Nagasaki Prefectural Art Museum
Beautiful new building featured in Architecture Week that often has touring exhibits from around the world. Fees are required for temporary exhibits.
Nagasaki Penguin Aquarium
A surprisingly entertaining and informative aquarium located about 30 min [by bus] from Nagasaki station. A 12-m deep tank dominates the entry way. You can observe a variety of penguins from the vantage of underwater. A number of other aquaria contain many species of fish and invertebrates found locally, as well as a huge tank containing giant catfish pla bluk from the Mekong River in Thailand. The building is adjacent to a delightful sandy beach that could make a day with kids full and exciting.
Atomic Bomb Museum
A well-done commemoration of one of the greatest tragedies of the 20th century. At the far end of the museum tour, you will find a powerful argument against nuclear proliferation, outlined in several well-designed exhibits. Buy yourself some ice cream after you leave - you'll need it.
Glover Garden
This is a pleasant collection of relocated European style homes built for foreign traders and diplomats when Japan was opened to world after the Meiji Restoration of the mid 19th century. It also offers a great view of Nagasaki harbor.
Sofuku-ji
Constructed in 1629 by Chinese residents of Nagasaki, this temple is one of the best examples of Ming Dynasty architecture in the world. Even in China itself there are few surviving structures that display Ming Dynasty architecture as well as Sofuku-ji.
Site of the Martyrdom of the 26 Saints of Japan
A monument and a museum stand on the site where 20 Japanese Christians and six European missionaries were crucified in 1597. These martyrs were canonized as saints in 1862. This site is also closest to Nagasaki Station; about 10 minutes on foot.
Urakami Cathedral
Rebuilt after its destruction in the atomic bombing, Urakami Cathedral was once the largest church in Asia.
Oura Catholic Church
Built in 1864 by French missionaries, it is the oldest remaining church in Japan. While not used as a church now, it still offers a look at 19th Century worship after Japan repealed its ban on Christianity.