NAGASAKI, JAPAN -3 NOV 2017- View of the Nagasaki Museum of History and Culture located in Nagasaki, Japan.; Shutterstock ID 777299056; Your name (First / Last): Laura Crawford; GL account no.: 65050; Netsuite department name: Online Editorial; Full Product or Project name including edition: HCMC & Nagasaki page images BiA

Nagasaki Museum of History & Culture

Top choice in Nagasaki


This large museum with attractive displays focuses on Nagasaki's proud history of international exchange. Additionally, there's a fabulous, detailed reconstruction of a section of the Edo-period Nagasaki Magistrate's Office, which controlled trade and diplomacy. Be sure to get the free English-language audio guide.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Nagasaki attractions

1. Shōfuku-ji

0.09 MILES

This temple, surrounded by serene gardens, is not to be confused with Sōfuku-ji (in Teramachi). It contains an arched stone gate dating from 1657. The…

2. Fukusai-ji Kannon

0.15 MILES

This temple takes the form of a huge turtle carrying an 18m-high figure of the goddess Kannon on its back. Inside, a Foucault pendulum (demonstrating the…

3. Suwa-jinja

0.18 MILES

Situated on a forested hilltop and reached via multiple staircases with nearly 200 steps, this enormous shrine was established in 1625. Around the grounds…

4. Megane-bashi

0.41 MILES

The best known of several bridges that cross the Nakashima-gawa, the Spectacles Bridge is so called because the reflection of the arches in the water…

5. Nakashima-gawa Bridges

0.41 MILES

Parallel to Teramachi, the Nakashima-gawa is crossed by a picturesque collection of 17th-century stone bridges. At one time each bridge was the distinct…

6. 26 Martyrs Memorial

0.43 MILES

This memorial wall has reliefs of the 26 Christians – six Spanish friars and 20 Japanese – crucified in 1597 during a harsh crackdown. The youngest killed…

7. 26 Martyrs Museum

0.43 MILES

Just next door to the memorial wall that honours the memory of 26 Christians murdered here in the 16th century, this museum houses Christianity-related…

8. Kōfuku-ji

0.46 MILES

This temple in Teramachi dates from the 1620s and is noted for the Ming architecture of the main hall. Like Sōfuku-ji, it is an Ōbaku Zen temple – and the…