Guide
The Kosuge Ship Repair Yard Site, located in Kosuge-cho, Nagasaki City, is the site of Japan's first Western-style dock (slipway dock). Completed in 1869 (the 2nd year of the Meiji era), this facility has long been affectionately known as the 'Solo Band Dock' due to its unique shape. It is currently a designated National Historic Site and was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2015 as part of the 'Sites of Japan' Industrial Revolution: Meiji Industrial Revolution (Iron, Steel, Shipbuilding, and Coal Industry). It stands as an extremely important historical monument that tells the story of the evolution of shipbuilding technology.
This repair yard was planned during the late Edo to early Meiji periods for the purpose of repairing foreign vessels. It was funded by prominent figures such as Saigo Takamori's associate, Toshimichi Takamori, and the famous Thomas B. Glover, who worked together to import the latest lifting equipment from the United Kingdom. Upon completion, this facility became a symbol of the modernization of the Japanese shipbuilding industry. Following management by the Meiji government, it eventually came under the ownership of Mitsubishi, laying the foundation for the current Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Nagasaki Shipyard & Machinery Works. It is highly valued as a site that concretely demonstrates the transition of shipbuilding technology during Japan's modernization process.
Today, precious remains of the original structure can still be observed on-site. The main highlights include the lifting shed (hikage-goya), the lifting machinery, and the stone walls and tracks. In particular, the structure of the 'dock'—the mechanism used to pull ships onto land—and the traces of the machinery used at the time are of immense historical value. These elements allow visitors to visually understand the processes used to repair ships in the past.
As the Kosuge Ship Repair Yard Site is an outdoor historical site, the environment changes with the seasons. During the bright daylight hours, the structures of the stone walls and machinery are easiest to observe, making it an excellent time for photography. However, as there is no shade from direct sunlight, it is highly recommended to bring sun protection such as a parasol or hat during the summer months. The calm atmosphere of the late afternoon is also a wonderful time to quietly contemplate the historical ruins.
Visitors can learn about historical shipbuilding techniques by visualizing the past. Please note that there are specific conditions for viewing the interior of the lifting shed. From November 2024 (Reiwa 6) onwards, interior tours are available only on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays (9:00 AM – 4:00 PM) with a staff-led guide. Access to the interior is generally not permitted on weekdays, so please plan your schedule accordingly. Through these guided tours, you can gain a deeper understanding of the dock's mechanics and how ships were once hoisted ashore.
The area around Nagasaki City is rich with other industrial heritage sites and locations connected to Thomas Glover, such as Glover Garden. After visiting the Kosuge Ship Repair Yard Site, you can enjoy the historical landscapes around Nagasaki Port. To deepen your historical knowledge, we recommend visiting local museums and archives in the vicinity.
As you will be walking through an outdoor historical site, we recommend wearing comfortable clothing and walking shoes. It is also wise to bring items to protect against weather changes, such as rain gear or sun protection. Please follow all local signage and instructions regarding rules for visiting the interior structures.