Glover Garden is one of Nagasaki’s most popular attractions, offering a fascinating glimpse into the city’s foreign trade history and its role as a gateway between Japan and the West. This open-air museum showcases beautifully preserved Western-style mansions from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, set on a scenic hillside overlooking Nagasaki Harbour.
The garden is named after Thomas Blake Glover, a Scottish merchant who played a significant role in Japan’s industrialisation during the Meiji era. Glover helped introduce Western technology, including shipbuilding and modern weaponry, and is considered one of the early influencers in Japan’s rapid modernisation. His residence, Glover House, is the oldest surviving Western-style house in Japan and remains the centrepiece of the garden.
Over time, additional Western-style homes from Nagasaki’s foreign settlement were relocated here, creating a historical park that preserves the legacy of the city’s international community.
What to See at Glover Garden:
- Glover House – The former home of Thomas Glover, featuring a blend of Victorian and Japanese architectural styles, with spacious verandas and beautiful gardens.
- Ringer House & Alt House – The homes of other prominent foreign merchants who contributed to Nagasaki’s development.
- Western & Japanese Gardens – The grounds are landscaped with a mix of European flower beds and traditional Japanese gardens, offering a serene setting for visitors.
- Panoramic Views of Nagasaki – Due to its hilltop location, Glover Garden provides stunning views over Nagasaki Bay and the surrounding city.
- Historic Artefacts & Exhibits – Throughout the garden, exhibits highlight Nagasaki’s trading history, the lives of foreign residents, and Japan’s industrial evolution.
- Oura Church – Located just outside the garden, this Catholic church, built in 1864, is the oldest standing church in Japan and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Access:
- By Tram: Take Tram Line 5 to Ouratenshudo-shita Station, then walk uphill for about 5 minutes.
- By Bus: Several city buses stop near Oura Church, just below the garden entrance.
- On Foot: The garden is a short walk from Nagasaki’s historic Dutch Slope and Chinatown.
Visitor Information
- Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM (varies by season)
- Admission Fee: ~620 yen for adults, with discounts for students and groups
- Accessibility: The garden is on a steep hill, but escalators help visitors reach the top sections.
Official Website:
https://glover-garden.jp/
