14 Parks in Nagasaki worth your time

Isahaya Park offers castle ruins, a historic bridge, and a beautiful azalea display.

What it is

• A park in Isahaya City, part of Ueyama Park.
• Located on the site of Isahaya Castle, built in the late 15th century.
• Castle ruins transferred to Isahaya City in 1958.

What to see

• Meganebashi Bridge, a National Important Cultural Property.
• Shiroyama forest, a National Natural Monument.
• Approximately 30,000 azaleas.

When to go

• Isahaya Park Azalea Festival is held annually in April.

Getting there

• 15-minute walk from JR Isahaya Station.
• 10-minute walk from Shimabara Railway Hon-Isahaya Station.

Read more about Isahaya Park

This resort offers cruises, an aquarium, and dining with views of Kujukushima Bay.

What it is

• A complex facility in Sasebo City, Nagasaki Prefecture.
• Opened in 1994 on the site of the former Kashimae Aquarium.
• Faces Minami Kujukushima, part of Saikai National Park.
• Renamed Kujukushima Pearl Sea Resort on April 1, 2014.

What to see

• Kujukushima Aquarium Umikirara, renewed in 2009.
• Aquarium focuses on marine life from the Sasebo area.
• Large tank represents Kujukushima Bay.
• Touch starfish and sea cucumbers.
• Cruise ship terminal, restaurants, and souvenir shops.
• Cruise ship Pearl Queen operates for about 50 minutes.

Official site

www.pearlsea.jp

Read more about Kujukushima Pearl Sea Resort

Nagasaki Seaside Park offers harbor views and a relaxing waterfront stroll, a modern urban green space.

What it is

• A seaside park in Nagasaki City.
• Created by reclaiming land in Nagasaki Port.
• Opened entirely in March 2004.
• Received the Good Design Award Gold Award in 2004.

What to see

• Explore three blocks: Earth Plaza, Water Garden, Waterside Promenade.
• Walk along the Waterside Promenade.
• View the AIG Nagasaki Building.

When to go

• Waterside Promenade and restaurant opened in July 2003.

Getting there

• 3-minute walk from Dejima tram stop.

Official site

nagasaki-p.com

Read more about Nagasaki Seaside Park

A large sports park in Nagasaki, offering extensive facilities and a glimpse into ancient history.

What it is

• A public park with sports facilities.
• Also known as Benex General Sports Park.
• Opened on June 1, 1998.
• Used for the Nagasaki Ganbaranba National Sports Festival.

What to see

• Main stadium with a 400m track and 9 lanes.
• Main stadium seats 5,770 in the main stand.
• Main stadium has a total capacity of 16,000 people.
• Auxiliary stadium with a 400m track and 8 lanes.
• Auxiliary stadium has a capacity of 2,000 people.
• Traces of Paleolithic to Jomon period human life.

Address

長崎県長崎市柿泊町2210 Map

Official site

nagasaki-kakidomari.com

Read more about Nagasaki City Kakidomari Stadium

Visit Japan's westernmost mainland point for ocean views and a unique certificate.

What it is

• A cape in Sasebo City, Kyushu mainland's westernmost point.
• Certified as Japan's westernmost point in 1989.
• The tip of the cape is Kōzakihana Park.

What to see

• A monument marks Japan's westernmost mainland point.
• View Kamikareki and Shimokareki Islands.
• Hirado Island is visible on clear days.
• Receive a certificate of visit for tourists.

Getting there

• Access via Nagasaki Prefectural Road 18.
• Nearest bus stop is Kanzaki Iriguchi.

Read more about Kōzakihana

Explore volcanic landscapes, scenic coastlines, and historic sites in this expansive national park.

What it is

• A national park established on March 16, 1934.
• Covers parts of Nagasaki, Kumamoto, and Kagoshima prefectures.
• Divided into Unzen and Amakusa areas.
• Amakusa area was incorporated on July 20, 1956.

What to see

• Unzen volcano group and Mount Unzen.
• Unzen Onsen and its 'hells'.
• Nita Pass offers scenic views.
• Myoken-ura has unique rock formations.
• Amakusa Marine Park, one of Japan's first.
• Tomioka Peninsula and Tomioka Castle.

Official site

www.env.go.jp

Read more about Unzen-Amakusa National Park

Learn about the rare Tsushima leopard cat and wildlife conservation efforts.

What it is

• A wildlife conservation center, also called Yamaneko Center.
• Established in 1997 by the Environment Agency.
• Protects wild animals, especially the Tsushima leopard cat.
• Conducts research and public education.

What to see

• Exhibits about the Tsushima leopard cat.
• Located within Saozaki Park.

When to go

• Open from 10:00 to 16:30.
• Closed on Mondays and during New Year holidays.
• Admission is free.

Official site

kyushu.env.go.jp

Read more about Tsushima Wildlife Conservation Center

Saikaibashi Park offers diverse recreation and scenic views, ideal for families and nature lovers.

What it is

• A prefectural park spanning Sasebo and Saikai cities.
• Established in 1955 alongside the Saikai Bridge construction.
• Managed by a joint venture since 2006.

What to see

• Numerous cherry trees and azaleas.
• Pedestrian walkway connecting park areas.
• Lawn area and observation area.
• Beach area and walking paths.
• Children's play corner and sledding slope.
• Softball field and gateball field.

Read more about Saikaibashi Park

Nagasaki Bio Park is a unique zoo where animals roam freely, offering close encounters.

What it is

• A zoo in Saikai City, Nagasaki Prefecture.
• Opened in November 1980.
• Built on a tourist orchard from 1973.
• Does not keep large carnivorous animals.

What to see

• Few cages, allowing close viewing of animals.
• Many live and specimen beetles and stag beetles.
• Only facility in Kyushu with sand cats.

When to go

• Open all year round.
• Hours are 10:00 to 17:00.

Official site

www.biopark.co.jp

Read more about Nagasaki Bio Park

Sakikata Park offers historic monuments and vibrant azaleas, perfect for a springtime visit.

What it is

• A park in Hirado City, Nagasaki Prefecture.
• Known for its beautiful Hirado azaleas.
• Features monuments to historical figures.

What to see

• The Francis Xavier Monument.
• The grave of William Adams, built in 1954.
• Small stones from Adams' wife's grave, added in 1964.
• Hirado azalea flowers.

When to go

• During the azalea festival, from April to May.

Read more about Sakikata Park

Huis Ten Bosch is Japan's largest theme park, recreating Dutch and European townscapes.

What it is

• A theme park in Sasebo, Nagasaki Prefecture.
• Recreates Dutch townscapes and European themes.
• Opened on March 25, 1992.
• Name means "House in the Forest" in Dutch.

What to see

• Dutch and European themed architecture.
• Japan's largest single theme park by area.
• Used as a location for dramas, movies, and commercials.

Official site

english.huistenbosch.co.jp

Read more about Huis Ten Bosch

Saikai National Park offers stunning island views and a unique coastal landscape.

What it is

• A national park in western Nagasaki Prefecture.
• Designated on March 16, 1955.
• Japan's 18th national park.
• Features a ria coast and over 200 small islands.

What to see

• Kujukushima, Hirado Island, and Goto Islands areas.
• Volcanic islands like Ojika Island and Uku Island.
• 30.4 hectares of marine park areas.

Official site

www.env.go.jp

Read more about Saikai National Park

A large sports park in Shimabara City with various facilities and a children's play area.

What it is

• An urban park with sports facilities.
• Owned by Shimabara City.
• Managed by the Education and Culture Promotion Foundation.

What to see

• Class 2 certified athletic field.
• Baseball field with 10,000 capacity.
• Six omni-court tennis courts.
• Children's Rocket Park.
• Parking for 380 cars.

Address

長崎県島原市上の原三丁目5643-7 Map

Read more about Shimabara General Sports Park

Visit Nagasaki Holland Village to see a recreated Dutch townscape and a replica sailing ship.

What it is

• A theme park recreating Dutch townscapes.
• Opened in 1983 by Yoshikuni Kamichika.
• Origin of the Huis Ten Bosch theme park.
• Reopened in 2016 after initial closure in 2001.

What to see

• Dutch-style windmills.
• Miniature Dutch towns.
• Replica of the 17th-century ship Prince Willem.

Official site

www.phn.jp

Read more about Nagasaki Holland Village