Glover Garden is one of Nagasaki’s most charming spots and an absolute must-visit. Set on a hillside above the city, this open-air museum brings together beautifully preserved 19th-century Western-style mansions, colourful flower gardens and sweeping views over Nagasaki Harbour. On a sunny day, with ships gliding through the harbour below, it’s simply gorgeous.
The history makes it truly special. The centrepiece is the former home of Thomas Glover, a Scottish merchant who played a major role in modernising Japan. He helped bring shipbuilding, coal mining and railways to the country and was even linked to the founding of Mitsubishi and Kirin Beer. His house is the oldest surviving Western-style wooden building in Japan and is part of a UNESCO World Heritage listing. Wandering through the homes gives you a fascinating glimpse of the moment Japan opened up to the world.
There are plenty of fun touches too. You can hunt for the two hidden heart-shaped stones in the paving, said to bring luck in love. You can rent retro period costumes for photos, and the Madame Butterfly statue nods to the opera inspired by Nagasaki. Jiyutei, Japan’s first Western-style restaurant building, is now a lovely café, a perfect stop for coffee and dessert with a view.
Getting there is easy. Take the tram to Oura Tenshudo, then walk a short way uphill. Escalators and moving walkways inside the garden make the climb painless. Allow about 1.5 to 2 hours, and combine it with the beautiful Oura Church right next door and a stroll down Dutch Slope.
It’s beautiful, fascinating and full of character, and it’s not to be missed.
Absolutely beautiful place with amazing views of Nagasaki Harbor! It’s a great spot to learn about the history of foreigners living in Kyushu in the late 19th century, as well as Japan’s trade and international development during that time.
There are also several great viewpoints around the site, each offering a different perspective of the ocean and Nagasaki Harbor. The scenery is gorgeous, and you can really appreciate the beauty and history of Nagasaki all in one place. Definitely worth visiting if you’re in the area 🏡⛴️🌊🥰
Enjoyed this park tremendously. I entered via Gate 2 so I could take the cool resident elevator up and walk downhill. Learnt a lot about the Western history and influence in Nagasaki. There was a free black and white photo souvenir in front of Glover house. Beautiful views of the city at the top. I used the Nagasaki Day Pass to get a discount
If you visit Nagasaki, you simply must take a stroll through this area. It features beautiful historic churches and offers a wonderful atmosphere perfect for a leisurely walk, people-watching, and enjoying local food. I recommend using the city tram to get around; you’re sure to be impressed by the city
Absolutely beautiful. There is so much history about the great port of Nagasaki. This is a good spot for viewing the harbor, river, and town. Lovely estate.
