UNESCO World Heritage Site Glover Garden, near the famous Qura Cathedral on Minami-Yamate Hill, is a doorway to the past. With lush greenery, historic mansions, and stunning views, it tells the story of Nagasaki’s early Western settlers who shaped Japan’s modernization.
A Brief History:
Glover Garden is on Minami-Yamate Hill in Nagasaki and was created in 1970 to protect and show the history of foreign settlers in the city. These settlers came to Nagasaki after the port opened to international trade in 1859.
The garden’s main attraction is the house of Thomas Blake Glover, built in 1863. Glover was a Scottish merchant who helped Japan grow in industries like shipbuilding and brewing.
Other Western-style houses were relocated to the garden to preserve them. Today, Glover Garden shows a mix of Western and Japanese culture and tells that Nagasaki has a great role in Japan’s modernization.
Contribution of Thomas Glover:
Scottish entrepreneur Thomas Blake Glover arrived in Nagasaki in 1859. He was only 21 years old. He was amazed to see the way the people of Japan lived. He loved Japan and Japanese society.
He also realized that Japanese society was much more backward than the West. So, he started connecting with influential Japanese people and talked about how to develop Japan.
He succeeded.
Glover played a key role in Japan’s industrial development, influencing shipbuilding, coal mining, and even founding Mitsubishi and Kirin Beer.
But, the Glover Garden we see now was His residence, built in 1863.
If you notice, you will realize that the residence is blended with Western and Japanese architectural styles; it is a symbol of cross-cultural exchange.
Exploring the Garden:
Glover Garden is more than history; it’s an experience. Several relocated historic mansions, including those of British merchants Frederick Ringer and William Alt, showcase the lives of influential settlers.
The former Glover House is the heart of the garden and is a must-see spot with breathtaking views.
There is A photo booth here. Visitors can frame themselves with the house and with these iconic scenes, which is the best gift for visitors who want to take memories home.
Besides, inside the homes, artifacts, letters, and photographs vividly depict life in 19th-century Nagasaki. The garden is enchanted with koi ponds, shaded pavilions, and vibrant pathways that offer panoramic views of the harbor.
Relaxation Meets History:
Modern amenities enhance the visit. The Glover Café, featuring cherry blossom-themed tables and spacious seating, provides a cozy spot to relax.
Historically, this was Glover’s Beer Garden, where guests enjoyed Kirin Beer, a sign to Glover’s role in bringing Western brewing to Japan. The garden transforms into a stunning oasis of pink blooms during cherry blossom season.
Stone idols of dancers near the pond recall the entertainment enjoyed by Glover’s guests. While they no longer move, their charm adds to the garden’s allure.
An Unforgettable Visit:
Glover Garden was one of the great travel destinations for me. It was a great experience about Japan, and I learned amazing lessons about Japanese history.
I enjoyed the history of Japan and the serenity of nature. The atmosphere really makes visitors happy. I saw thousands of tourists exploring its mansions or enjoying its tranquil pathways.
Do not forget to put Glover Garden on your trip list if you visit Nagasaki. I am sure you will enjoy it. Besides, you will witness the history that shaped modern Japan.
Opening hours: 8:00-21:00
Admission: 620 Yen
How To Access it?
It is a very important part of the post you are reading now. Take it seriously and read it carefully before you access it.
Accessing the former Glover Garden has two options by Nagasaki Electric Tramway. I am explaining below.
1) Qura Cathedral:
Walk 9 min (500 m)
2) Ishibashi Station:
Walk 2 min and use Skywalk to Glover Garden.
I strongly suggest using Ishibashi Station for several reasons. See the garden map to understand why I recommend using Ishibashi Station and the free Skywalk which means you will start from number 1 and come out from number 10 as the garden was designed to be seen.
Before riding on Skywalk, buy some tasty fruits from the Samata Fruits Shop. You will thank me.
Oh, yes!
You can use the Skywalk or stairs. I used stairs for photos. I got. You will see some great photos of Nagasaki if you use the stairs.
But if you do not use stairs, that is okay. It is up to you. No matter whether you use the stairs or Skywalk, as soon as you arrive at the top. You can see the ticket gate and buy it there.
As you enter the garden, you will arrive at “Former Mitsubishi No 2 Dock House (1). See the map and come down from there, enjoying one by one.
I am sure you will forget to breathe when you see the awesome view from the balcony of Mitsubishi No 2 Dock House. You will see far Inasayama Mountain and Inasaya Observatory.
When you finish the Glover Garden, come out through the Nagasaki Traditional Performing Arts Museum and go toward Qura Cathedral. Walk down the lovely, sloppy-decorated Japanese street, and you will find Qura Cathedral in front of you.
Enjoy the Qura Cathedral, and when you are done, catch the tram from the Qura Cathedral Tram Stop for your next destination.
Address:
8-1 Minamiyamatemachi, Nagasaki, 850-0931, Japan
Official website:
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