Nagasaki Chinatown — Oldest in Japan

Published: Jun 1, 2026

Updated: Jun 1, 2026

Chinatownoldest in Japanlantern festivalChinese foodShinchi

Nagasaki Shinchi Chinatown is Japan's oldest Chinatown, established in the 1690s when the Tokugawa shogunate designated a specific quarter for Chinese merchants during the sakoku isolation period. The district is 250 meters square with four ornamental gates marking the cardinal directions. Unlike Yokohama or Kobe Chinatowns (established much later for tourist commerce), Shinchi remains a genuine residential and business district for the descendants of Chinese traders.

The food focus is Nagasaki's Chinese-influenced specialties: champon and sara udon (already mentioned), plus kakuni manju (braised pork belly buns), hattendo (sweet milk buns), and the annual Lantern Festival displays.

Opening Hours

Chinatown accessible 24/7 | Shops: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Closed: Open year-round

Entrance Fee

Free to walk | Budget ¥1,000–2,000 for local specialties (champon, kakuni manju)

Best Season

February 1–15 for Lantern Festival (15,000 lanterns; peak Feb 8–10) | Year-round

Visit Duration

45–60 minutes

Getting There

Access Information

Shinchi-machi, Nagasaki City. 3-minute walk from Tsukimachi tram stop. Shops open 10:00–21:00. Free to walk. Lantern Festival: February 1-15 annually.

Insider Guide

Premium

**Lantern Festival (Shunsetsu):** The 15-day Chinese New Year celebration fills Shinchi and central Nagasaki with 15,000 lanterns — hanging from wires across every street, creating canopies of red and