Glover Garden: Nagasaki's Western-Style Buildings Conveying Meiji Era Foreign Atmosphere

Glover Garden: Nagasaki's Foreign Culture That Supported the Meiji Restoration

"Glover Garden" in Nagasaki City's Minamiyamate is a historical park gathering former residences of Western merchants who resided in Nagasaki during the Meiji era. Designated as National Important Cultural Property, registered as a World Cultural Heritage Site in 2015 as a component of "Sites of Japan's Meiji Industrial Revolution."

Glover House and Former Residence Group

"Former Glover Residence" built in 1863 is Japan's oldest surviving wooden Western-style building built by Scottish merchant Thomas Blake Glover (1838–1911). The view of Nagasaki Port from here is overwhelming. Other Meiji period Western buildings including "Former Ringer Residence" and "Former Alt Residence" are exhibited within the garden.

Glover's Relationship with the Meiji Restoration

Thomas Glover was a "revolutionary merchant of the bakumatsu period" who sold weapons and ammunition to Satsuma and Choshu domain patriots, supporting the Meiji Restoration from the sidelines. Having relationships with Iwasaki Yataro (Mitsubishi founder) and others, he greatly contributed to Japan's modernization.

Puccini's "Madama Butterfly"

"Oura Cathedral" at the foot of Glover Garden is Japan's oldest surviving Christian church and a National Treasure. Glover House is also said to be associated with the woman believed to be the model for "Madama Butterfly."

Access

Approximately 5 minutes on foot from Nagasaki Electric Tram "Oura Cathedral Station." Accessible by bus or on foot from JR Nagasaki Station.