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Nagasaki Shinchi Chinatown is one of Japan’s three major Chinatowns, alongside Yokohama and Kobe. This area was created during the mid-Edo period by reclaiming land from the sea to build warehouses for Chinese trade goods. The crossroad, approximately 250 meters in total length, is paved with stone tiles provided by Nagasaki’s sister city in Fujian Province, a unique feature of this district. Today, the area is home to about 40 establishments, including Chinese restaurants, confectioneries, and various shops, allowing visitors to enjoy an exotic atmosphere.
Nagasaki Shinchi Chinatown - Official Website
During the Edo period, Nagasaki was the only port open to foreign trade, serving as a gateway to China. Similar to the Dutch settlement on Dejima, a Chinese settlement called “Tojin Yashiki” was established, surrounded by high walls but allowing relatively free movement of Chinese people.
After a fire in 1698 destroyed the warehouses, new warehouses were built on reclaimed land, known as “Shinchi” or “Shinchi Zosho.” Although this area was abolished after the Meiji Restoration, Chinese immigrants resettled and developed a unique Chinatown in Nagasaki.
The colorful Chinese gates at each corner of Chinatown were constructed with materials sourced from Fuzhou, China, and crafted by invited artisans, reflecting the hope of developing the area comparable to Yokohama and Kobe Chinatowns.
In Chinese culture, four divine beasts guard the cardinal directions: the Azure Dragon in the east, the White Tiger in the west, the Black Tortoise (turtle and snake) in the north, and the Vermilion Bird in the south. Each gate is oriented precisely to these directions.
The best part of visiting Nagasaki Shinchi Chinatown is enjoying authentic Chinese cuisine. Highlights include Nagasaki’s specialties: Champon, Sara Udon, and Kakuni Manju. Champon features thick noodles with pork, seafood, and vegetables in a hearty broth, making it a popular dish for all ages. Sara Udon is a delicious combination of thick noodles topped with vegetables and seafood in a sweet sauce. Kakuni Manju, a steamed bun filled with tender braised pork, is another must-try delicacy.
Similar to Yokohama and Kobe, strolling through Chinatown with a Kakuni Manju in hand gives you a genuine Chinatown experience. Enjoy the delicious Kakuni Manju in Nagasaki Shinchi Chinatown as well.
You can also enjoy a variety of dim sum such as pork buns, Xiao Long Bao, shrimp dumplings, desserts like almond tofu, and congee. Take a culinary walk through the historical streets of Shinchi Chinatown.
With 16 Chinese restaurants in Shinchi Chinatown, choosing where to eat can be overwhelming. To help you decide, we have grouped the restaurants based on certain points. Use this as a reference.
Note that Nagasaki Champon and Sara Udon are available at all restaurants.
These restaurants offer authentic Chinese cuisine, perfect for those who appreciate classic flavors.
| Restaurant Name | Features |
|---|---|
| Ohzuru | A restaurant known for authentic Chinese cuisine prepared with traditional methods. |
| Chuka Saikan Fukujyu | Preserves traditional flavors, offering classic Chinese dishes. |
These long-established restaurants have been beloved by locals for many years. A visit is a must to experience their traditional flavors.
| Restaurant Name | Features |
|---|---|
| Soshu Rin | A symbol of Nagasaki Chinatown, preserving traditional flavors. |
| Saiko | Boasts a long history, loved by locals for generations. |
| Shin Wa Rou | Offers traditional flavors, adhering to classic recipes. |
Cantonese cuisine is known for its light and delicate flavors, often using fresh seafood and vegetables. These long-established restaurants offer authentic tastes derived from years of experience and skill.
| Restaurant Name | Features |
|---|---|
| Kyokaen | Founded in 1949, known for its extensive lunch menu. |
| Ryushiro | Popular for its dim sum menu, offering Hong Kong - style cuisine. |
| Old Shanghai Restaurant | Features a casual dining area on the first floor and a more formal restaurant on the second floor. |
These upscale Chinese restaurants are perfect for special occasions, featuring elegant interiors and impeccable service to create a memorable dining experience.
| Restaurant Name | Features |
|---|---|
| Kyokaen | An elegant restaurant offering authentic Chinese cuisine made with premium ingredients. |
| Ryuen Shinkan | Provides a luxurious dining experience with traditional Chinese dishes. |
| Ryushiro | Known for its opulent menu and meticulous service, ideal for special occasions. |
If you’re looking to try Nagasaki’s famous Champon or Sara Udon, these are the best places to go. Each restaurant offers its unique take on these beloved dishes, featuring chewy noodles loaded with vegetables and seafood, making them popular among locals and tourists alike.
| Restaurant Name | Features |
|---|---|
| Lao Lee Nagasaki Champon Specialty Restaurant | Known for its Champon specialty, using local ingredients. |
| Kairakuen | Offers a wide variety of dishes, making it popular among families and groups. |
| Kozanrou | Balances tradition with innovation, continuously exploring new flavors. |
| Shin Wa Rou | Popular for its Champon and Sara Udon. |
| Ryuen Shinkan | Known for its hearty Champon. |
Dim sum and yum cha are culinary traditions that originated in Hong Kong, featuring a variety of small dishes and aromatic Chinese tea. These restaurants offer a wide range of dim sum options, perfect for enjoying with a fine cup of Chinese tea.
| Restaurant Name | Features |
|---|---|
| Kozanrou | Offers an extensive selection of dim sum, served yum cha style. |
| Spring Summer Autumn Winter | Popular for its yum cha, featuring Hong Kong - style dim sum. |
| Saiko | Serves piping hot dim sum, open from early morning. |
Sichuan cuisine is known for its spicy flavors, using chili peppers and Sichuan peppercorns, with dishes like Mapo Tofu and Twice-Cooked Pork. Shandong cuisine features rich flavors, often using fermented seasonings like miso and soy sauce. These restaurants offer authentic tastes of these regional cuisines.
| Restaurant Name | Features |
|---|---|
| Soshu Rin | Popular for its authentic Sichuan cuisine and dim sum. |
| Chuka Saikan Fukujyu | Offers a chef’s selection of Sichuan and Cantonese dishes. |
| Yang Jia Cai Fang Cui Shi Ting | Enjoy authentic Shandong and Sichuan dishes. |
These restaurants offer creative dishes that break away from traditional Chinese cuisine, perfect for those seeking a new culinary experience.
| Restaurant Name | Features |
|---|---|
| Ohzuru | Enjoy Taiwanese shaved ice and Taiwanese cuisine. |
| Kairakuen | Recommended for its "Cold Dishes," combining appetizers and dim sum. |
| Tea House Tai An Yoko | A tea house - style shop where you can enjoy Chinese tea and dim sum. |
| Chinese Restaurant Shokuenbo | Offers a wide variety of original dishes, featuring seasonal ingredients. |
| Yang Jia Cai Fang Cui Shi Ting | Enjoy unique dishes in an exotic atmosphere. |
| Old Shanghai Restaurant | Combines traditional and modern menus, offering new Chinese culinary delights. |
These cafes are perfect for a quick break or dessert time, offering Chinese-style snacks and sweets.
| Restaurant Name | Features |
|---|---|
| Tea House Tai An Yoko | A cafe popular for its desserts enjoyed with authentic Chinese tea. |
| Spring Summer Autumn Winter | A cozy cafe offering seasonal sweets and light meals. |
The Nagasaki Lantern Festival is a winter tradition in Shinchi Chinatown. It began as a Spring Festival celebrated by the Chinese community, and now it has become a major event attracting many tourists, with lanterns illuminating Nagasaki City.
During the festival, colorful lanterns adorn Chinatown, creating a magical atmosphere. Especially in Minato Park, vibrant lantern sculptures are displayed, making you feel as if you have stepped into a Chinese city. Numerous food stalls also set up during this period, offering a variety of Chinese delicacies.
Shinchi Chinatown is lively day and night during the Lantern Festival. The streets illuminated by enchanting lanterns are a sight you must see at least once in your lifetime. Visit Shinchi Chinatown repeatedly for this seasonal event to fully appreciate its charm.
In China, the Lunar New Year, or “Spring Festival,” is a significant cultural event celebrated with grand festivities. Families gather, and the streets are filled with firecrackers and lion dances to welcome the new year. The festival concludes with “Yuanxiao Jie” (Lantern Festival), believed to be a night when celestial spirits can be seen. To make it easier to spot these spirits amidst clouds and fog, Chinese lanterns are lit and paraded through the streets. For the Chinese community in Nagasaki Shinchi Chinatown, the Spring Festival is equally important. In 1987, to commemorate the first anniversary of the completion of the Chinese gates, they held the first Shinchi Chinatown Spring Festival. The beautifully decorated lanterns received high praise and the event became known as the Nagasaki Lantern Festival, becoming a fixture in Nagasaki’s annual events.
Shinchi Chinatown offers a variety of souvenir shops selling Chinese goods and food items. Notable among these are shops selling Chinese tea and seasonings. Authentic seasonings to recreate traditional flavors and health-beneficial Chinese teas make excellent gifts and souvenirs.
Additionally, there are many panda-themed goods, such as plush toys and keychains. These uniquely designed items make perfect mementos of your trip. Take your time shopping and enjoy the rich selection of souvenirs available.
When shopping for souvenirs in Shinchi Chinatown, opt for items that capture the essence of Chinese culture. From practical everyday items to decorative pieces, you are sure to find the perfect gift for yourself or your loved ones.
Nagasaki Shinchi Chinatown may not be as large as Yokohama or Kobe, but it offers a unique blend of history and culture. It is known as Japan’s smallest Chinatown, home to descendants of Chinese immigrants primarily from Fujian Province in southern China. This historical background creates a unique atmosphere in Shinchi Chinatown.
While Shinchi Chinatown is always bustling with Chinese restaurants and shops, it becomes even more vibrant during seasonal events like the Spring Festival and Lantern Festival. Visiting during these times allows you to fully enjoy the charm of Chinatown. Note that many shops close on weekdays, so check the business hours in advance.
With its exotic streetscape, authentic Chinese cuisine, and vibrant Lantern Festival, Nagasaki Shinchi Chinatown offers a unique travel experience where you can immerse yourself in Chinese culture without leaving Japan. Be sure to visit and create unforgettable memories in this charming district where Nagasaki’s history intersects with Chinese culture.
