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Garden · Nagasaki, Nagasaki
Glover Garden
A group of 19th-century Western merchants’ residences on the slope of Minamiyamate, with gardens and a view of the harbor. Thomas Glover’s house, from 1863, is considered the oldest wooden residence in Western style in Japan.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
A look at the place
Glover Garden in pictures
These pictures are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs. They may differ from the place.
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Discover
About Glover Garden
Glover Garden occupies the slope of Minamiyamate in southern Nagasaki, where foreign merchants built their homes after the port opened in 1859. The name comes from Thomas Blake Glover, a Scottish merchant who arrived in Nagasaki in 1859; he traded ships and weapons, helped introduce modern coal mining and shipbuilding, and took part in Japan’s industrialization.
Glover’s former house, from 1863, is considered the oldest wooden building in Western style in Japan and is part of the Sites of Japan’s Meiji Industrial Revolution, inscribed by UNESCO in 2015. It has wide verandas, a Japanese-tiled roof and a clover-shaped plan adapted to the climate. Nearby are the houses of other merchants, like Ringer and Alt, and buildings relocated from other parts of the city, such as the old commercial school and a former club.
The route descends the slope among flower gardens, fountains and terraces with views of the harbor, the shipyards and Mount Inasa across the bay. Escalators and elevators help you reach the highest part, where the visit begins. A statue commemorates the opera Madame Butterfly, set in Nagasaki, and the Japanese singer Tamaki Miura, known for the role.
Glover Garden is just above Oura Cathedral, and the shopping street that rises from the tram stop connects the two. At night, part of the year, the houses and garden are illuminated.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
From 1 to 1h30.
Best time
Morning, for light over the harbor, or late afternoon when illumination is available part of the year. On rainy days the steps become slippery.
How to get there
About a 10-minute walk from Oura-tenshudo tram stop, up the shopping street that passes Oura Cathedral.
Tip
Take the escalators up to the highest entrance and walk down the slope, finishing at Glover House and the exit near the cathedral.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Glover Garden
Who was Thomas Glover?
A Scottish merchant who arrived in Nagasaki in 1859; he sold ships and weapons, introduced mining and shipbuilding techniques, and took part in Japan’s industrialization.
Is Glover Garden a World Heritage Site?
Glover’s former residence is part of the Sites of the Meiji Industrial Revolution, inscribed by UNESCO in 2015.
Is the climb to Glover Garden difficult?
The slope is steep, but escalators and elevators lead to the higher part, and the visit is made downhill.
Is there an entrance fee for Glover Garden?
Yes, there is an admission fee; check the current rate table.
Beyond the guide
