Glover Garden
Historic Western Mansions and Gateway to Modern Japan
Glover Garden preserves the legacy of Nagasaki's crucial role in Japan's opening to the West during the late Edo and Meiji periods. After Japan ended its 220-year isolation policy in 1859, Nagasaki became one of five treaty ports where foreign merchants could live and trade. The hillside area known as Minamiyamate became home to Western merchants and their families.
The park's centerpiece is the former residence of Scottish merchant Thomas Blake Glover (1838-1911), who arrived in Nagasaki in 1859 at age 21. Glover played a pivotal role in Japan's modernization, facilitating arms deals that supported the Meiji Restoration, establishing Japan's first modern coal mine, and helping found what would become Mitsubishi Corporation. His house, built in 1863, is Japan's oldest surviving Western-style wooden building.
In 1974, Nagasaki City acquired and relocated several other Western-style mansions to create Glover Garden, preserving this unique architectural heritage. The houses showcase the fascinating cultural exchange of the Meiji era, when Western architecture, technology, and lifestyle first took root in Japan. The garden also inspired Puccini's opera 'Madame Butterfly', loosely based on events in Nagasaki.
Key Highlights
- Japan's oldest Western-style wooden building (1863)
- Nine Western-style mansions from the 1860s-1900s
- Panoramic views of Nagasaki Harbor
- Heart-shaped stones for romantic photo opportunities
- UNESCO World Heritage nomination site
- Inspired Puccini's opera Madame Butterfly
Access Information
Location
8-1 Minamiyamatemachi, Nagasaki 850-0931, Japan
Nearest Stations
- • Oura Tenshudo-shita Tram Stop (Nagasaki Streetcar Line 5)
- • Ishibashi Tram Stop (Nagasaki Streetcar Line 5)
Opening Hours
8:00-18:00 (last entry 17:40) | Extended hours during events and night illuminations
Admission Fee
¥630 for adults, ¥310 for high school students, ¥180 for elementary and junior high students
How to Get There
From Nagasaki Station
Nagasaki Streetcar Line 1 to Tsuki-machi, transfer to Line 5 to Oura Tenshudo-shita
20 minutes
From Nagasaki Airport
Airport bus to city center, then streetcar Line 5
45 minutes
From Nagasaki Port (Cruise Terminal)
Streetcar or shuttle bus
15 minutes
Tips & Visiting Guide
Make the most of your visit with these helpful tips and guidelines.
Enter from Top via Moving Walkways
Take the escalators and moving walkways from the entrance to the top of the hill, then enjoy a leisurely downhill stroll through the gardens. This saves energy and provides better views as you descend through the houses.
Hunt for the Heart-Shaped Stones
Two heart-shaped stones are hidden in the garden pathways. Legend says finding them brings good luck in love. They're located near the former Glover House and at another spot - half the fun is searching!
Visit During Golden Hour
Late afternoon provides beautiful lighting for photography, with golden light on the Western houses and stunning harbor views. Evening illuminations are held seasonally, creating a magical romantic atmosphere.
Explore Each Historic House
Don't rush through. Each mansion tells unique stories of foreign merchants and their families in Meiji-era Japan. The Alt House, Ringer House, and Walker House each offer fascinating historical displays.
Enjoy Harbor Views from Cafe
The garden's cafe offers drinks and light meals with spectacular harbor views. Try Japanese-Western fusion sweets while enjoying the panorama of Nagasaki Bay and surrounding mountains.
Combine with Oura Cathedral Visit
Just down the hill from Glover Garden is Oura Cathedral (1865), Japan's oldest Christian church and a National Treasure. A combination ticket is available for both sites at a discount.
Special Evening Illuminations
During special periods (check schedule), the garden opens for evening illuminations with buildings and gardens beautifully lit. This creates a romantic, otherworldly atmosphere perfect for photos.
Learn About Thomas Glover's Legacy
The audio guide or informational displays explain Glover's fascinating role in Japan's modernization - from supporting the Meiji Restoration to founding what became Mitsubishi. His story is remarkable.
FAQ
How long should I spend at Glover Garden?
Most visitors spend 1.5-2 hours exploring Glover Garden. If you take time to visit all nine mansions, read displays, hunt for heart stones, and enjoy the cafe, plan for 2-3 hours. A quick visit focusing on main highlights takes about 1 hour.
Should I use the escalators or walk up?
Use the escalators and moving walkways to reach the top. The climb is steep and tiring if done on foot. Starting from the top lets you stroll downhill leisurely while enjoying harbor views and exploring the houses at a relaxed pace.
Is Glover Garden crowded?
Weekdays are generally quiet with manageable crowds. Weekends and holidays can be busy, especially during cherry blossom season (late March-early April) and autumn foliage (November). Early morning visits around opening time offer the most peaceful experience.
What's the best season to visit Glover Garden?
Spring (March-May) is ideal with cherry blossoms and comfortable weather. Autumn (October-November) offers beautiful foliage and clear harbor views. Summer is hot and humid but less crowded. Winter is chilly but provides crisp views and festive illuminations.
Are there English explanations in the houses?
Yes, most displays include English descriptions alongside Japanese. An English audio guide is available for rent at the entrance for detailed explanations of each mansion's history. Staff at the entrance can provide English maps and basic information.
Is Glover Garden wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the escalators and moving walkways make the garden wheelchair accessible. Paved pathways connect most areas, though a few spots have steps. Wheelchair visitors can access all major houses and viewpoints. Accessible restrooms are available.
Can I take photos inside the historic houses?
Photography is generally allowed in most areas, including inside houses, but flash photography may be prohibited in certain exhibition rooms. Always check for posted signs. The gardens and exterior views are perfect for photography without restrictions.
Where are the heart-shaped stones located?
Two heart stones are embedded in the garden pathways. One is near the former Glover Residence and another near the garden's middle section. The exact locations aren't marked - finding them is part of the romantic treasure hunt experience!
Is there a combination ticket with Oura Cathedral?
Yes, a discount combination ticket is available for Glover Garden and nearby Oura Cathedral. Purchase it at either location's ticket office. This saves money if you plan to visit both sites, which are just a 5-minute walk apart.
What should I not miss at Glover Garden?
Don't miss the Glover House itself (oldest Western building in Japan), panoramic harbor views from the upper terrace, the detailed historical displays in each mansion, searching for the heart stones, and the beautiful gardens with seasonal flowers throughout the grounds.
Are there food and drink options available?
Yes, a cafe inside the garden serves drinks, light meals, and Japanese-Western fusion desserts with spectacular harbor views. There's also a small souvenir shop. For full meals, many restaurants are located just outside the exit near Oura Cathedral.
When are the evening illumination events held?
Evening illuminations typically occur during spring (cherry blossom season), summer holidays, and winter holiday periods. Exact dates vary yearly - check the official website before visiting. During illumination events, opening hours extend to around 21:00-22:00 with special lighting effects.
Is Glover Garden good for kids?
Yes, children enjoy the escalator ride, hunting for heart stones, exploring the Western-style houses, and the spacious gardens. The downhill walking route is manageable for young legs. Educational displays make it interesting for school-age children learning about history.
What's the connection to Madame Butterfly?
Puccini's opera 'Madame Butterfly' is set in Nagasaki and inspired by the Western merchant community here. A statue of the opera's protagonist Cio-Cio-San stands in the garden. The romantic hillside setting with harbor views evokes the opera's atmosphere.
How do I get back to Nagasaki Station?
Walk downhill to Oura Tenshudo-shita tram stop (5 minutes from garden exit). Take Nagasaki Streetcar Line 5 to Tsuki-machi, then transfer to Line 1 to Nagasaki Station. Total journey takes about 20 minutes. Trams run every 5-8 minutes.
Are there lockers or luggage storage?
Small coin lockers are available at the entrance for bags and small items. Large luggage should be stored at Nagasaki Station coin lockers or your hotel before visiting, as the hillside garden with stairs makes carrying luggage impractical.
Can I visit in the rain?
Yes, though it's less enjoyable. Most pathways are covered or paved, and you can explore the houses indoors. Bring an umbrella as some outdoor sections connect the buildings. Rain can actually create atmospheric photos with mist over the harbor.
What other attractions are nearby?
Oura Cathedral (5-minute walk) is Japan's oldest church. Dejima, the former Dutch trading post, is 15 minutes away by tram. Chinatown and the Peace Memorial are within 20 minutes. Many visitors explore the entire southern Nagasaki heritage area in one day.
Is there a dress code for visiting?
No dress code required. Wear comfortable walking shoes as you'll be on sloped pathways. Avoid high heels. Dress for the weather - it can be breezy on the hilltop. In summer, bring sun protection; in winter, layer warmly.
Worth visiting if I'm not interested in history?
Yes! Even without historical interest, the panoramic harbor views are stunning, the Western architecture is photogenic, the gardens are beautifully maintained with seasonal flowers, and the romantic atmosphere (especially heart stone hunting and sunset views) appeals to all visitors.
Nearby Attractions
Explore more wonderful destinations in the same prefecture.
Dejima
A historic fan-shaped artificial island that served as Japan's sole window to the Western world during 220 years of national isolation. A crucial site in the history of Japan's international relations and scientific exchange.
Gunkanjima (Hashima Island)
Abandoned coal mining island fortress known as 'Battleship Island', a UNESCO World Heritage site showcasing Japan's industrial revolution and urban decay.
Huis Ten Bosch
A sprawling Dutch-themed park featuring faithful recreations of Netherlands architecture, extensive gardens with millions of flowers, and cutting-edge technology attractions. Japan's largest theme park by area.
Mount Inasa Night View
Spectacular panoramic night view from 333-meter peak overlooking Nagasaki's glittering harbor, ranked among Japan's top three night views.
Nagasaki Peace Park
A solemn memorial park commemorating the atomic bombing of Nagasaki, featuring the iconic Peace Statue and museum dedicated to promoting world peace.
Unzen Onsen
A historic hot spring resort featuring dramatic volcanic hell grounds with steaming vents and sulfurous pools, set in the scenic Unzen-Amakusa National Park.