Cẩm nang
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 the nickname '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 Japan Industrial Revolution.' It stands as an extremely important historical relic that tells the story of the development of shipbuilding technology.
This repair facility was planned during the late Edo to early Meiji periods to facilitate the repair of foreign vessels. It was a collaborative project involving figures such as Saigo Sito (later Tomo Atsu) of the Satsuma Clan, Komatsu Taito, and the famous Thomas B. Glover, who helped import the latest lifting equipment from the United Kingdom. Upon completion, this facility became a symbol of modernization in the Japanese shipbuilding industry. Later, under the management of the Meiji government, it passed to Mitsubishi, laying the foundation for the current Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Nagasaki Shipyard. The site is recognized for its immense historical value as a place that concretely demonstrates the transition of shipbuilding technology during Japan's modernization process.
Today, precious remains that retain the atmosphere of that era can be observed on-site. Key highlights include the lifting hut (hikage-goya), the lifting machinery, and the tracks and stone walls. 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 highly valuable as historical resources. These elements provide a visual understanding of how ships were once repaired and hauled out of the water.
As the Kosuge Ship Repair Site is an outdoor historical site, the environment changes with the seasons. The bright daylight hours are ideal for clearly observing the stone walls and mechanical structures, making it a great time for photography. However, since there is no shade from direct sunlight, we recommend bringing a parasol or hat for protection 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 technology by visualizing the processes of the past. Please note that there are specific conditions for viewing the interior of the lifting hut. From November 2024 (Reiwa 6), guided tours by staff are available only on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays between 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM. Generally, the interior is not accessible on weekdays, so please plan your schedule accordingly. Through these guided tours, you can gain a deep understanding of the dock mechanism and the process of how ships were lifted.
The area around Nagasaki City is rich in other industrial heritage sites, such as Glover Garden, which is closely linked to Thomas Glover. After visiting the Kosuge Ship Repair Site, you can enjoy the historical scenery around Nagasaki Port. To deepen your understanding of the historical background, we recommend visiting the nearby museums and archives in conjunction with this site.
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 the local signs and regulations regarding rules for entering the interior of the structures.