Nagasaki Cruise Port Guide - CruisePortWiki.com

Nagasaki, Japan

Spectacles Bridge

Introduction

Nagasaki sits in a large valley and has its place in history for being the second city targeted by an atomic bomb during World War II.

Where You're Docked

Nagasaki International Cruise Ship Terminal at Matsugae-Pier is not too far from the they city center. It is across the street from the road up to Glover Gardens. Inside the terminal, the post office may set up a table where you can exchange money, mail postcards, and purchase stamps. There may also be a tourist info booth where you can buy tram passes. From outside the terminal, you can take the tram or follow the tracks to the main shopping area.

Nagasaki Port Info - http://www.mlit.go.jp/kankocho/cruise/detail/058/index.html

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Money and Tipping

Exchange Rates Live

Japan's currency is the Yen (¥ JPY) and foreign currencies are typically not accepted. You can find currency exchange at post offices. The majority of ATM's in Japan DO NOT accept foreign bank cards. The exception are ATM's at 7-11 and Lawson convenience stores and at the post office. Citibank and Aeon bank ATM's may also accept foreign cards. Make sure you do the correct conversion for the amount you want to take out and insert your card the correct way. Tipping is not customary in Asia. http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2208.html

Credit cards are not as widely accepted as in North America or Europe so make sure you have cash on hand. Typically, hotels and large department stores will accept cards but not smaller shops and restaurants.

Local Transportation

The tram is the best way to get around longer distances. Stops are numbered and in English. There is a stop close to the cruise terminal No. 48 Ourkaigan-Dori on the green line, but this line doesn't have frequent service. Board from the back of the tram. There is a fare box by the driver at the front that you pay when you exit. Exact change in coins is required but the fare box has a separate section to give change for ¥500 coins and ¥1,000 notes. If you have a daypass (available only at tourist info and not on the tram), you will need to show the pass with the date to the driver. One ride is ¥120 and the day pass is ¥500 (Feb 2016).

If you want to go to the Peace Park, it isn't too far to walk two more stops to No.31 Tsukimachi. The tram to Peace Park goes back in the direction you walked from since it loops around. There is an English sign on the platform which says Peace Park. Take the blue line tram and stop at No.19 Matsuyami-Machi. If you took the green line tram, you will need to request a transfer (norikaeken) from the driver at this stop when you pay and exit. “Nori kae-ken kudasai” is "transfer please" in Japanese and "arigato" is thank you.

From Tsukimachi, two more stops (follow the tracks heading east) will lead to the main shopping area.

English guide for taking the tram with route map here http://www.naga-den.com/ Click Information to download a PDF.

Taxis are expensive and assume that taxi drivers do not speak English so give them your destination in Japanese. The left rear door on taxis is remotely opened by the driver so you don't need to open it yourself. Taxi drivers don't need to be tipped.

Hotels

Search hotels in Nagasaki here

Sights

Peace Park - This area includes several sights including the Peace Park, the Hypocenter and Atomic Bomb Museum. Entry to the museum is ¥200 (May 2014). http://www.nagasakipeace.jp/
Glover Garden - An open air museum featuring western style houses. Located almost directly across from the cruise terminal. The uphill street leading to the gardens is lined with shops selling Castella - a local sponge cake specialty.
Dejima - a historic trading post built on an artificial island
Mt.Inasa Observation Platform/Nagasaki Ropeway - A viewpoint with specatacular views of the city. Take bus 3 or 4 from JR Nagasaki station (7 min journey). http://www.nagasaki-ropeway.jp/

Shopping & Restaurants

The main shopping area is Hamanomachi Arcade with stores, restaurants and shops. There are a few 100 Yen stores inside including Daiso. One entrance is across from Chinatown by tram stop No.33 Kanko-dori. There is also a S-Tobi supermarket in the basement of a mall just west of this entrance. East of the entrance along the tram line are some ramen restaurants and another just across the street. You can walk through Chinatown on your way back to the cruise terminal and sample some steamed pork filled buns. There is a Aeon mall with a supermarket and 100 Yen store on the tram line half way between Shimimbyoin-Mae and Tsukimachi stops. Daiei department store with a supermarket can be found in Chinatown.

Local specialties include Champon noodle soup and Sara udon (similar to crispy Cantonese-style chow mein).

Many restaurants have a ordering and payment kiosk at the entrance where you prepay for your meal. Give the receipt to the cook to have them prepare your meal.