(2026.4.13.)

Nagasaki: A City the World Is Watching

In January this year, the influential American newspaper The New York Times announced its annual list of “52 Places to Go This Year.” Among the many destinations around the world, Nagasaki and Okinawa were the only two selected from Japan, with Nagasaki ranking an impressive 17th.

Following this, The New York Times revealed the Top 10 destinations most saved by its readers, and Nagasaki claimed 5th place. This shows that Nagasaki is not just a trending topic, but a destination people genuinely want to visit.

So why Nagasaki now?

A City Where the Past and Present Speak at Once.

The New York Times noted that, unlike Hiroshima, Nagasaki’s city center escaped large‑scale destruction by the atomic bomb. In a world where the threat of nuclear proliferation is once again being discussed, Nagasaki is presented not merely as a tourist spot, but as a place with meaning and purpose to visit.

The article highlights specific locations where history, culture, and daily life intersect:

• The Nagasaki Station area, continually evolving through redevelopment and serving as the gateway to the Nishi Kyushu Shinkansen
• An 800‑year‑old camphor tree, quietly watching over the city
• Fukusaya Castella, representing Nagasaki’s sweet traditions, and Cafe Fujio, a beloved café among literary figures
• The jazz bar Milestone, coloring Nagasaki’s nights, and the historic Glover Garden, rich in international atmosphere
• And a perfect treat during your walk: Umagae‑mochi from Kikusui

These places favor accumulated time over flashy attractions, allowing visitors to feel Nagasaki’s depth with every step.

Discover the Heart of Nagasaki with [Enjoy!Kyushu]

Enjoy! Kyushu offers a wide selection of tickets that allow visitors to experience Nagasaki’s charm smoothly and deeply.

One of the most popular options is the“World Heritage Walking Tour Ticket,”。which includes Oura Cathedral and Glover Garden. Conveniently located within walking distance, this ticket is especially popular with first‑time travelers.

TheNagasaki Ropeway offers completely different views during the day and at night. The nighttime panorama—selected as one of the New Three Major Night Views of the World—is an experience that photos alone cannot capture.

For those interested in Japan’s modern industrial heritage, theGunkanjima Digital Museumand Gunkanjima Landing & Cruiseare highly recommended. Learning the history through digital exhibits before visiting the Gunkanjima island greatly enhances both understanding and emotional impact.

Venture further to the Shimabara Peninsula to find Shimabara Castle, with its white keep standing beautifully against the blue sky. From the top, visitors can enjoy views of the historic townscape and, on clear days, even the mountains of Kumamoto across the sea.

Bring the Nagasaki the World Saved into Your Journey

Chosen by The New York Times and “saved” by readers around the world, Nagasaki’s charm lies not in a collection of flashy attractions, but in a series of quietly memorable experiences.

With EnjoyKyushu’s tickets, you can enjoy a thoughtful, seamless journey through Nagasaki—without hesitation or wasted time.

Now that the world is watching, why not make Nagasaki your next destination?？