More about Nagasaki
Why go to Nagasaki?
Cruises dock just a short walk from shops, restaurants, panoramic city views and attractions
The Peace Park and Atomic Bomb Museum are upriver and so a private taxi or tour is needed
Modern port facilities and an impressive approach through a fjord-like channel
Nagasaki Cruise Port Facilities?
The pier itself offers no services. Cruise-ship passengers can easily walk from here to the entrance to Glover Garden (10 minutes), the tram 5 stop or the waterfront promenade.
Good to Know?
The Japanese drive on the left side of the road, like the British, so be careful when crossing the street. Drivers tend to be polite to pedestrians at intersections.
Getting Around?
On Foot: Most of Nagasaki's tourist attractions are within a 20-minute walk of the port.
By Tram: The city's tram lines are easy to navigate, even for people who don't typically use public transportation at home. Board through any door, and pay the flat fare of 100 yen when you get off. There is also a 500-yen day pass, but most day visitors will not ride enough to make it worthwhile. The tram lines are numbered 1, 3, 4 and 5, and the stops are both numbered and written in English letters. The stop for tram 5 is just outside the wharf precinct and to the left, and you can get to most attractions in about five minutes. Tram lines 1 and 3 stop close to the Nagasaki Bomb Museum, a 15-minute ride from the city center. Buses supplement the trams, but they are harder to use.
By Taxi: Taxis are plentiful, cheap and metered. Drivers are usually very honest.
Currency & Best Way to Get Money?
Japanese currency is the yen; check <a rel="nofollow"target="_blank"href="http://www.xe.com" class="plain">XE.com for current exchange rates. The Japanese use credit cards far less than we do for small purchases, so you'll definitely want to take out yen at ATM machines found around the city, including at the post office where there's also a currency change counter. Additionally, you can get yen at offices of the financial institution called 18 Bank. Currency exchange onboard your cruise ship usually offers a poorer exchange rate.
Language?
The official language is Japanese. Younger Japanese men and women are more likely to speak English than the older generations. Signs written out in the English alphabet are incredibly helpful for finding your way.
Where You're Docked?
Cruise ships dock at Matsugae Pier in a very convenient location, adjacent to the city center.