Glover Garden: A Window to Nagasaki's International Past

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Step back in time at Glover Garden, Nagasaki's open-air museum showcasing Western-style mansions and offering stunning harbor views.

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Glover Garden

Glover Garden is an open-air museum in Nagasaki, Japan, showcasing mansions of former foreign residents and offering stunning views of the city and harbor. It provides a glimpse into the lives of Western merchants who contributed to Japan's modernization during the Meiji Restoration.

A brief summary to Glover Garden

8-1 Minamiyamatemachi, Nagasaki, Minamiyamatemachi, Nagasaki, 850-0931, JP
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Monday 8 am-9:30 pm
Tuesday 8 am-9:30 pm
Wednesday 8 am-9:30 pm
Thursday 8 am-9:30 pm
Friday 8 am-9:30 pm
Saturday 8 am-9:30 pm
Sunday 8 am-9:30 pm

Local tips

Take Tram Line #5 to Ouratenshudo stop, a 5-minute walk to Glover Garden, next to Oura Catholic Church.
Visit Glover Garden during the evening for night admission and aim for the Magic Hour, 30 minutes before sunset, for the best lighting.
Explore the Glover Residence, the oldest Western-style wooden building in Japan, and other relocated Western-style homes.
Enjoy panoramic views of Nagasaki harbor and the city from the garden's hillside location.
Look for the heart-shaped stones in the garden paths, said to bring good luck.

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Getting There

Public Transport

From Nagasaki Station, take Tram Line 5 towards Ouratenshudo. Get off at the Ouratenshudo-shita stop. The entrance to Glover Garden is a 5-minute walk from the tram stop, located next to Oura Catholic Church. Tram fare is approximately ¥130.
Taxi

Taxis are readily available from Nagasaki Station or the city center. A taxi ride to Glover Garden will take approximately 10-15 minutes, depending on traffic. The estimated fare is ¥1,500 - ¥2,000. Ask the driver to drop you off at the Glover Garden entrance near Oura Catholic Church.
Walking

If you are near Oura Catholic Church, the entrance to Glover Garden is a short walk uphill. Follow the signs and the street leading up the hill. Note that Glover Street has a slope, so be careful if you are using a wheelchair.

Discover more about Glover Garden

Glover Garden, located on the Minamiyamate hillside in Nagasaki, is a captivating open-air museum that transports visitors back to the late 19th century, a period of rapid change and cultural exchange in Japan. The garden is named after Thomas Blake Glover, a Scottish merchant who played a significant role in Japan's industrial development. Established in 1863, the garden served as a residential area for Western merchants and diplomats after Japan reopened its ports to international trade in 1859.The main attraction is the Former Glover House, the oldest surviving Western-style wooden building in Japan. This architectural marvel blends Western and Japanese elements, reflecting the cultural fusion of the era. Visitors can explore the well-preserved rooms, witnessing the opulent lifestyle of wealthy foreign residents. The house is also known as the "Madame Butterfly House" because its surroundings are reminiscent of Puccini's opera. Statues of Puccini and diva Miura Tamaki stand near the house.Glover Garden also features several other Western-style buildings relocated from other parts of Nagasaki. These include the Ringer House, built for British merchant Frederick Ringer, and the Alt House. Each building offers unique architectural elements and insights into the lives of their former residents.Beyond the historical buildings, Glover Garden offers panoramic views of Nagasaki city and harbor. The garden is situated on a southern slope, ensuring flowers bloom throughout the year. Visitors can also find cafes and shops within the garden to relax and enjoy the scenery. Glover Garden is recognized as part of the Sites of Japan's Meiji Industrial Revolution, a UNESCO World Heritage site.