What to know
Glover Garden (グラバー園, Glover-en) is an open-air museum in Nagasaki that showcases several Western-style mansions once home to foreign residents and related buildings. It sits on the hill where Western merchants settled after Japan ended its isolation policy in the latter half of the 19th century.
The garden's highlight is the Former Glover House, the oldest wooden Western-style building in Japan. Thomas Glover (1838-1911) was a Scottish merchant who arrived in Nagasaki after the port opened to foreign trade in 1859. He later supported revolutionaries who overthrew the Tokugawa Shogunate during the Meiji Restoration. Active in shipbuilding, mining, and other industries, Glover played a key role in Japan's early industrialization.
Several other Western-style buildings were relocated to the garden from elsewhere in the city. Visitors can enter these structures and explore well-preserved rooms, gaining insight into the lifestyles of the wealthy residents. The often lavish interiors are decorated with period furniture and appliances.
Beyond the historic buildings, the garden offers scenic views of Nagasaki and its harbor, including important industrial sites. There is also a café and a gift shop.
Glover Garden is a five-minute walk from Ouratenshudo tram stop on tram line 5. The entrance is right next to Oura Catholic Church.
Visitor information
Practical details to check before planning this stop.
- Hours
- 8:00 to 18:00 (on many days the park is open until 20:00 or 21:30)
- Closed
- No closing days
- Admission
- 1300 yen (~$8.32)
- English name
- Original name
- Glover Garden
Verify details before visiting. Currency conversion is indicative and may vary over time.