Nagasaki Foreigners' Cemetery
A serene hillside cemetery in Nagasaki, home to graves of foreign residents, offering historical insights and panoramic city views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Cherry blossoms bloom beautifully
Nagasaki Foreigners' Cemetery
Best Time
Cherry blossoms bloom beautifully
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene hillside cemetery in Nagasaki, home to graves of foreign residents, offering historical insights and panoramic city views.
"A peaceful place with diverse gravestones and stunning views, a poignant reminder of Nagasaki's international past."
Wear Comfortable Shoes
The cemetery has slopes and uneven paths. Comfortable footwear is essential for exploring. :athletic_shoe:
Respectful Atmosphere
Maintain a quiet and respectful demeanor. This is a place of remembrance and history. :pray:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Grave Markers & Architecture
Throughout the cemetery
Discover diverse tombstone designs, from simple crosses to elaborate monuments, reflecting various nationalities and eras.
Dr. Reinbold's Grave
Near the entrance
See the tomb of Dr. Reinbold, a physician who aided victims of the atomic bomb, symbolizing peace and recovery.
Panoramic Views
Higher sections of the cemetery
Enjoy sweeping views of Nagasaki city and the harbor, offering a poignant contrast to the solemn surroundings.
Jewish Cemetery Section
Overlooking the atomic bomb site
A unique section containing the only Jewish cemetery in Japan, with a history dating back to the 1860s.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit
Respectful Exploration
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Wear Comfortable Shoes
The cemetery has slopes and uneven paths. Comfortable footwear is essential for exploring. :athletic_shoe:
Respectful Atmosphere
Maintain a quiet and respectful demeanor. This is a place of remembrance and history. :pray:
Capture the Views
The higher points offer stunning panoramic views of Nagasaki. Don't forget your camera! :camerawithflash:
Explore Diverse Graves
Discover unique tombstone designs from various nationalities, each telling a story. :gem:
Tips
from all over the internet
Wear Comfortable Shoes
The cemetery has slopes and uneven paths. Comfortable footwear is essential for exploring. :athletic_shoe:
Respectful Atmosphere
Maintain a quiet and respectful demeanor. This is a place of remembrance and history. :pray:
Capture the Views
The higher points offer stunning panoramic views of Nagasaki. Don't forget your camera! :camerawithflash:
Explore Diverse Graves
Discover unique tombstone designs from various nationalities, each telling a story. :gem:
Visit the Jewish Section
See the historic Jewish cemetery, a unique part of Nagasaki's international history. :starofdavid:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Nagasaki Foreigners' Cemetery to be a peaceful and historically significant site, offering unique insights into Nagasaki's international past. The diverse gravestones and panoramic city views are frequently praised, though the hilly terrain requires comfortable footwear. Some note the solemn atmosphere, making it a place for quiet reflection.
""
町田利幸
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The cemetery is accessible by public transport. From Nagasaki Station, you can take a bus towards Sakamoto International Cemetery. It's also a pleasant walk from the Glover Garden area, offering scenic routes.
Limited parking may be available nearby, but public transportation is generally recommended due to the hilly terrain and potential for congestion. Consider bus routes that stop close to the cemetery.
Yes, it's possible to walk from attractions like Glover Garden or Oura Church. Be prepared for uphill climbs, which offer rewarding views along the way.
The cemetery is spread across a hillside. Wear comfortable shoes and take your time to explore the various paths and sections. Maps might be available at the entrance or nearby information points.
The Foreigners' Cemetery is located in the Sakamoto district, which is a short bus ride or a longer walk from the Nagasaki Peace Park. It's often visited in conjunction with other historical sites in the area.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the Nagasaki Foreigners' Cemetery is generally free. It's an open public space for remembrance and historical exploration.
The cemetery is typically open during daylight hours. It's advisable to check local listings or inquire at a tourist information center for the most current hours, as they may vary seasonally.
No, the Jewish cemetery section is part of the larger Foreigners' Cemetery and is also generally free to enter.
While it's an open space, it's best to visit during daylight hours for safety and to fully appreciate the surroundings and views. Avoid visiting too late in the evening.
While official guided tours might not be readily advertised, you can explore independently or consider local historical walking tours that may include the cemetery.
📸 📸 Photography
The higher sections offer stunning panoramic views of Nagasaki city and the harbor. The diverse tombstone designs and the atmospheric alleys also make for compelling photos. 
Yes, photography is generally allowed. However, always be mindful of the solemn nature of the site and avoid intrusive photography, especially of any ongoing ceremonies or private memorials.
Early mornings or late afternoons offer softer light, which is ideal for photography. The golden hour can create a beautiful, atmospheric glow.
Look for the unique architectural styles of the tombstones, the winding paths, the contrast between the graves and the city view, and any seasonal elements like cherry blossoms.
Drone usage is typically restricted in cemeteries and historical sites to maintain peace and prevent disturbance. It's best to assume drones are not permitted.
🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience
The atmosphere is generally peaceful and contemplative, with a sense of history and remembrance. The diverse gravestones and the city views create a unique ambiance.
Allocate at least 1-2 hours to wander through the cemetery, appreciate the different grave markers, and enjoy the views. If you're a history enthusiast, you might spend longer.
Basic facilities like restrooms might be available, but it's advisable to check beforehand or use facilities before your visit, especially if you plan an extended stay.
Due to its hillside location and uneven paths, the cemetery can be challenging for those with mobility issues. It's best to be prepared for inclines and steps.
It's a testament to Nagasaki's history as a major international port, housing graves of foreigners who lived and died there. It also holds poignant connections to the atomic bombing's aftermath.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1If visiting with children, focus on the unique aspects like the different tombstone designs and the stories of people from various countries. The grave of Dr. Reinbold, who helped atomic bomb victims, can be a point of discussion about peace and recovery. Ensure everyone wears comfortable shoes and stays hydrated, especially during warmer months.
🚶 Budget Travelers
It offers a rich historical and cultural experience without any admission fees. You can spend hours exploring the diverse gravestones and enjoying the scenic views. To keep costs down, utilize Nagasaki's efficient public transportation system, such as buses, to reach the cemetery. Pack your own snacks and water to avoid purchasing them at potentially higher prices near tourist spots. Combine your visit with other free or low-cost attractions in Nagasaki to create a full day of exploration.
📸 Photographers
The winding paths and the atmospheric alleys create dramatic compositions, especially during the softer light of early mornings or late afternoons. The panoramic views of Nagasaki city and the harbor from the higher sections are a major draw, offering a stunning contrast between the serene cemetery and the urban landscape.
Look for unique angles, play with light and shadow, and capture the sense of history and tranquility that pervades the site. Remember to be respectful of the location and its purpose while you shoot. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Tapestry of International History
This sacred ground is the final resting place for numerous foreign residents who lived and passed away in Nagasaki, their tombstones bearing witness to a diverse array of nationalities and cultures that once thrived in the city. The cemetery offers a unique glimpse into the lives of these individuals and their contributions to Nagasaki's development. Walking through the cemetery, you'll encounter a fascinating mix of architectural styles in the grave markers, from simple crosses to more elaborate mausoleums. Each stone tells a story, reflecting the diverse backgrounds of those interred here. The presence of the Jewish cemetery section, overlooking the site of the atomic bomb, adds another layer of historical significance, highlighting the varied religious and cultural communities that found a home in Nagasaki.
The cemetery's existence underscores the city's long-standing role as a bridge between Japan and the rest of the world, a legacy that continues to shape its identity today. Beyond the individual graves, the cemetery's location on a hillside provides breathtaking panoramic views of Nagasaki city and its harbor. This scenic backdrop offers a moment of reflection, contrasting the tranquility of the cemetery with the vibrant life of the city below.
The peaceful ambiance, combined with the historical depth, makes the Nagasaki Foreigners' Cemetery a compelling destination for those interested in Japan's international relations and the stories of its foreign residents. Navigating the Slopes and Serenity
The paths wind through the graves, offering different perspectives and leading to various sections, including the notable Jewish cemetery. The cemetery's layout, with its winding alleys and varied tombstone designs, creates a uniquely atmospheric experience. Many visitors describe a sense of quiet contemplation and a feeling of stepping back in time.
The diverse architectural styles of the gravestones, from simple crosses to more ornate monuments, reflect the varied origins of the individuals buried there. The presence of lush greenery, and in certain seasons, blooming cherry blossoms, adds to the serene beauty of the site. While the cemetery is a place of remembrance, it also offers stunning vistas of Nagasaki city and the surrounding bay. The higher points provide excellent vantage points for photography, capturing the juxtaposition of the solemn resting place with the bustling modern city.
It's a place where history, nature, and panoramic views converge, offering a unique and moving experience for visitors. 
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit