Top 10 Photogenic Spots In Nagasaki, Japan

1. Glover Garden - World Cultural Heritage of Japan

Built in the 1800s, Glover Garden was built for Thomas Blake Glover, a Scottish merchant. Within the park is Glover Residence, the oldest Western-style building in Japan. Glover Garden itself is a park with eight other Western-style structures, and the garden is filled with seasonal flowers and visitors get to enjoy a stunning view of the Nagasaki bay from here. The hike up to a garden from the port passes a nice shopping street. Audio guides are available in Japanese, English, Chinese and Korean. Many like to pose among the flower beds for the perfect summer day photo spot.

2. Dejima - Finding Dutch history in Japan

Dejima was Japan’s only place of direct trade and contact with the outside world during the Edo period. This place is a district that housed Dutch traders back in the 1600s, though the Dutch traders were in fact kept isolated in the area. You can see the old style of architecture with stone foundations. If you would like a stunning view of the harbour, check out the dejima wharf. This is also the perfect photo spot for the Nagasaki night view.

3. Ioujima Lighthouse Park - An industrial heritage

The Ioujima lighthouse is one of the eight promised lighthouses from the Edo Treaty of 1866 between Japan and four Western powers. The Western-style resting house beside the lighthouse is the earliest concrete structure in Japan without steel supports, and has, in recent years, been registered as an industrial heritage. The elegant, white Western-style lighthouse and rest house blend in perfectly with the scenic Nagasaki.

4. Peace Park - A must-see for history fanatics

The Peace Park in Nagasaki commemorates the atomic bomb attacks during World War II. Right next to the Atomic Bomb Museum, and Peace Memorial Hall, history fanatics can look out for the symbols of peace around this area. And of course, get a good view of the Peace Statue.

5. Saruiwa - A peaceful retreat into nature

Saruiwa, or monkey rock, is a natural geologic formation in Iki, Nagasaki. Its name explains itself, the rock is formed like a monkey. Its quiet repose and untouched majesty create the perfect place to pack some food, have a picnic and relax the afternoon away.

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6. Ikitsuki Sunset Way - A relaxing drive

Made famous because of its breathtaking sunset view, this long stretch of road might be familiar to some of us, if we pay attention to Japanese car commercials. If you love to have a drive through one of Nagasaki’s scenic roads, especially with the cliff of Shiodawara in the background, Sunset Way is not to be missed!

7. Kazagashira Park - A sea of sakura

With the iconic statue of historical figure Sakamoto Ryoma at the centre, the Kazagashira Park is surrounded by cherry blossom trees. In addition to this historical touch, the park gives a clear view of half the city of Nagasaki. It is situated on a hill about 25 to 30 minutes away by foot from the nearest station, but it is worth the short hike. The scenery along the way is bound to get you the much-liked Instagram shot!

8. Unzen Hell - Hot spring paradise

Contrary to its name, once you soak in their hot springs, I’m sure you will say it is heaven instead. Its name comes from the hot water and gas that spout from the earth, painting a picture of the underworld. White steam and a thick smell of sulfur accompany you as you walk through this volcanic hotspot. It also has historical significance as a site of martyrdom, where Christians were once tortured in “hell”. In any case, it is worth going there just to take a picture of its fierce beauty.

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9. Tenkaihou Park - Islands and oceans

This park in Sasebo has a spectacular view of the bright blue East China Sea and the Kujuku Islands. If you are lucky and the view is not obstructed by haze or fog, you can see the endless number of islands that seem to merge with the skyline. Definitely a must-visit for photo enthusiasts.

10. Nanatsugama Limestone Cave - A natural wonder

The Nanatsugama Limestone Cave is the best national designated natural monument in western Japan. The region where the cave is in used to be part of the sea. A rare marine cave with seven consecutive caves, there is plenty to discover with an inexpensive price of just a few hundred yen.

Any time, any setting you like

This list showcases the multiple dimensions of Nagasaki’s beauty; whether in the day, sunset in the evening or night time; whether man-made or natural wonders, Nagasaki provides some of the most spectacular spots for the perfect Instagram photo. With these photo spots of everyday life, immerse yourself in the beauty of Nagasaki and make your trip a beautiful one.