Nagasaki offers so much more than its World War II history. Surrounded by the mountainous, volcanic splendor of the southern island of Kyushu in Japan, this longtime port city of about 400,000 is strung along sparkling seas. With tucked-away beaches, swaying palms and bustling harbors, and very mysterious islands, there is much to discover, enjoy, and explore.
The layers of the past, here, are multiple. Founded by the Portuguese in 1571, the city remained open to international trade when most of the country was closed. The European and Christian influence remains strong. Puccini set “Madama Butterfly” here, and just offshore you can discover the home of a James Bond villain. And, of course, there’s a Peace Park and plenty of the past to unpack with the Pacific War. One day isn’t a lot to experience everything, but here’s our guide to getting the most out of Nagasaki in just 24 hours.
