Nagasaki was the second Japanese city to be struck by an atomic bomb, on August 9, 1945, three days after Hiroshima. The bomb killed an estimated 40,000–80,000 people instantly; tens of thousands more died in the following months from radiation. Today, the city's Peace Memorial Park and Atomic Bomb Museum are among Japan's most important historical sites and a destination for visitors from across the world who want to understand this history directly.
Nagasaki Peace Park (Heiwa Koen)
The Peace Park is built near the hypocentre — the point directly below the bomb's explosion. The dominant structure is the Peace Statue by sculptor Seibo Kitamura: a large bronze figure with one arm pointing toward the sky (the threat of nuclear weapons) and one arm outstretched horizontally (peace). The statue is striking and deliberate in its symbolism.
Around the park are gifts from other nations — statues and sculptures donated by countries around the world as gestures of solidarity. The park is quiet and reflective, designed for contemplation. Entry is free. A short walk leads to the Hypocenter Park, which marks the exact point of detonation with a black stone column.
Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum
The museum documents the bomb and its aftermath with photographic evidence, physical artefacts recovered from the destruction, survivor testimonies, and context about the events leading to the bombing. The exhibition is unflinching — images and objects that convey the scale of the destruction in ways that statistics cannot. The museum also covers disarmament advocacy and the ongoing role of hibakusha (bomb survivors) in peace campaigns.
Entry ¥200 for adults, ¥100 for children. Open daily 8:30am–5:30pm (to 6:30pm August). Allow 1.5–2 hours. Audio guides are available in multiple languages.
How to Get There
From Nagasaki Station, take tram Line 1 or Line 3 to Matsuyamamachi stop (approximately 10 minutes). The Peace Park is 5 minutes on foot from the stop. Nagasaki is 1 hour 50 minutes from Fukuoka by limited express train; 2 hours from Hiroshima by shinkansen to Hakata and then express.
Visiting Respectfully
This is a memorial site and should be approached with the same respect as any site of historical tragedy. Keep voices quiet. Photography of the exhibits in the museum is not permitted. The outdoor park and monuments can be photographed. The annual memorial ceremony takes place on August 9; visitors are welcome to attend but the crowds are significant.
What Else to See in Nagasaki
Nagasaki has a distinctive history beyond the war: it was one of Japan's only ports open to foreign trade during the Edo period of national isolation, and the resulting Dutch, Chinese, and Portuguese influences shaped the city's architecture and food. Dejima is a reconstructed Dutch trading post; Chinatown (Shinchi) is the oldest in Japan. Hashima Island (Battleship Island), a now-deserted coal mining facility 20km offshore, is accessible by tour boat and has UNESCO World Heritage status. Champon noodles — a Nagasaki invention combining Chinese and Japanese cooking — is the local dish to eat.