Nagasaki Landmarks and Monuments

(Nagasaki, Kyushu, Japan)

Many of the most significant landmarks in the city of Nagasaki are religious structures, such as shrines and churches. A number of Nagasaki's annual festivals focus on these important landmarks and can be enjoyed throughout the year.

For those wanting to see something other than religious edifices, the Spectacle Bridge boasts an excellent location across the river and sees crowds of people enjoying lunch on it every day. A walk along the Temple Row, in the Tera-machi area of Nagasaki, is also extremely popular and this stretch is home to nine impressive temples and pleasant surrounding scenery. The main landmarks in Nagasaki are listed below.

Kofukuji Temple

Address: Tera-machi, Nagasaki-shi, 850-0872, Japan, JP
Kofukuji Temple is located in an appealing area of the city that has become known as 'Temple Town'. It is a stunning building constructed in the early 17th century and the first to be built for the Obaku sect of Japanese Zen Buddhism. It is one of the most impressive temples in the city and sees many people visit to pray and make merit.
Open hours: daily - 08:00 to 17:00
Admission: charge

Koshibyo Shrine

Address: 10-36 Oh'ura-machi, Nagasaki, 850 0918, Japan, JP
Tel: +81 095 824 4022
This shrine is also known as Confucius Shrine and is one of the few shrines in the country that is dedicated to the famous Chinese philosopher. It was built by Chinese residents at the end of the 19th century and today, the Koshibyo Shrine houses the Museum of Chinese History.
Open hours: daily - 08:30 to 17:00
Admission: charge

Oura Catholic Church

Address: 5-3 Minami-yamate, Nagasaki, 42 850 0931, Japan, JP
Tel: +81 095 823 2628
This is the most historic Gothic-style church in the whole of the country and it is made entirely of wood. The Oura Catholic Church was built in the early 1860s and is often referred to as the 'French Temple' as it was originally designed by a French priest for the community. Its historical importance and many well-preserved period features have earned it status as an outstanding landmark.
Open hours: daily, March to November - 08:00 to 18:00; December to February - 08.30 to 17:00
Admission: charge

Spectacles Bridge (Megane-bashi)

Address: Uono-machi, Nagasaki, 850-0874, Japan, JP
As well as building a number of temples, the early Chinese community also built this impressive stone-arched bridge. Construction began in the early 1630s and today, Spectacles Bridge has become the oldest bridge of its kind in the whole of Japan. Visitors to Nagasaki find the bridge full of photo opportunities and can often be found posing nearby. Known locally as ' Megane-bashi', Spectacles Bridge is a great place to sit and enjoy lunch while watching the world go by. It can be found very close to Hamanomachi shopping centre, making it ideal for tired shoppers in need of a rest.
Open hours: daily
Admission: no charge

Sumiyoshi Shrine

Address: 5-3 Minami-yamate, Nagasaki, 42 850 0931, Japan, JP
Nagasaki, Japan, JP
Tel: +81 095 826 9407
This Sumiyoshi Shrine is an eye-catching local landmark and was originally constructed around 400 years ago, to honour the famous Japanese sea god. The structure features traditional Japanese architecture and is a particularly attractive shrine, boasting an extremely peaceful atmosphere for most of the year. However, during the early part of October each year, Nagasaki's Sumiyoshi Shrine is home to a large festival, which is worth a view if you are in the city. This lively event sees the community come together to pray for luck and success.
Open hours: daily
Admission: no charge

Suwa Shrine

Address: 18-15 Kaminishiyama-machi, Nagasaki, 850 0006, Japan, JP
Tel: +81 095 824 0445
The shrine enjoys an attractive hilltop setting and boasts outstanding views of the cityscape and beyond, symbolising the true spiritual side of the city of Nagasaki. When a Japanese woman reaches 33 years and a man reaches the ripe old age of 40, they visit the Suwa Shrine to pray for good health and a long life. Also, many newborn babies are brought here to receive blessings, together with young children aged three, five and seven years. If possible, pay a visit to the Suwa Shrine on New Year's Day, when a range of celebrations take place.
Open hours: daily
Admission: no charge