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Nagasaki Shinchi Chinatown

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Nagasaki Shinchi Chinatown

Enjoy gourmet food and sundry goods in Shinchi Chinatown, filled with Chinese culture in Nagasaki since the Edo period.

3.16 6

Last update :
Supervised by :  Nagasaki Shinchi Chinatown Shopping Street Association

During the Edo period, Nagasaki was actively engaged in trade with China, and the land reclaimed from the sea to build a baggage warehouse to store goods from Chinese ships was called Shinchikurasho. Today, a monument to the Shinchikurasho site stands in the center of Chinatown.

At the four entrances to Chinatown stand magnificent vermilion Chinese gates built by calling in materials and craftsmen from Fukushu City, China.
It uses Chinese roof tiles and is located in the exact north, south, east, and west directions based on Feng Shui. The Genbu Gate in the north attracts water, the Suzaku Gate in the south attracts fire, and the Sofuku-ji Temple, a family temple for overseas Chinese, is located in the northeast of the demon's gate to seal out evil spirits

Shinchi Chinatown is one of the three significant Chinatowns in Japan, along with Kobe (Nankin-machi) and Yokohama Chinatown. Although small in size and compact, about 40 stores selling Chinese food, Chinese sweets, Chinese goods, etc., line the 250-meter-long crossroads from east to west and north to south. Fried noodles

In addition to tasting Chanpon noodles and Sara Udon fried noodles, visitors can also enjoy eating "Hatoshi," a deep-fried breaded shrimp paste, and "Kakuni Manju," a bun-filled with tender Kakuni (teriyaki flavored pork).

Highlights

  • The Nagasaki Lantern Festival is held at Minato Park, the main venue of the Lantern Festival.
  • The stores are decorated with Chinese auspicious symbols such as "Fukurokuju" ( god of fortune and longevity), "pine, bamboo and plum," and "dragons.
  • Chinese sweets "Yoriyori" and Chinese-style steamed sponge cake "Maracao" are also popular.
  • On the backside of the Chinese gate, there are carvings of the gods protecting the gate: blue dragon, white tiger, brown turtle, and red sparrow.
  • During the Lantern Festival, the gate is brightly decorated with various lanterns.

Photos

  • North gate of Shinchi Chinatown ©Nagasaki Prefecture Convention and Tourism Association

    North gate of Shinchi Chinatown ©Nagasaki Prefecture Convention and Tourism Association

  • Shinchi Bridge over the Douza River

    Shinchi Bridge over the Douza River

  • Shinchi Chinatown

    Shinchi Chinatown

  • “Kakuni Manju”, a bun filled with tender Kakuni (teriyaki flavored pork).

    “Kakuni Manju”, a bun filled with tender Kakuni (teriyaki flavored pork).

  • It also sells Sara Udon fried noodles, etc.

    It also sells Sara Udon fried noodles, etc.

Reviews

6

Some reviews are AI-translated.

  • 一個漸漸喜歡上慢旅的人
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    This was my second visit to Nagasaki. I missed it last time because I ran out of time, and I’d always wanted to see Nagasaki Chinatown, known as one of Japan’s three major Chinatowns. This time, I made a point of taking the streetcar, and after visiting nearby Dejima, I came over to walk around and check it out.

    After passing through the impressive bright-red gate, I found many small shops selling Chinese food and souvenirs, including well-known places like Soshurin, which you can also find at the station, and the very popular Kozanro. But honestly, the streets aren’t very wide, so it felt a little crowded when people gathered. Since I’m not very comfortable in crowds to begin with, I took a quick walk around to experience the exotic atmosphere, then decided to head to the long-established local restaurant Yossou for its signature chawanmushi and delicious fried shrimp dish.

    Although Nagasaki Chinatown wasn’t as large as I had imagined, if you’re already visiting Dejima or somewhere nearby, stopping by to experience the area’s unique local Chinese history and atmosphere is also worthwhile.

  • Linda Liao
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    The brightly colored Chinese-style gates and streets immediately give the area a strong international atmosphere. There are many Chinese restaurants and souvenir shops here, where you can try Nagasaki specialties such as champon, sara udon, and kakuni manju. Compared with Yokohama Chinatown, though, it is quite a bit smaller.

  • 王小鈞
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    When you come to Nagasaki, of course you have to visit Shinchi Chinatown, one of Japan's three major Chinatowns!
    The whole area is actually pretty small. The four gates give it a distinct Chinatown feel, and the streets are lined with Chinese restaurants, dessert shops, souvenir stores, and some unique little shops.
    There were still tourists on a weekday, but the area really is quite small.
    Even taking your time and stopping for photos, you can finish walking around it pretty quickly.
    If you're not specifically planning to eat here, it's a nice place to stop by, see the streetscape, experience Nagasaki's unique Chinese culture, and have a quick look around〜

  • 雨妤魚
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    Chinatown is lined with shops with Chinese signs everywhere, but honestly it wasn’t really my thing.
    It felt pretty ordinary, and there weren’t that many shops open. Still, I did find a store full of Studio Ghibli stuff!
    I bought a blind box for my uncle. I think he looks a lot like No-Face, but sadly I ended up pulling a little chick instead lol

  • Kevin Huang
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    You can find unique dishes here that blend Japanese and Chinese flavors, like Nagasaki's famous Sara Udon and Champon. These foods have a Chinese touch but also local twists—definitely worth trying.

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Details

Name in Japanese
長崎新地中華街
Postal Code
850-0842
Address
Shinchimachi, Nagasaki City, Nagasaki
Telephone
095-822-6540 (Nagasaki Shinchi Chinatown Shopping Street Association)
Holiday
Varies by store
Hours
Varies by store
Direction
2 min. walk from Shinchi Chukagai streetcar stop.
Credit Cards
Varies by store
Website
Official Website (Japanese)
Hokkaido Tohoku Kanto Chubu Hokuriku Kansai Chugoku Shikoku Kyushu Okinawa