Glover Garden

Beautiful historical place. You will learn a lot of the impact of the Walker family had in Nagasaki and how it shaped the world today. There are many gardens to sit, sites to see, food and art gallery. The location is very accessible for those who need a wheelchair or other physical accommodations. Parking is across the street (paid). Overall had a great experience and it was good 2-3 hrs well Spent.

Beautiful garden area with well-preserved buildings and furniture inside. A small window into the lives of rich European investors and traders who came to benefit off of the one open port Japan had for a long time. Gorgeous views of Nagasaki from the top as well. Many signs have explanations in English, which I appreciate. There is a parking lot at the entrance level, or you can get here with one of the many buses and then walk up through the little shopping street. Escalators throughout the park to mke your life a bit easier.

Visiting Former Glover House in Nagasaki was one of the highlights of my trip. The site is not just visually charming with its hillside views and beautifully preserved Western-style architecture, but also incredibly rich in history and meaning. The house itself is the oldest surviving wooden Western-style building in Japan, originally built in 1863 for Scottish merchant Thomas Blake Glover. It stands as a real piece of history from the era when Japan was opening up to the world after centuries of isolation, and it offers a unique glimpse into the international influences that helped shape modern Japan. During my visit, I really enjoyed learning about how Glover came to Nagasaki and the role he played in Japan’s transformation during the late Edo and early Meiji periods. His work in trade, shipbuilding, and industry had lasting impact, and walking through his former residence made those stories come alive in a way that was both educational and inspiring. Beyond the main house, the garden and surrounding buildings preserved on the site paint a vivid picture of life in the international settlement of Nagasaki. The setting overlooking the harbor adds an extra layer of charm — it’s a photographer’s dream and a peaceful place to soak in history. Overall, this spot is a must-visit if you’re in Nagasaki and interested in history, architecture, or simply want an enriching cultural experience. Highly recommended!

Quite a surprise! Wasn’t planning to go in, but turned out the ship to Gunkumma island was in maintanice so took time to explore area. Initially was going to just head to entrance and see the view back to Nagasaki. However the the entrance fee was quite cheap so decided to explore. There is not a lot to see inside the houses but the architecture tells a rich history. Also the views as you go up the hill is amazing. If you have 1hr to kill definitely come up for a nice walk/stroll

It’s hilly but there are some escalators. Get ready to climb some stairs. There’s ice cream in the park and crepes near the exit. Nice place to take photos and learn about the area. If paying by card, you can’t tap. Pay cash instead.

The historic buildings are well-preserved, and the stories of Thomas Glover and the international community in Nagasaki add a lot of depth to the visit. I also liked the small details along the walking paths — sculptures, flowers, and little viewpoints that make you stop and take everything in. 📸 Photo spots: Harbor view, Glover House balcony, the heart-shaped stone ⏳ Tip: Take the elevator up to the top and walk your way down 🍃 Vibe: Calm, romantic, and full of history Whether you love history, architecture, or just a good view, Glover Garden is a must-visit in Nagasaki.

Before this place was a respite for foreign dignataries and traders, this was an area where leaders met up to restore the emperor's reign that would usher an end to the Shogunate, and modernize Japan. You can't see traces of that, BUT the story of what it became is nonetheless impressive.

I visited Glover Garden on an excruciatingly hot August weekend. Honestly, I wish I had gone in fall, winter, or spring—it was far too hot to stop and fully admire the beautiful scenery. Still, I managed to capture the stunning view of Nagasaki Harbor from Glover House, which made the visit worthwhile. Surprisingly, even though it was a weekend, the garden wasn’t very crowded, so it felt calm and easy to explore. Summer isn’t the best time to visit if you can’t handle the heat and humidity. Cooler seasons would make strolling through the gardens far more enjoyable. Admission is ¥620 for adults, and while there’s no free parking on-site, several paid parking lots are conveniently located nearby.

Kirin Beer. The Glover family who was involved in the start-up of that famous company. I felt that I was working hard for Japan. It makes me sad to know the life of that son who committed suicide on suspicion of being a spy in the midst of the war.

I went to Glover Garden on an excursion through our cruise. I didn't know this was on the itinerary but I'm glad it was. The view is spectacular and the history is fascinating. The main house overlooks the Mitsubishi shipyard which is pretty awesome to get a look at. The grounds are clean and the staff are wonderful (which seems to be common throughout Nagasaki-I have more cities to visit in Japan). My absolute favorite part, however, (and this may sound weird) is leaving the grounds. Going back down the path, there are a ton of neat shops along the way and some delicious cafes, too. Overall, this was a great visit. I don't know if I'd do the gardens again but I will definitely go back to the shopping area (there's a Totoro shop)!

I've lived in Kobe(where I spent my childhood) where has this sort of architecture. Also visited mansions in Newport RI many times. Therefore any of them didn't feel anything new to me. But considering the historical aspect, they, indeed, have values and it is definitely worth a trip if you weren't exposed to this kind of things. Admission wasn't that pricey - 600yen. It has nice view from the top of the hill. And also they have escalators that goes to the top. Quite an elderly friendly place.

If you are a cat lover (like me), do not enter the garden from the main entrance, but go straight to the SECOND GATE at the top of the hill by taking a tram to Ishibashi terminal and take a ride on Golver Sky Road https://www.yelp.com/biz/グラバースカイロード-長崎市 . You will meet several cats before reaching the second gate. 猫が好きな人なら正面の入り口じゃなくて第2ゲートを目指そう．電停で石橋まで行って，グラバースカイロードで頂上を目指してね．

Located on Minami-Yamate Hill in Nagasaki Pref, Glover Garden has nine Western buildings including the Glover's Residence built in 1863 by a Japanese carpenter Koyama Hidenoshin. This mansion is Japan's oldest wooden Western-style building, which is generally believed to have been the scene of Puccimi's opera, Madame Butterfly. Inside the park is the life-size statue of the famous opera singer, Tamaki Miura, who received international acclaim for her performances as ChoCho-San in Madom Butterfly .

Spectacular view. A lot of history here and good place to get a good view of Nagasaki! Wow..Me and my wife love this place. We took the side street from Sasebo to Nagasaki. This is the best way to see the beauty of Japan! The view by the water side and house by the water.. We love it! Will be back here.