Wanderyn
Nagasaki Chinatown
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
poi · JP

Nagasaki Chinatown

Getting around: About a 15 minute walk from Nagasaki Station, or take the tram to the Tsuki-machi stop.
Hours: An open district; shops and restaurants generally open around 10am-9pm.

Nagasaki Chinatown is one of Japan's three major Chinatowns, dating back to the 17th century when Chinese traders were among the few foreign groups permitted to settle in Nagasaki alongside the Dutch at Dejima. Its compact grid of streets, marked by ornate gates at each cardinal entrance, is centered on Chinese restaurants serving Nagasaki's local specialty, champon — a noodle dish with a mix of seafood, meat, and vegetables in a rich broth, developed here by the Chinese community.

It's a good lunch stop, smaller and easier to navigate in one pass than Yokohama's larger Chinatown.

Nagasaki Chinatown FAQs

What should I eat in Nagasaki Chinatown?

Champon, a noodle dish in rich broth with seafood, meat, and vegetables, was developed by Nagasaki's Chinese community and is the local specialty; sara udon (crispy fried noodles) is another local Nagasaki-Chinese dish worth trying.

How old is this Chinatown?

It dates to the 17th century, when Chinese traders were among the limited foreign groups allowed to settle in Nagasaki during Japan's isolation period.

Is there an entrance fee?

No, it's an open public district; you pay only for what you eat or buy.

How does it compare to Yokohama's Chinatown?

It's smaller and more compact, easily covered in under an hour, unlike Yokohama's larger district.

How long should I plan for a visit?

About 45 minutes to an hour, longer if having a full meal.

Your travel graph

Ready to plan Nagasaki Chinatown?Planning a trip soon? Add it to build an itinerary.

Reviews/Comments

No comments yet — be the first.