Entertainment

Entertainment in Nagasaki generally takes place on a small scale. It is, after all, a provincial city. This means that there are not any huge blowout concerts, frenzied sporting events in mega-stadiums, or unbridled parties in public parks. Do not be discouraged however, as there is plenty of fun to be had in Nagasaki.

Festivals

Some of the best things to do in Nagasaki for free are provided by the major festivals. During these times, the citizens, and numerous visitors as well, turn out en masse for celebrations. The Kunchi Festival, with its origin rooted in Chinese culture, runs for three days in October and is perhaps the largest and most anticipated. The others, while smaller, are hardly less energetic or inspiring.

The Nagasaki Chinese Lantern Festival, held each winter, is similar to the Kunchi Festival in its demonstration of Chinese influence, celebrating the Chinese New Year with dragon dances and lantern displays in China Town. Similarly, the O-Bon Festival is a stunning celebration that fills the waters of Ohato Harbor with small boats that are adorned with paper lanterns, and fills the sky with fireworks in homage to the deceased.

Another exciting festival that reflects the European influence is the Peiron Regatta Championships (a type of boat race), the final race of which is held in late-July. For a romantic winter stroll the Glover Garden Winter Festival is sure to please.

Sports & Outdoor Activities

Although Nagasaki does not hold any huge sporting events, there is a public sports area, Matsuyama Park, which encompasses a baseball stadium, a track, a rugby and soccer field, several pools and numerous open areas for sporting activities. If you are looking for athletic entertainment away from the city, pay a visit to the Ikoi no Mori grass ski park or the Nomozaki cycling road. Those with less active interests might try one of the city's several golf courses, such as the Nameshi Golf Course. Alternatively, about an hour east from the city lies Nagasaki Prefectural Unzen Golf Course.

For those who love the 'great outdoors', Nagasaki Prefecture has a vast array of excellent beaches, which draw swimmers, surfers, scuba divers, fishermen and simple pleasure seekers. Takahama and Kojima are two fine beaches, while Iojima has reason to boast as well. If you do not mind traveling a fair distance from the city, Gotoh also has wonderful stretches of sand. At the other end of the spectrum, you have the elevations. Hikers will most definitely want to try the ridges of Mount Unzen, while less ambitious trekkers can confine their activities to Ryoma Road in the city.

Family Activities

For indoor entertainment, especially the type appropriate for families, movie theaters are an obvious choice. United Cinemas has recently opened a multiplex in Amu Plaza, the Nagasaki Station shopping center, but there are many others to choose from as well. Another popular activity in Nagasaki is bowling. In fact, the first bowling alley in Japan was opened in Nagasaki. There are not too many alleys nowadays but one that comes recommended is Nagasaki Lucky Bowl. Similar leisure activities that attract large numbers of residents and visitors include billiards, karaoke, and of course, video games. All of these pastimes are catered to at the Nagasaki Golden Bowl Shinkan.

Perhaps Nagasaki's most famous entertainment attraction; however, is Huis Ten Bosch, the Dutch resort city nationally famous for its distinct architecture and European flair. While most would not consider this a "must-go" destination, it does make for a pleasant side trip. Boat rides and the town's numerous amusement sites and shopping areas should provide entertainment for every member of the family.

Live Music

Another entertainment option is the musical variety. Several of Nagasaki's friendly bars double as live houses, with talented local acts performing on certain nights. Panic House, Fanfan, Music Inn JJ, and Music Theatre Roxy are all places to check out for rock and roll gigs. For something a little more hip, Ayer's Rock and Bajamut frequently have live Japanese rappers, DJs and MCs. Both of these are great places to go to get your groove on, assuming of course that the dance floor is not too crowded (i.e., avoid weekends). For more traditional musical entertainment, find out what the Nagasaki City Public Hall is sponsoring. Here, you may encounter a wide range or artistic endeavours such as ballet, Japanese dance and classical concerts.