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Nagasaki Museum of History and Culture

4.1 (200)Tourist AttractionMuseumPoint Of InterestEstablishment

The Nagasaki Museum of History and Culture is a fascinating place where the past meets the present. Opened in 2005, this museum is dedicated to showcasing Nagasaki's unique history as a vibrant port city that connected Japan with the rest of the world for centuries.

Inside, you'll find an impressive collection of artifacts, documents, and exhibits that tell the story of Nagasaki, from its early days as a secluded fishing village to its role as a major center for international trade. The museum particularly focuses on the Edo period when Nagasaki was the only Japanese port open to foreign trade, mainly with the Dutch and Chinese.

One of the museum's highlights is its full-scale replicas of historic buildings and ships, which give you a real sense of stepping back in time. You can walk through a recreated portion of Dejima, the Dutch trading post, or explore a traditional Nagasaki merchant's house.

Hours:

8:30 AM - 7:00 PM 

Closed:

Closed on Monday

Available:

All year round

Minimum Age:

All ages are are welcome

Fees:

Adults: 630 yen 

Elementary, junior high and high school students: 310 yen

Elementary and junior high school students: Free


Hours
Monday: 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Tuesday: 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday: 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday: 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Phone
+81 95-818-8366
Website
www.nmhc.jp

The area

Address
1-chōme-1-1 Tateyama, Nagasaki, 850-0007, Japan

What other travelers are saying about Nagasaki Museum of History and Culture

A must visit. Extremely rich in the contents of the culture and the history of Nagasaki. What gave me the biggest impression was the actual plaques with Jesus and Mary engraved, which were used for "Fumie" - a method used by the then government to test each person of public on their religious faith. The museum near the statue of the martyrdoms also has a display but theirs is a replica, and I was very fortunate to have a chance of viewing this rare historical piece up close and personal. No photos were allowed. You'll be missing a lot if you miss this museum.
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Josh Josh
Dec 27, 2024
Museum at Nagasaki near city hall. Was security post of castle so the stone wall and wood gate is huge and awesome. Inside the museum not only exhibition, there are performances, crafting experience and great restaurant as well. Can spend around 2-3 hours here. Nice place.
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Yan Putra
Sep 30, 2024
In Nagasaki, I’ve gained more insight into Japanese history than in Tokyo, Kyoto, or Nara. This is likely because, for centuries, Nagasaki served as Japan’s gateway to the world, playing a pivotal role in shaping the nation into what it is today. The museum itself, along with its collection of artifacts, is in pristine condition. Unfortunately, most of the information is only in Japanese, with limited English explanations. However, they do provide an English leaflet that is quite informative. The highlight of my visit was the Government section, where I watched a reenactment of a 19th-century trial performed by museum staff (Sundays at 1:30 pm). Eight of these reenactments are recorded and available on a large screen, each with English subtitles. Watching these brought me closer to the spirit of Nagasaki and Japan during the Edo period (under the shogunate). The museum staff are kind and professional, doing everything they can to ensure you have a rewarding visit.
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Atanas Radenski
Oct 27, 2024
A must visit when in Nagasaki. ( This should be the first thing to visit when in Nagasaki.) As a tourist, it is an ideal place to give you an introduction about Nagasaki and what to expect around the area. Divided into 2 permanent galleries. Beautifully curated and interactive display. A good itinerary together with the nearby attractions- Suwa shrine Tetayama air-raid shelter(opens at 9:30am), and Sto.Domingo Church Museum ( opens at 9:00sm) - a good half day itinerary. The museum opens at 8:30am.
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leo lobarbio
May 19, 2024
An interesting museum tucked away in a quiet neighborhood. The museum is divided into two zones. There is a permanent exhibition of artwork, historical manuscripts and handicrafts; illustrating Nagasaki's rich history serving as Japan's window to the rest of the world during its period of isolation. There are sections dedicated to the trade and cultural exchange with Korea, China and the West, in particular the Netherlands. The other zone consists of the Nagasaki Magistrate's Office which was reconstructed based on historical drawings and which can be accessed from the side of the building. I really regretted going to the museum in the late afternoon. I was only able to finish touring the permanent exhibition (which took almost one and a half hours) before closing time.
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Rod Wong
Feb 4, 2024


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