Nagasaki Shinchi Chinatown is located in Shinchi-machi, in the center of Nagasaki City. It is one of the three major Chinatowns in Japan, alongside Yokohama Chinatown and Kobe Nankinmachi. Although relatively compact—about 150 meters long and 120 meters wide—the district is filled with a rich Chinese cultural atmosphere. Its layout forms a quadrilateral structure: bordered by the Dōza River on the northeast and Fukken Street on the southwest, with two main intersecting streets at its core. At each of the four entrances, traditional Chinese-style gates are erected, designed based on the concepts of the Four Symbols and the Five Elements, symbolizing good fortune and peace.
Today, Chinatown has around 40 Chinese restaurants and specialty shops selling dim sum, seasonings, tea, handicrafts, and souvenirs. It is a lively place for visitors to enjoy an exotic cultural experience. In particular, Nagasaki’s local specialties—Champon (noodle soup) and Sara Udon (crispy fried noodles)—originated here, and many restaurants still serve them in their authentic flavors.
Nagasaki Chinatown is not only a hub for shopping and dining but also a key venue for cultural events. During the Lunar New Year, it becomes one of the main sites of the Nagasaki Lantern Festival, along with Minato Park. Thousands of red lanterns illuminate the streets at night, transforming the entire district into a dazzling world of lights. For the Mid-Autumn Festival, more than a thousand yellow lanterns are hung, symbolizing reunion and harvest, creating a festive atmosphere.
The history of Nagasaki Chinatown dates back to the 17th century. During the Edo period, when Japan implemented its national seclusion policy, Nagasaki became the only port open to foreign trade. Chinese merchants gradually settled in the city but were initially restricted to living in the designated Tojin Yashiki (Chinese residence). After a fire caused severe losses of goods, the government reclaimed land from the sea in front of the residence to build warehouses. This newly reclaimed land was called “Shinchi” (new land). Following the end of Japan’s isolation in 1858, restrictions on Chinese settlement were lifted, and many Chinese merchants moved into Shinchi, forming the Chinatown we see today.
Nowadays, Nagasaki Shinchi Chinatown is not only a showcase of culinary culture but also an important landmark that testifies to the history of Sino-Japanese exchange. Entering the district, with its red gates, stone-paved streets, and countless Chinese dishes, feels like stepping into another country—yet one deeply connected with the history and culture of Nagasaki.
