🏮 Japan Day 9: Exploring Nagasaki’s Colorful Chinatown & Delicious Food Finds!
Okay, seriously — how cool is this?!
🎎 Welcome to Nagasaki’s Own Chinatown!
Did you know that Nagasaki’s Chinatown is one of only three official Chinatowns in Japan? The others are in Yokohama and Kobe, but Nagasaki’s is the oldest!
It was established over 400 years ago, when Chinese traders and settlers first came to Japan during the Edo period. Since Nagasaki was the only port open to foreign trade at the time, the city became a melting pot of Japanese, Chinese, and Western influences.
Today, you can still feel that history in every lantern, street sign, and shopfront.
🤭 The Most Amusing Find — Fukken Street!
The moment we saw a street sign that said “Fukken Street”, we couldn’t help but laugh. It’s one of those “you have to see it to believe it” moments that make travel so much fun. 😅
🏮 A Stroll Through the Heart of Chinatown
Nagasaki’s Chinatown is like stepping into a colorful movie set — lantern-inspired streetlights, vibrant red gateways, and narrow alleyways lined with shops and restaurants.
There are majestic dragon sculptures guarding entrances (each one symbolizing strength and protection) and window displays showing off incredibly realistic fake food models.
💡 Fun Fact: These food replicas are called sampuru, from the word “sample.” They’re hand-sculpted from wax or plastic and are such an art form that there’s even a museum in Tokyo dedicated to them!
And the best part? In Japan, the food you get usually looks exactly like the display — what you see is truly what you get!
🥟 Street Food Heaven
Although we were spoiled for choice with restaurants, we went straight for the street food — and it did not disappoint.
We found a little booth selling Chinese steamed bao buns, filled with tender pork belly that practically melted in your mouth. The dough was pillowy soft, and the flavor? Absolute perfection.
🧋 The Cutest Milk Tea Ever
Then came one of my favorite discoveries — a milk tea, complete with the most innovative drink carrier I’ve ever seen! Leave it to Japan to turn something as simple as bubble tea into an adorable experience.
🍦 A Sweet Ending
Of course, no foodie adventure is complete without dessert. We grabbed some green tea ice cream to wrap up our day — smooth, creamy, and the perfect way to cool off after exploring.
✨ Final Thoughts
Nagasaki’s Chinatown might be smaller than Yokohama’s, but it’s full of charm, history, and delicious surprises at every turn. Between the laughter on Fukken Street, the bao buns, and that genius drink carrier — this stop was a highlight of Day 9 of our Celebrity Cruise through Japan.
If you’re planning a Japan cruise itinerary, make sure Nagasaki is on your list — this little city blends culture, cuisine, and creativity in a way that truly captures the heart of Japan.
🌏 Fun Facts About Nagasaki Chinatown:
- It’s the oldest Chinatown in Japan, dating back to the 17th century.
- The area is especially famous for Nagasaki Champon, a noodle dish that mixes Chinese and Japanese flavors.
- During the Lantern Festival (celebrating the Chinese New Year), over 15,000 lanterns light up the district — a sight you’ll never forget!
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