Located on the Minamiyamate hillside overlooking Nagasaki Harbor, Glover Garden has a distinct Western-style atmosphere and is one of the most popular sightseeing spots in Nagasaki.
Years ago, many adventurous merchants followed their dreams and crossed the great open sea to reach a Japan newly opened to the outside world.
On the hillside overlooking Nagasaki Harbor, lines of Western-style buildings covered with Japanese-style roof tiles housed these adventurers who had arrived from around the world.
Glover Garden boasts three buildings designated as National Important Cultural Properties: Glover House (the former residence of Scottish trader Thomas Blake Glover), Ringer House, and Alt House, as well as six other Western-style buildings from the Meiji period which were relocated to the garden from their original location within the city and restored.
Walking along the cobblestone pavement, up the stone steps, and into the Western-style buildings is like stepping back in time to the days of this foreign settlement when Japan reopened to the outside world.
Colorful flowers bloom throughout this picturesque garden, allowing for fantastic photographs anytime, anywhere.
Be sure to rent an old-fashioned costume for a photo shoot at the Retro Photo Studio.
Popular items including cosmetics named after Madame Butterfly and original merchandise decorated with a signature four-leaf clover also make great souvenirs.
At the Jiyutei Café, a stylish café offering outstanding views overlooking Nagasaki Harbor, you can enjoy a cup of their rich, aromatic 24-hour slow-brewed coffee.
Don’t forget to look for the Heart Stone, a heart-shaped stone found in the cobblestone pavement.
Legend has it that if you touch this stone and make a wish, your love wishes will come true.
The garden offers panoramic views of Nagasaki Harbor with Nagasaki landmark Mt. Inasa in the background. It is clear to see why the great people who once lived here at the time of the port’s opening were fascinated by this magnificent view.
In a special illumination event held from mid-July to early October (please check the official website for event dates), the traditional Western-style buildings are lit up by night, creating a unique romantic atmosphere you can only experience at night.
The garden is equipped with moving walkways, escalators and pathways to help visitors navigate the hilly terrain that is characteristic of Nagasaki.
There are also free tours of the garden led by a historical tour guide.
There are many other sightseeing spots just moments from Glover Garden, including the Mount Inasa Observatory, Oura Cathedral with its beautiful stained glass windows, and Dejima, where you can immerse yourself in the historic town that once connected Japan to the rest of the world during the Edo period (1603-1868).
Be sure to check them out as well while you’re in the area.
– Basic Information –
【Glover Garden】
Location: 8-1 Minamiyamate-cho, Nagasaki 850-0931 Nagasaki City, Nagasaki Prefecture
Phone number: 095-822-8223
Opening hours:
●8:00 – 21:30 (last admission 21:10)April 1st – October 9th
●8:00 – 20:00 (last admission 19:40)October 10th to March 31st
*Opening hours differ during the nighttime opening period.
Open all year round
