Dejima in Nagasaki was once Japan’s only open window to the West, a small, fan-shaped island that connected the country to the outside world during its period of isolation. Known historically as Dejima Island Nagasaki, this former Dutch trading post is now a beautifully restored open-air museum where kids can explore the 19th-century world of international commerce. Families can walk through period homes, interact with hands-on exhibits, and imagine life at the Nagasaki Dejima Wharf when goods like sugar and glass first arrived from Europe. Whether you’re learning about Dejima’s unique role in Japan’s history or just enjoying the museum’s compact, stroller-friendly layout, this site brings centuries-old stories to life in a way that’s fun and accessible for all ages.
Why It’s Great for Families
- The open-air museum layout feels like a village, kids can walk through Dutch-style houses, peek into old kitchens, and roam safely.
- Many exhibits include hands-on models, animated visuals, or simple interaction (like trying on a Dutch hat or looking through ship-viewing windows).
- It’s compact and fully walkable, so it won’t overwhelm younger kids.
- Easy to combine with a ride on the Nagasaki tram and a visit to nearby attractions like Glover Garden or the waterfront.
Top Family Highlights
- Captain’s House & Dining Rooms: Let kids peek inside recreated living spaces from 19th-century Dutch-Japanese trade days.
- Mini Port Diorama & Models: Interactive exhibits that explain how ships came and went, perfect for visual learners.
- Costume Corner (occasional): Try on simple Dutch or Edo-period accessories.
- Puzzle Tiles & Trivia Boards: Some rooms have touchpoints or games kids can enjoy while parents read deeper info.
- Photo Spots on the Bridge: The recreated bridge to Dejima is a great place for a family snapshot with the Nagasaki skyline.
Good to Know
- Cost: ¥
- Best Age Range: 5+ for history engagement, but younger kids can enjoy the walk and visuals
- Stroller-Friendly? Yes, all paths are flat
- Rest Areas: Benches scattered throughout the museum and a covered pavilion area
- Food: No eating inside buildings; small café and vending machines nearby
Getting There
- Take the Nagasaki tram to Dejima Station, the entrance is just across the street.
- It’s also walkable from Nagasaki Station in about 15–20 minutes.
- Dejima is close to the Nagasaki waterfront and shopping arcades for easy pairing with lunch or snacks.
Luca & Nico’s Tip: Try spotting all the Dutch ships in the model port display, and see if you can find the old cannon near the edge of the garden!
FAQs: Visiting Dejima with Kids
Planning a visit with little explorers in tow? Here are the most common questions families ask about Dejima, and everything you need to know before you go.
A: Yes! Dejima is flat, paved, and fully accessible. Buildings have ramps or smooth steps, making it ideal for strollers.
A: Kids ages 5 and up will get the most out of the historical content, but even toddlers can enjoy walking through the open-air exhibits and colorful visuals.
A: Absolutely. Kids can enjoy dioramas, animated visuals, puzzle boards, and the occasional costume corner, great for hands-on learning.
A: Plan for 45–60 minutes for a casual visit. If your kids enjoy history or exploration, expect to stay a bit longer.
A: Late morning or early afternoon offers fewer crowds and easier access to tram connections.
A: Through interactive exhibits, dioramas, and trade artifacts, kids can discover how sugar was once more valuable than gold and how goods like medicine, glass, and fabric influenced Japanese daily life.
Until Next Time…
Dejima is more than a museum, it’s a time machine where kids can touch history, walk through stories, and imagine what it was like when Japan and the Netherlands connected on a single island. Whether you’re hunting for model ships or learning how sugar shaped the world, Dejima is a fun and meaningful stop for the whole family.
Want to explore more hidden history and cultural sites in Nagasaki?
Check out our full Nagasaki Family Travel Guide for hands-on museums, scenic stops, and interactive temples, and visit our Nagasaki Family Travel Hub Page for all our guides, adventures, and kid-approved highlights in one easy place.
Stay curious, stay adventurous, and keep dreaming!
~ The LuNi Travels Family ~
