Glover Garden is located on a hill and is a classic attraction that simply shouldn’t be missed when visiting Nagasaki. What surprises many visitors most is that the grounds are much larger than expected, with a wide variety of well-organized exhibits. It’s well worth setting aside 2–3 hours to stroll around and take everything in.
The garden preserves several Western-style residences from the former foreign settlement dating from the end of the Edo period through the Meiji era. The most famous is the Former Glover House, Japan’s oldest wooden Western-style building. These beautiful buildings are not only elegant and historic on the outside, but best of all, most are open for visitors to explore inside. The refined antique furniture, beautiful fireplaces, and nostalgic decor recreate the Western lifestyle of that era. Every corner and garden makes for a stylish, Instagram-worthy photo.
The garden also offers excellent views. From the observation deck or terraces at the top, you can take in the beautiful scenery of Nagasaki Port and the entire cityscape. The blue sky and sea, together with the red roofs and white walls, create a refreshing view. Whether you’re watching the ships anchored in the distance or enjoying the gentle breeze, it’s hard to leave.
