Nagasaki

Cruise ships dock at Matsugae Pier in a very convenient location, adjacent to the city center. Cruise-ship passengers can easily walk from here to the entrance to Glover Garden (15 minutes).

Taxis are plentiful, cheap and metered. Drivers are usually very honest.

Tram line 5 has a stop here.

Tourist Information: On the shore, available on the calling day only. (English city map) Currency Exchange: On the shore, Available on the calling day only.

The topography of the Port of Nagasaki resembles an amphitheater looking out to sea. Another major feature of Nagasaki are the houses that extend up the slopes to the summits of the city's mountains. The lights from these houses give Nagasaki its renowned "million-dollar" nighttime scenery. The Port of Nagasaki is the focus of the city's exchanges with other countries. Nagasaki also boasts a number of unique festivals that highlight the city's food culture and local traditions.

Glover Garden: Commanding a stunning view of Nagasaki Harbour from its position on top of the hill of Minami-Yamate, this romantic area retains the atmosphere of a foreign settlement.

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. It is most easily accessed by tram line 1 or 3 in ten minutes from JR Nagasaki Station. Taxi from cruise dock is around $18.

Sightseeing in the city: By Tram (Street car): ¥150 per ride, regardless of distance. 'One day pass ticket' available for ¥600.(sold at the information desk at the terminal)(announcements are also spoken in english) By Bus: Also a nice way to get around and visit plenty of sites. When you board a taxi, note that the vehicle's left rear door is opened and closed remotely by the driver. You are not supposed to open or close it by yourself. Furthermore, you are not supposed to tip taxi drivers, as the service is included in the price. A 3 hour tour is about 12.000 Yen.

If you do not speak Japanese, or your destination is not a well known place, it is recommended to give your driver the precise address of your destination on a piece of paper or, even better, point it out on a map, since the Japanese address system can be confusing even to local taxi drivers.

Huis Ten Bosch, a Dutch-style theme park that is actually outside of Sasebo.

Youme Saito - Located next to Dejima Wharf in downtown Nagasaki, this multistory shopping plaza offers a range of stores and services, including a Starbucks, travel agent, a grocery store in the basement, and of course, a grand selection of clothing stores. Perhaps of most interest to English-speaking travelers is the Kinokuniya bookstore on the fifth floor; it carries arguably the widest selection of English-language books and magazines in the city. Next to Kinokuniya is a food court with several selections. Youme Saito is easily accessed by taking the blue streetcar line to the Ohato stop.

Chinatown is close to the cruise terminal.

The currency in Japan is the yen. It comes in denominations of ¥10,000, ¥5,000 and ¥1,000 notes, as well as ¥500, ¥100, ¥50, ¥10, ¥5 and ¥1 coins.

ATMs in Japan are becoming more useful, and most can be used to withdraw funds from overseas accounts. Post offices also offer ATMs. Major credit cards are accepted at a majority of stores and restaurants in large urban areas, but if you plan on spending any time in rural areas, be sure to carry sufficient cash. Japan is still very much a cash society and some stores, hotels and restaurants-regardless of location-refuse credit cards.

Don't tip, as it's considered rude!

Cafes which offer free WiFi for customers are springing up all over the country. Costs vary, with some coffee shops offering free Wi-Fi services and others charging by the hour for cable-enabled PCs

Shops and department stores in Japan are generally open daily, including national holidays (with the exception of New Year's), from 10:00 or 10:30am to 7:30 or 8:00pm. Some specialty shops are closed Sundays and national holidays. Department stores are sometimes closed one day a week on an irregular basis, but since closing days vary for each store, shoppers can always find stores that are open.

Public Holidays in Japan