A Guide To Nagasaki Shinchi Chinatown: Enjoy Local Delicacies

Nagasaki Shinchi Chinatown, one of Japan's oldest and largest Chinatowns, offers a unique culinary experience that blends Chinese and Japanese flavors. This vibrant district, steeped in history and cultural exchange, is a must-visit for food enthusiasts and travelers alike.

History and Cultural Significance

Nagasaki Shinchi Chinatown has its roots in the late 17th century when Chinese merchants settled in the area, bringing with them their culinary traditions. During Japan's period of isolation, Nagasaki was one of the few ports open to foreign trade, primarily with China and the Netherlands. This historical context has significantly influenced the local cuisine, resulting in dishes that are both authentically Chinese and distinctively Nagasaki.

Must-Try Local Delicacies

Champon

Champon is a hearty noodle soup that symbolizes the fusion of Chinese and Nagasaki cuisine. This dish features thick noodles topped with a variety of ingredients including seafood, pork, and vegetables, all stir-fried in lard and served in a rich pork-bone broth. The vibrant colors and diverse toppings make Champon a standout dish in Nagasaki Shinchi Chinatown.

Sara Udon

Sara Udon, another iconic dish, is essentially a stir-fry on noodles. The ingredients include kamaboko (boiled fish paste), bean sprouts, Chinese cabbage, and pork, all stir-fried and then covered in a thick soup made with potato starch. This dish is a perfect example of how Chinese cooking techniques have been adapted to use local Japanese ingredients.

Kakuni Manju (Pork Belly Buns)

Kakuni Manju are steamed buns filled with braised pork belly, simmered in soy sauce, rice wine, and sugar. These buns are a popular street food, offering a melt-in-your-mouth experience. The pork is carefully trimmed of excess fat, making it a delightful and savory treat.

Goma Dango (Sesame Balls)

Goma Dango are sweet sesame balls made from rice flour with a red bean paste filling. These deep-fried treats are best enjoyed hot, with the fragrant sesame seeds complementing the sweet bean paste perfectly. They are a great option for those with a sweet tooth.

Exploring the Area

The Gates and Guardian Animals

Nagasaki Shinchi Chinatown is demarcated by four traditional gates, each positioned at the north, south, east, and west. These gates are adorned with guardian animal statues: an azure dragon in the east, a white tiger in the west, a vermillion bird in the south, and a black tortoise in the north. These gates serve as markers for the tranquil and colorful neighborhood within.

Festivals and Celebrations

The area comes alive during the Nagasaki Lantern Festival, which celebrates the Chinese New Year. Thousands of paper lanterns illuminate the streets, creating a vibrant and festive atmosphere. This event is the largest Chinese New Year celebration in Japan and is not to be missed.

Dining and Shopping

Restaurants and Street Food

Nagasaki Shinchi Chinatown is compact, taking up just one city block, but it is packed with restaurants and street food stalls. The streets are filled with the aroma of Chinese cuisine, and the plastic food displays in restaurant windows make choosing a meal a delightful task. For a quick bite, head to one of the big steaming baskets and choose from the assorted savory delights within.

Gift Shops and Local Crafts

Aside from dining, the area offers several gift shops where you can find Chinese artifacts, confectionery, and traditional crafts. One notable craft is bekko, which involves carving intricate items from sea turtle shells. However, due to conservation concerns, many shoppers opt for other souvenirs like glass dragons.

Getting There

Nagasaki Shinchi Chinatown is easily accessible by tram. Get off at the Shinchi Chinatown stop on the green and blue tram lines, and you will see the entrance to the Chinatown area.