Enjoyable for Wheelchair Users! A Comprehensive Guide to Nagasaki Prefecture's Tourist Spots by Region

Nagasaki Prefecture is located at the westernmost part of Kyushu, featuring beautiful coastlines of islands and peninsulas.

In the past, it was home to Dejima, a hub for foreign trade, and even today, spots with exotic charm are scattered throughout.

Additionally, Nagasaki shares a tragic history with Hiroshima as one of the cities where atomic bombs were dropped.

As you can see, Nagasaki offers a variety of aspects, with numerous tourist attractions throughout the region.

So, what kind of tourist spots can be enjoyed by wheelchair users?

This article will introduce tourist spots in Nagasaki Prefecture that are accessible for wheelchair users, categorized by region.

If you're interested in barrier-free theme parks in Kyushu, please also check the article below.

Reference:

1. For Those Considering a Trip to Nagasaki Prefecture or Already Planning One, Check Out This Site!

Nagasaki has many tourist spots, and it can be overwhelming to decide where to go.

Additionally, wheelchair users would want to check barrier-free information in advance to choose their destinations.

In that case, those considering a trip to Nagasaki Prefecture should use "Nagasaki Travel Net" to gather information.

Nagasaki Travel Net is a tourism information site operated by the Nagasaki Prefecture Tourism Promotion Division and the Nagasaki Prefecture Tourism Federation.

Since it is run by the local government, the accuracy of the information is a significant advantage.

In addition to providing information on popular tourist spots in each area of Nagasaki, it also offers model courses.

There are also recommendations and highlights introduced by local writers, allowing you to access deeper information about Nagasaki. Furthermore, Nagasaki Travel Net is convenient because it provides information on barrier-free facilities.

It introduces the barrier-free status of each tourist spot with photos, allowing you to gather more information.

If you're considering a trip to Nagasaki, be sure to make good use of "Nagasaki Travel Net".

Reference: Nagasaki Travel Net｜Nagasaki Prefecture Tourism Promotion Division

2. If You Want to Enjoy a Barrier-Free Tour in Nagasaki, Contact Here!

When using a wheelchair, it can be challenging to plan your itinerary or consider transportation options.

Therefore, consider using the "Nagasaki Universal Tourism Center" to plan a tour that can be easily enjoyed even with a wheelchair.

Universal tourism aims to make travel accessible to everyone.

The Nagasaki Universal Tourism Center offers not only accommodation introductions and reservation services but also arrangements for care taxis and caregiver accompaniment services.

They also provide support for bathing assistance, ensuring a comfortable stay even while traveling.

If you have any concerns, feel free to consult with the Nagasaki Universal Tourism Center.

Reference: Nagasaki Universal Tourism Center｜Nagasaki Universal Tourism Center

3. Introducing Tourist Spots in Nagasaki City, Nagasaki Prefecture!

3-1. Glover Garden

Retro architecture in Glover Garden

Glover Garden is located on a hill in Minamiyamate, offering a view of Nagasaki Port.

It is a spot where you can experience a retro atmosphere, as it relocates and restores Western-style buildings from the Meiji era that were scattered throughout Nagasaki City.

It is popular as a spot where you can feel more of the exotic atmosphere within Nagasaki.

Additionally, the Former Glover House, Former Ringer House, and Former Alt House are designated as important cultural properties of Japan.

There is a heart-shaped stone on a stone-paved area, and it is said that touching this stone and making a wish can make your love come true, making it popular among couples.

Glover Garden is a spot with many slopes, but it is equipped with moving walkways and escalators, making it easier for wheelchair users to explore.

There are also multi-purpose restrooms with ostomate facilities and rest areas, but since much of the garden is stone-paved with many slopes, assistance is generally required when touring in a wheelchair.

Reference: Glover Garden｜Glover Garden Management Office

3-2. Nagasaki Penguin Aquarium

The Nagasaki Penguin Aquarium is popular as a rare penguin-specialized aquarium where you can meet unique penguins.

There are 18 species of penguins in the world, and the aquarium houses about 9 species and around 170 penguins in total.

Additionally, about 70% of the penguins at the Nagasaki Penguin Aquarium were born in Nagasaki.

At the Sub-Antarctic Penguin Pool, one of the largest in Japan, you can observe the free behavior of penguins and feel soothed.

At the Penguin Beach, you can participate in events like feeding experiences and penguin touching, where you can interact with penguins.

The shop sells cute penguin merchandise, which you might find hard to resist.

Furthermore, the Nagasaki Penguin Aquarium also serves as a penguin research institute, providing valuable information about penguins.

The barrier-free facility includes ostomate toilets and wheelchair-accessible elevators.

Additionally, there is a nature experience zone outdoors where wheelchair users can also explore, making it an attractive spot.

Reference: Nagasaki Penguin Aquarium｜Nagasaki Ropeway & Aquarium Foundation

3-3. Mount Inasa

Mount Inasa is highly popular as a spot for night view observation.

The area centered around Nagasaki Port has a basin-like shape, and the night view is so beautiful that it is often described as a "10 million dollar night view" and has been selected as one of the world's new three major night views.

The greatest attraction of Mount Inasa is that you can overlook this night view in its entirety.

Many night view observation tours are held, so it might be a good idea to make use of them.

During the day, you can enjoy a 360-degree wide-view aerial walk from the ropeway connecting the foot of the mountain to the summit or the glass-enclosed gondola.

Inasayama Park is also known as a famous spot for azaleas, and you can feel nature everywhere.

Additionally, there are 13 hidden hearts in Inasayama Park, and it is said that the more you find, the happier you become.

If you manage to find them all, you can receive a discount at restaurants, so why not give it a try?

Inasayama has two parking spaces exclusively for people with disabilities, and the observation deck, known as the View Tower, is entirely glass-enclosed.

Furthermore, there are handrails and gentle slopes, making it easy for wheelchair users to move around.

Reference: Inasayama Park

3-4. Dejima

Dejima is an artificial island built by the Tokugawa shogunate during the Edo period.

After its establishment due to the national isolation policy, foreign trade was conducted exclusively at Dejima.

Although its role ended in the Meiji period and the surrounding area was once reclaimed, restoration began in 1951, and 16 buildings and landscapes have been restored.

Recently, in 2017, the Dejima Omotemon Bridge was completed, allowing access to Dejima on foot.

Visiting at night offers a beautifully lit atmosphere.

Moreover, rooms recreating life in the Edo period and exhibits of artifacts unearthed through excavation are highlights.

You can also enjoy meals in Western-style buildings from the Meiji era, and seasonal events are held, making it a spot to fully enjoy.

Guided tours by staff are available, allowing you to learn about Nagasaki's history.

As for barrier-free access at Dejima, three entrances allow wheelchair access, and wheelchair rental services are provided.

There are slopes for wheelchair users throughout, and special elevators for moving to the second floor of restored buildings.

Multi-purpose restrooms with ostomate facilities are conveniently located near the "Dutch Room" near the main gate and the "Het Room/Museum Shop" just inside the water gate.

Reference: Dejima｜Nagasaki Travel Net

Reference: Dejima｜Dejima Management Office

3-5. Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum

Nagasaki has a tragic history as a city where an atomic bomb was dropped.

The Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum is famous as a spot where you can learn about the events leading up to the atomic bombing, the damage caused, and the pursuit of peace.

It displays comparative photos of Nagasaki immediately after the bombing and the present, allowing you to feel the devastation of the bombing and the city's recovery.

In addition to being able to view books related to the atomic bomb and peace, there is a video corner where you can learn about the atomic bomb through videos.

The museum also has a café where you can relax and enjoy your visit.

In 2024, the Japan Confederation of A- and H-Bomb Sufferers Organizations will receive the Nobel Peace Prize, making it a spot that will continue to attract attention.

As for the barrier-free access at the Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum, you can smoothly move from the parking lot to the museum entrance using elevators and ramps.

The entire museum is barrier-free, allowing easy movement with ramps or elevators.

Reference: Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum & Nagasaki Peace Hall｜NBC Socia-Trustee Joint Venture
Reference: Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum｜Nagasaki Travel Net

3-6. Nagasaki Prefectural Art Museum