Nagasaki Park

Introduction

Nagasaki Park is the city's oldest, designated by a Grand Council of State proclamation in 1873. It sits beside Suwa Shrine, home of the Nagasaki Kunchi festival, and the two are together known as Suwa no Mori. Tucked into the slopes just above the centre, its old trees and rising paths lie only a few flights of stone steps from the shopping streets, yet it feels like the quiet green room locals retreat to. The park holds what is often described as Japan's oldest ornamental fountain, its pool stocked with carp; spring cherries and autumn maples reflected in the water make the signature view. Monuments and memorials tied to Nagasaki's history line the walks, so a lap doubles as a lesson in this port city. Families head for the animal corner, where monkeys, goats, peacocks and squirrels can be seen and fed at close range, and an old-fashioned teahouse serves snacks and Japanese sweets for a slow afternoon. Entry is free and the park is open at all hours, five minutes from the Suwa-jinja-mae tram stop. One caution: this is a hillside park and the 20-minute walk from JR Nagasaki Station is uphill nearly all the way.

✨ Highlights

🛈 Practical Info