A port city with layers of Dutch, Portuguese and Chinese influence, Nagasaki has always been Japan's gateway to the outside world. Perched halfway up Mt. Inasa, Garden Terrace is a design-driven retreat by celebrated architect Kengo Kuma. With just 36 spacious rooms, four excellent restaurants and views that rank among the world's finest night-time panoramas, it's a hotel that rewards a slightly slower travel pace. Use it as a springboard for visiting the poignant Peace Park, the historic island of Dejima and the World Heritage-listed Oura Church, or simply stay put and watch the city lights flicker over the harbour below.
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Across three buildings, the 36 rooms come in several flavours – Tower Suites in the detached annex for maximum privacy, Harbor Suites in the newer wing with jacuzzi baths, and a traditional Japanese Suite with washi paper walls and sandstone accents. All start at a generous 46 square metres (refreshingly spacious by Japanese standards) and every single one has an ocean-facing terrace and enormous bath tub, positioned to make the most of the view. Complimentary minibars and Nespresso machines are a welcome finishing touch.
The night view. Watching Nagasaki's harbour transform into a carpet of twinkling lights from your bathtub is utterly magical.
Book dinner at the restaurants when you check in. There are limited seats and the teppanyaki at Chikusai, cooked right in front of you, is worth planning your evening around.
The hilltop location means you'll need the free shuttle or a car to reach the city's main sights. It's only ten minutes to the station, but spontaneous evening strolls into town aren't on the cards.
Garden Terrace Nagaski Hotel & Resort can be booked with Timbuktu as part of a tailor-made Japan trip, rather than as a standalone room reservation. Start online, customising one of our recommended Japan trips featuring Garden Terrace Nagaski Hotel & Resort or get advice and suggestions from one of our Japan specialists who will design the trip around your dates, check availability and handle every booking for you.
Stays at Garden Terrace Nagaski Hotel & Resort start from around $180, or US$180, per person per night as part of a tailor-made trip. The exact price depends on your travel dates, room type and the shape of the rest of your itinerary. A Timbuktu travel specialist can give you an accurate quote for your dates.
Once Japan’s only connection to the world, Nagasaki is a flourishing city by the sea where the ancient is woven into every aspect of life.
