Nagasaki is a port city on the island of Kyushu, built around a harbour and rising up steep hillsides that shape how the city is laid out. It was rebuilt after the Second World War and today blends its history as a trading port with the everyday life of a modern Japanese city.
For a visitor, the city spreads along a north–south axis. Nagasaki Station and the ferry terminal sit in the north, the central shopping and entertainment districts lie in the middle, and the older part of the city, with its hillside sights, is in the south. Trams run along the main corridors, so where you base yourself affects how easily you reach the rest of the city. This guide covers which areas to choose, not which property to book.
Best areas to stay in Nagasaki
1. Shianbashi and Dōzamachi
This is the central district, a few minutes' walk from Shianbashi, the shopping arcades, Shinchi Chinatown and the central Tsuki-Machi tram stop. It is the most convenient base for first-time visitors who want the sights and the nightlife within walking distance.
You find mid-range business hotels here, and it is the area to choose if you want to make the most of the nightlife without worrying about the trams stopping for the night. The No. 1 (blue) tram line serves the district.
2. Around Nagasaki Station and the ferry terminal
The strip a short walk south of Nagasaki train station, along the main road between the station and the ferry terminal, holds the typical array of business hotels. This suits travellers arriving or leaving by train or ferry, and those who prefer to be close to transport connections.
One property sits in the station complex itself, which makes it very convenient for onward travel. The ferry terminal area is also where you find a sauna and capsule option.
3. Minamiyamate and Glover Hill
This is the old part of Nagasaki, close to Glover Hill and most of the sights in that quarter, as well as the international cruise ship terminal. It suits visitors who want to be near the historic hillside sights and are happy to be away from the central nightlife.
Accommodation here leans toward the upper end, including larger hotels that also serve business travellers and package tourists. The area is reached by the street car station Ouratenshudoshita.
4. Hotarujaya and Honkouchi
This area, a five-minute walk from the Hotarujaya stop on the No. 3 (red) tram, is a quieter residential-feeling base. It suits budget travellers who do not mind taking the tram into the centre.
You find hostel-style accommodation here, with shared facilities. The tram connection is the practical point to keep in mind: you are not in the middle of things, but the centre is a short ride away.
5. Motofuna-machi and Gotō Machi
Just south of Nagasaki Station, this area is a five-minute walk from the station and one minute from the Gotō Machi tram stop. It suits budget travellers who want to be near the station without paying central prices.
Hostel-style accommodation is found here. The location is practical for arrivals and departures, and the tram gives you a direct link to the rest of the city.
Where to stay on a budget, mid-range or splurge
- Budget: Youth hostels and guesthouses, mostly with dormitory beds in mixed or female-only rooms, and some private rooms. Shared facilities such as laundry are common, and some include breakfast. Many are cash only.
- Mid-range: Business hotels, found in the centre and along the road between the station and the ferry terminal. Capsule and sauna accommodation also falls into this bracket. Rooms are compact and practical.
- Splurge: Larger hotels in the old part of the city near Glover Hill, with more spacious rooms and on-site restaurants and bars. Some upper-floor rooms are notably large.
Best area for a first visit
Shianbashi and Dōzamachi is the best base for a first visit. It puts you within walking distance of the shopping arcades, Shinchi Chinatown and the central tram stop, so you can reach the rest of the city easily. It is also the area to choose if you want to enjoy the nightlife without depending on the trams running late.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a car to get around Nagasaki?
No. The tram lines run along the main corridors, with the No. 1 (blue) line serving the central districts and the No. 3 (red) line reaching areas such as Hotarujaya. Several accommodation areas are within a short walk of a tram stop or the station.
Which area is best if I am arriving by ferry?
The area around the ferry terminal and Nagasaki Station, a short walk south of the station along the main road, is the most practical. There is also sauna and capsule accommodation two blocks east of the ferry terminal.
Where should I stay if I want to be near the historic sights?
Minamiyamate and Glover Hill, in the old part of the city, puts you close to Glover Hill and most of the sights in that quarter, as well as the international cruise ship terminal. It is reached via the Ouratenshudoshita street car station.
Is the centre noisy at night?
The central Shianbashi district is where the nightlife is concentrated, so expect activity into the evening. If you prefer quiet, the areas near the station or the older hillside quarter are calmer.
Compare live prices for your dates with the booking tools on this page before you decide.