Nagasaki Museum of History & Culture — Attraction in Nagasaki

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...

Since the Dejima museum has added a lot of stuff in 2016 I personally think the Dejima is a better place to visit for people who don't speak Japanese and want to learn about the history of Nagasaki and Japanese foreign relations.

The permanent exhibition in the Nagasaki Museum of History and Culture is however well worth the visit if you have some additional time. They do a great job telling the story of the history of Nagasaki and Japan's relationship with the outside world. There is however hardly any written English explanations. The free audio tour is quite good but did not cover the entire exhibition.

We also visited the temporary Studio Ghibli exhibition. Sadly there was no English audio or text anywhere in the exhibition. Since this was quite an expensive exhibition and since we asked for the audio tour, it would have been nice if they could have...

The Nagasaki Museum of History & Culture (長崎歴史文化博物館) 🏛️ is one of Japan’s few museums dedicated entirely to the theme of international exchange. It highlights Nagasaki’s role as the country’s only open port during the Edo period 🚢, where trade and cultural exchange with the Dutch, Chinese, and Portuguese flourished. The museum features beautifully reconstructed historical spaces, including part of the Edo-period Nagasaki Magistrate’s Office ⚖️, as well as exhibits of old maps, documents, ceramics, and artifacts that tell the story of Nagasaki as Japan’s “window to the world.” 🌍✨ Interactive displays, seasonal exhibitions, and cultural workshops also make it engaging for visitors. It’s a must-visit for those interested in history, trade, and the unique global spirit of...