the bombing. Thanks to that, the young generation will be informed by the threat of nuclear weapons and be aware of the importance of the world’s peace.
Nagasaki Peace Memorial Park
Nagasaki Peace Memorial Park was established to memorialize the atomic bomb explosion of Nagasaki on August 9, 1945. Situated next to the Atomic Bomb Museum, the complex consists of two parks and a memorial museum that draws over a million visitors every year.
There is also the iconic Nagasaki Peace Statue reminding people of the nuclear tragedy and the need for world peace. A Peace Memorial Ceremony is held in front of this statue. The park is donated with lots of trees, flowers, artworks, and other memorials from various governments all over the world.
Site of the Martyrdom of the 26 Saints
Site of the Martyrdom of the 26 Saints' name based on the event of 26 Catholics executed by crucifixion in 1597 under the order of Toyotomi Hideyoshi. Today, this spot on Nishizaka Hill has become a Japanese National Sanctuary.
Behind the real-sized bronze statues of 26 saints stands the Memorial Hall presenting the history of Christianity and exhibitions. For example, Nakaura Julien’s letter, the private record of the battle of Shimabara, the Maria Kannon sculpture, a bronze Pieta from the 16th century, and various Japanese frescoes and drawings.
Mount Inasa on Nagasaki Shore Excursions
Mount Inasa is a 333-meter high mountain located near the Nagasaki’s city center. It boasts one of the best night view spots in Nagasaki with thousands of lights from buildings and boats shimmering below. At the summit are some television, radio antennas and a restaurant where visitors can enjoy a romantic dinner of local dishes like Nagasaki champon at counter seats along with the windows.
Mount Inasa is even home to outdoor hot springs, visitors can spend time relaxing with a view after a long day of Nagasaki Shore Excursions. Visitors can access the observation deck in several ways including ropeway, walking, taxi, and car.
Nagasaki Kunchi
Known as the festival of Suwa Shrine, Nagasaki Kunchi is held annually in Nagasaki on October 7-9. Traditional Japanese dances, Chinese influenced dragon dances or performances involving large floats, many of which are shaped like ships, are what commonly seen in this festival.
Each group prepares and performs the dances and shows representing Nagasaki’s various city districts. Each district participates only once every seven years, so the performances remain fresh to even the regular spectator.
Nagasaki Kunchi has been celebrated for about 400 years and features different aspects of Chinese and Dutch cultures. Its name can be understood as the ninth day of the ninth month of the lunar calendar (ku-nichi is “9th day” in Japanese). Performances can be watched at few other locations across the city, for which no tickets are available and people can watch freely.
Glover Garden from Nagasaki Cruise Port
Glover Garden can be found on the Minamiyamate hillside overlooking Nagasaki harbor, is a park completed by Hidenoshin Koyama in 1863. It includes the mansions of several of the city’s former foreign residents and related buildings.The main attraction of the garden is the Former Glover House, built to commemorate Thomas Glover (a Scottish merchant featuring significantly in the early history of Japan’s industrialization).
This house was once the venue where Glover’s meetings with rebel samurai occurred. It is among the must-visit tourist attractions of any Nagasaki Shore Excursions for the old charming Western-style that can hardly be found anywhere else in Japan.
Sofukuji Temple
Belongs to the Obaku school of Zen Buddhism, Sofukuji Temple was built in 1629 as Nagasaki’s Chinese residents. That explains why it has a Chinese architectural style and a different vibe from other temples in Japan. Sofukuji Temple outstands from the surrounding for its prominent bright red paint.
The temple’s inner grounds include several halls and some precious artifacts such as statues and a temple bell that dates back to 1647. Foreign visitors do not need to worry as there are English descriptions available around the inner grounds.
Dejima - Highlight of Nagasaki cruise excursions
Dejima, constructed in 1636 to isolate Portuguese residents from the Japanese population, was a man-made island in the port of Nagasaki. After the Portuguese were expelled from Japan and the Dutch Trading Station was moved to Dejima, the Dutch were the only remain Westerners allowed to restrict to Dejima during Japan's two centuries of isolation.
Today, Dejima is not an island anymore but efforts have been made to convert Dejima back into an island by digging canals around all its four sides. There are some historical structures remain or have been reconstructed in the area, including various residences, warehouses, walls, and gates.
Sakura no Sato
Nagasaki day tours from port will not be completed without visiting Sakura no Sato – one of the most popular spots to see cherry blossoms in Nagasaki. Sakura no Sato Park has beautiful cherry blossoms bloom all year long.
In spring which is the perfect timing, there are over 3,000 trees bloom. The season can last until September, and even rarer varieties start in October and during winter. In the garden, a rest-house, open-air stage, and the Sakura museum are also available for visitors.
Sample Itineraries for Nagasaki Cruise Excursions
Nagasaki offers cruise passengers a wealth of historical, cultural, and scenic treasures, all within a short distance from the port. Whether you have just a few hours or a full day to explore, these thoughtfully designed itineraries showcase the best of Nagasaki in a comfortable and enriching way.
1. Nagasaki Half-Day Highlights Tours
Our half-day Nagasaki shore excursions are crafted to make the most of your 3 to 4-hour visit. These tours are ideal for cruise passengers with limited port time who still want to experience Nagasaki’s historical charm and scenic beauty.
Sample Half-Day Itinerary:
Pick-up at Nagasaki Cruise Port
Visit Nagasaki Peace Park and the Atomic Bomb Museum for a moving historical journey
Drive past Urakami Cathedral, a symbol of Nagasaki’s Christian heritage
Stroll through Glover Garden for panoramic harbor views and Meiji-era architecture
Optional stop at Oura Church, one of Japan’s oldest churches
Return to the ship in time for departure
2. Full-Day Nagasaki Shore Excursions
If you have a full day in port, our full-day Nagasaki cruise excursions allow you to explore more of the city's layered history, stunning landscapes, and unique East-West blend. Enjoy a relaxed pace with enriching cultural experiences and local cuisine.
Sample Full-Day Itinerary:
Pick-up at port with professional English-speaking guide
Start with a guided tour of Peace Park and the Atomic Bomb Museum
Scenic drive to Mount Inasa for breathtaking panoramic views over Nagasaki Bay
Lunch at a local restaurant, featuring regional specialties like champon noodles
Afternoon visit to Glover Garden and Oura Church
Explore Dejima, the restored Dutch trading post that once connected Japan to the world
Return to the port with time to relax before reboarding
3. Custom Tours Based on Docking Times
Not all cruise itineraries are the same and neither are our tours. Our custom Nagasaki shore excursions are specially designed around your ship’s arrival and departure times, whether you have a short afternoon call or an extended evening stay. These flexible itineraries ensure a smooth experience without the stress of rushing.
Sample Custom Itinerary (Flexible Duration):
Meet your guide at Nagasaki Cruise Terminal at your preferred time
Brief walking or driving tour through the historic Dutch Slope and Higashiyamate neighborhood
Optional visit to sites of interest based on your timing:
Glover Garden for scenic beauty
Dejima for cultural immersion
26 Martyrs Monument for religious heritage
Coffee break or quick bite at a local café overlooking Nagasaki Bay
Drive up to Mt. Inasa for sunset views (available for late departures)
Return to the ship with buffer time before all-aboard
Why Book with Japan Shore Excursions?
Choosing the right tour operator can make all the difference in your Nagasaki shore excursions. Japan Shore Excursions stands out as a trusted and highly recommended provider for several compelling reasons:
Local Tour Guides
Japan Shore Excursions employs licensed, English-speaking guides who are not only fluent in language but also deeply knowledgeable about Hiroshima’s history, culture, and hidden gems.
Modern Transport
Japan Shore Excursions utilizes modern, comfortable vehicles equipped with air conditioning and ample space to ensure a pleasant journey. We also incorporates efficient local transportation options.
Back-to-ship Guarantee
We guarantee to get our customers back in time for your cruise ship’s departure. This commitment offers peace of mind, allowing you to explore attractions confidently without worrying about timing
Flexible Itineraries
Guests frequently highlight the company’s willingness to accommodate special requests, such as visiting specific sites, enjoying local cuisine or adjusting the pace of the tour to suit all ages and fitness levels.
Highly Rated by Travelers
Reviews on platforms like TripAdvisor praise us for exceeding expectations. Visitors commend the professionalism of guides and drivers, the insightful commentary, and the genuine hospitality experienced throughout the tours.
How to Book Your Nagasaki Day Trips From Cruise Port Worry-Free?
Booking a shore excursion in a new destination can be overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. If your cruise is stopping in Nagasaki cruise port, this guide will walk you through how to plan and reserve your shore excursion with ease. We’ll help you enjoy a smooth, stress-free experience in one of Japan’s most memorable cities.
Step 1: Browse our range of Nagasaki excursions on this website.
Step 2: Submit your request along with cruise details.
Step 3: Receive confirmation with full itinerary and meeting instructions.
FAQs about Nagasaki Shore Excursions from Cruise Port
Everything you need to know before exploring Nagasaki from your cruise ship
Many travelers have questions before stepping off the ship, from how long tours last to what historic landmarks are must-sees. To help you feel fully prepared and excited, we've compiled answers to the most frequently asked questions about Nagasaki shore excursions, all tailored specifically for cruise passengers.
2. Are the shore excursions suitable for older travelers or those with limited mobility?
Yes. Many Nagasaki tours are designed with mature travelers in mind. You can choose from easy-paced walking tours or fully guided excursions in air-conditioned vehicles. Sites like Peace Park and Glover Garden offer accessible paths and benches for resting. Private tours can also be customized to suit mobility needs.
3. What languages are spoken on the tours?
Most group and private Nagasaki shore excursions are led by English-speaking guides. Some tours also offer multilingual guides or audio headsets with various language options upon request.
4. Are meals included in the tours?
Some full-day tours include a traditional Japanese lunch, often featuring regional Nagasaki dishes like champon noodles or shippoku cuisine. For half-day or custom tours, meals may be optional or arranged at local cafés depending on timing. However, lunch maybe not included in price. You can contact us for more information.
5. Will I be back in time before the ship departs?
Yes. All excursions are carefully timed around your cruise ship’s schedule. Tour operators closely monitor port timelines and guarantee that you return with plenty of time before boarding.
6. What should I bring on my Nagasaki shore excursion?
We recommend bringing:
Comfortable walking shoes
Lightweight clothing and a hat (in warmer months)
A camera for scenic stops
Local currency (yen) for small purchases or snacks
An umbrella or raincoat during the rainy season (June–July)
