What other travelers are saying about Glover Garden
Beautiful historical place. You will learn a lot of the impact of the Walker family had in Nagasaki and how it shaped the world today. There are many gardens to sit, sites to see, food and art gallery. The location is very accessible for those who need a wheelchair or other physical accommodations. Parking is across the street (paid). Overall had a great experience and it was good 2-3 hrs well
Spent.
Glover Garden sits atop Minami-Yamate Hill, offering stunning views over Nagasaki Harbor. It's situated on the southern slope of a mountain, allowing year-round enjoyment of its blooming flowers.
Visitors to Glover Garden can explore colorful gardens, cobbled walkways, and historic buildings, which include the preserved homes of 19th-century European traders and diplomats who lived in Nagasaki.
Yes, Glover Garden offers foreign language support to cater to international visitors. This may include pamphlets, signs, and possibly audio guides in multiple languages.
Glover Garden features a range of visitor facilities, including a cozy shared lounge with free WiFi and a free-use internet PC. Kimono rental services are also available for those wishing to enhance their visit experience.
Glover Garden offers various indoor experiences, including museum exhibits within the historic buildings. It's also advisable to check their rain policy or contact them directly for suggestions on inclement weather days.
Beautiful garden area with well-preserved buildings and furniture inside. A small window into the lives of rich European investors and traders who came to benefit off of the one open port Japan had for a long time. Gorgeous views of Nagasaki from the top as well. Many signs have explanations in English, which I appreciate.
There is a parking lot at the entrance level, or you can get here with one of the many buses and then walk up through the little shopping street. Escalators throughout the park to mke your life a bit easier.
Visiting Former Glover House in Nagasaki was one of the highlights of my trip. The site is not just visually charming with its hillside views and beautifully preserved Western-style architecture, but also incredibly rich in history and meaning.
The house itself is the oldest surviving wooden Western-style building in Japan, originally built in 1863 for Scottish merchant Thomas Blake Glover. It stands as a real piece of history from the era when Japan was opening up to the world after centuries of isolation, and it offers a unique glimpse into the international influences that helped shape modern Japan.
During my visit, I really enjoyed learning about how Glover came to Nagasaki and the role he played in Japan’s transformation during the late Edo and early Meiji periods. His work in trade, shipbuilding, and industry had lasting impact, and walking through his former residence made those stories come alive in a way that was both educational and inspiring.
Beyond the main house, the garden and surrounding buildings preserved on the site paint a vivid picture of life in the international settlement of Nagasaki. The setting overlooking the harbor adds an extra layer of charm — it’s a photographer’s dream and a peaceful place to soak in history.
Overall, this spot is a must-visit if you’re in Nagasaki and interested in history, architecture, or simply want an enriching cultural experience. Highly recommended!
It’s hilly but there are some escalators. Get ready to climb some stairs. There’s ice cream in the park and crepes near the exit. Nice place to take photos and learn about the area. If paying by card, you can’t tap. Pay cash instead.
I visited Glover Garden on an excruciatingly hot August weekend. Honestly, I wish I had gone in fall, winter, or spring—it was far too hot to stop and fully admire the beautiful scenery. Still, I managed to capture the stunning view of Nagasaki Harbor from Glover House, which made the visit worthwhile. Surprisingly, even though it was a weekend, the garden wasn’t very crowded, so it felt calm and easy to explore.
Summer isn’t the best time to visit if you can’t handle the heat and humidity. Cooler seasons would make strolling through the gardens far more enjoyable.
Admission is ¥620 for adults, and while there’s no free parking on-site, several paid parking lots are conveniently located nearby.
