Guida
The Kosuge Ship Repair 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 became widely known by its nickname, the "Solo Band Dock," due to its distinctive shape. Currently designated as a National Historic Site, it was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2015 as part of the "Sites of Japan's Meiji Industrial Revolution: Iron, Steel, Shipbuilding and Coal Industry." It stands as an extremely important historical relic that tells the story of the development of shipbuilding technology.
This repair site was planned during the late Edo to early Meiji periods to facilitate the repair of foreign vessels. It was a collaborative project involving prominent figures such as Saigo Takamori's associate Seitoku Godai (later Tomoatsu), Komatsu Taido, and the famous Thomas B. Glover, who helped secure the latest heavy-duty hauling equipment from the United Kingdom. The completion of this facility became a symbol of modernization in Japan's shipbuilding industry. Following management by the Meiji government, it eventually came under the ownership of Mitsubishi, laying the foundation for the modern-day Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Nagasaki Shipyard. It is recognized for its immense historical value as a site that concretely demonstrates the transition of shipbuilding technology during Japan's modernization process.
Today, precious remains that capture the essence of that era are still visible on-site. Key highlights include the hauling shed (hikage-goya), the hauling machinery, and the tracks and stone walls. In particular, the structure of the "dock" used to pull ships onto land, along with the traces of the machinery used to convey the technology of the time, are of high value as historical documents. These elements allow visitors to visually understand how ships were once repaired and maintained.
As the Kosuge Ship Repair Site is an outdoor historical site, the environment changes with the seasons. During 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, we recommend bringing 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 the shipbuilding technology of the era through observation and imagination. Please note that there are specific conditions for viewing the interior of the hauling shed. From November 2024 (Reiwa 6), interior tours are available exclusively on Saturdays, Sundays, and Public Holidays (9:00 AM – 4:00 PM) with a staff-led guided tour. On weekdays, access to the interior is generally not permitted, so please plan your schedule accordingly. This guided experience offers a deep understanding of the dock's mechanism and the process of how ships were hauled out of the water.
The area around Nagasaki City is rich with other industrial heritage sites, such as "Glover Garden," which is closely associated with Thomas Glover. After visiting the Kosuge Ship Repair Site, you can also enjoy the historical landscapes around Nagasaki Port. To gain a deeper understanding of the historical context, we recommend visiting the site in conjunction with nearby museums and archives.
As you will be walking through an outdoor historical site, we recommend wearing comfortable clothing and sturdy walking shoes. It is also wise to bring items to protect against weather changes, such as rain gear or sun protection. Please follow the local signs and regulations regarding specific rules for interior tours and site access.