Nagasaki Shinchi Chinatown
Nagasaki Shinchi Chinatown things to do, attractions, restaurants, events info and trip planning
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Bustling Chinatown - smack in the middle of Nagasaki city. Was flooded with people in the 3 days that I was there - the lantern festival was in full "bloom". As night falls, beautiful lanterns hung over small alleys, canals, and temples lit up - creating mesmerizing, entrancing scenes akin to that from the japanese animation spirited away. The surrounding temples were busy with prayer ceremonies, dragon dance troupes, religious floats parades, pop up markets/stalls etc. Historically this place is adjacent to the Chinese settlement annexed well over a century ago in Nagasaki. The remnants of which can still be seen in the existing temples, city walls, and territory markers scattered around the area.
TJ “Kindalosttraveller” LIEWTJ “Kindalosttraveller” LIEW
00
As a tourist visiting Shinchi Chinatown in Nagasaki, I found it to be an enchanting and culturally immersive experience. Walking through the grand Chinese-style gates and into the narrow streets filled with vibrant lanterns was like stepping into another world. The blend of Japanese and Chinese architecture, coupled with the aroma of sizzling dishes, immediately draws you in. The food here is incredible. I had the chance to try Nagasaki Champon, which is a delightful mix of noodles, seafood, and vegetables in a rich broth. The balance of flavors was both comforting and unique, reflecting the fusion of Chinese and local ingredients. I also sampled Sara Udon, a crispy noodle dish topped with a savory sauce and vegetables—it was a perfect blend of textures. Whether you're dining at a small street stall or one of the more established restaurants, the food is a highlight not to be missed. What truly made my visit memorable was the cultural richness of the place. I was fortunate enough to be there during the Nagasaki Lantern Festival, where thousands of lanterns illuminated the streets. The festive atmosphere, along with traditional performances, made it a captivating experience. Shinchi Chinatown is more than just a tourist destination—it’s a celebration of history, culture, and food. For any visitor to Nagasaki, it's a must-see, offering a charming mix of culinary delights and cultural heritage.
nhat thedaynhat theday
00
Nagasaki Chinatown, or Shinchi Chinatown, is the oldest Chinatown in Japan, established in the 17th century. It originated when Chinese traders settled in Nagasaki during Japan’s period of national isolation (sakoku), as Nagasaki was one of the few ports open to limited foreign trade. The Chinese were confined to a specific district—Shinchi—to control their interactions with locals. Over time, Shinchi evolved into a vibrant cultural and commercial center, blending Chinese traditions with Japanese influences. Today, it stands as a symbol of Nagasaki’s long history of international exchange and remains a hub of Chinese cuisine, architecture, and festivals—most famously the Nagasaki Lantern Festival.
Lawrence GoodrichLawrence Goodrich
00
Nagasaki's Chinatown, also known as Shinchi Chinatown, holds the distinction of being Japan's oldest Chinatown. Established in the 17th century, this vibrant enclave was developed as a result of Chinese traders and merchants settling in Nagasaki, which was then one of the only Japanese ports open to foreign trade. Today, the district is renowned for its lively atmosphere, colorful streets lined with Chinese lanterns, and a plethora of eateries offering dishes like the famous Nagasaki Champon and Sara Udon. Visitors can immerse themselves in the rich history, culture, and flavors that bridge both Chinese and Japanese traditions in this unique neighborhood.
Vo Thanh HuyVo Thanh Huy
00
If you are planning on trying the foods and enjoying the walk do go during off times. We visited during the lantern festival and the amount of people plus the lack of staff controlling traffic made it a nightmare to try and get anywhere. A lot of people pushing each other and cutting in front of you just to get stuck again made it not really enjoyable. The events were ok and what we were able to try from the food stalls was great but the lines get really crazy and is really hard to move around or find a place to eat. As for the shops, a lot of the products were old, some souvenirs were rusted and nothing really worth spending money on.
LeoLeo
00
Nagasaki Shinchi Chinatown is a lively and colourful area with a rich cultural heritage. It's a great place to enjoy authentic Chinese cuisine and local specialties while experiencing the festive atmosphere. With streets adorned with vibrant decorations and bustling with activity, it offers a delightful experience for both food lovers and culture enthusiasts. However, it’s worth noting that the area is relatively small. This compact size means you can easily explore all the interesting shops, restaurants, and attractions in a short amount of time.
YangYang
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Nearby Attractions Of Nagasaki Shinchi Chinatown
Glover Garden
Megane Bridge
Youme Town Yumesaito
Nagasaki Seaside Park
Nagasaki Prefectural Art Museum
dormy inn Nagasaki Shinchi Chukagai
Gunkanjima Digital Museum
Ōura Cathedral
Hotel Forza Nagasaki
Nagasaki Koshibyo Confucius Shrine and Historical Museum of China

Glover Garden
4.1
(4.6K)Click for details

Megane Bridge
4.1
(4.1K)Click for details

Youme Town Yumesaito
3.9
(1.9K)Click for details

Nagasaki Seaside Park
4.3
(1.3K)Click for details
Nearby Restaurants Of Nagasaki Shinchi Chinatown
Original Chawanmushi YOSSOU (Hamamachi Main Branch)
Shikanoko Chinese Restaurant
Tsuruchan
Shianbashi Ramen
Seafood Market Nagasaki Port Dejima Wharf Branch
Kozanrochukagaishinkan
Ramen Hiiragi
Nagasaki Dejima Wharf
Starbucks Coffee Nagasaki Youme Town Yumesaito shop
Wakatakemaru Hamamachi

Original Chawanmushi YOSSOU (Hamamachi Main Branch)
4.2
(1.9K)Click for details

Shikanoko Chinese Restaurant
3.9
(1.6K)Click for details

Tsuruchan
3.9
(1.1K)Click for details

Shianbashi Ramen
3.5
(1K)Click for details
Basic Info
Address
10-13 Shinchimachi, Nagasaki, 850-0842, Japan
Map
Phone
+81 95-822-6540
Call
Website
nagasaki-chinatown.com
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Reviews
Overview
3.7
(3.6K reviews)
Ratings & Description
cultural
family friendly
Description
Nagasaki Shinchi Chinatown is an area located in Nagasaki, Nagasaki, Japan. Today this area is a shopping strip covering many blocks. Most of the Chinese members of Nagasaki Chinatown are of Fuzhounese descent.
attractions: Glover Garden, Megane Bridge, Youme Town Yumesaito, Nagasaki Seaside Park, Nagasaki Prefectural Art Museum, dormy inn Nagasaki Shinchi Chukagai, Gunkanjima Digital Museum, Ōura Cathedral, Hotel Forza Nagasaki, Nagasaki Koshibyo Confucius Shrine and Historical Museum of China, restaurants: Original Chawanmushi YOSSOU (Hamamachi Main Branch), Shikanoko Chinese Restaurant, Tsuruchan, Shianbashi Ramen, Seafood Market Nagasaki Port Dejima Wharf Branch, Kozanrochukagaishinkan, Ramen Hiiragi, Nagasaki Dejima Wharf, Starbucks Coffee Nagasaki Youme Town Yumesaito shop, Wakatakemaru Hamamachi

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