Guide
Glover Garden is a historic sightseeing facility located in Minamiyamate, Nagasaki City, featuring stunning Western-style architecture and lush gardens. The site is the former location of the residences of famous Scottish merchants—such as Glover, Ringer, and Orto—who arrived in Nagasaki after its opening to the world in 1859. The garden serves as an open-air museum where historic buildings from throughout Nagasaki have been relocated and preserved, offering a visual journey through the era when Western culture first flowed into Japan during its modernization.
The facility is deeply rooted in the history of the foreign settlement that followed the opening of Nagasaki port. The site includes the Old Glover House, which is a component of the 'Sites of Japan' Industrial Revolution: Iron and Steel, Shipbuilding and Coal Mining' UNESCO World Heritage. By preserving and relocating the mansions of foreign merchants and other historic structures from the city, the garden preserves the profound influence of Western culture on Japan's modernization process.
The garden features nine traditional buildings that serve as precious historical records of the architectural styles once found in the streets of Nagasaki. Visitors can explore various 'Episodes'—exhibitions based on historical backgrounds. Additionally, the site offers modern visual experiences, such as the 'Glover's Nagasaki' exhibit using VR technology to bring history to life.
The best times to visit are from March to May, and from October to November, when the seasonal changes in vegetation are most beautiful. Within the garden, you can relax at the 'Glover Cafe,' an open-air cafe surrounded by greenery and flowers. Please note that closing times vary by day of the week; if you plan to visit during the evening, please check the schedule in advance.
There are several interactive contents and shops available within the garden:
Glover Garden is located in the Minamiyamate district of Nagasaki City. This area is ideal for walking tours, as it is home to many other historic sites and Western-style buildings.
Because the garden features significant elevation changes, we highly recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes. During the summer, guided tours may be canceled due to heatstroke prevention measures. If you wish to join a tour, please ensure you arrive at the designated reception area before the start time. Please follow all rules and guidelines for each facility and exhibit within the garden.