Nagasaki Koshibyo Confucius Shrine and Historical Museum of China

One of the few temples that charge a small entry fee but it’s well worth it and under £4. Plenty of photo opportunities, a museum to visit behind the temple, access to the temple and you can even feed the fish for a small charge.

My wife had found this ... Fascinating and lots of history of Chinese Buddhism in Nagasaki. Entrance fee included museum (good exhibits. No photos allowed, signage in Japanese / Chinese). You can buy koi food to feed the fish in a small pond.

This Confucius Shrine in Nagasaki is a vibrant slice of China! The architecture is stunning, with intricate details and bright colors that really stand out. Walking around, you'll see impressive statues of Confucius and his 72 disciples. There's also a museum with Chinese historical artifacts, making it a unique cultural experience in Japan. It's a peaceful and interesting place to visit, offering a different perspective from typical Japanese shrines. Definitely worth checking out if you're in Nagasaki! The Nagasaki Confucius Shrine is conveniently accessible by the Nagasaki Electric Tramway. From Nagasaki Station, take Tram Line 1 towards Sofukuji. Get off at the Shinchi Chinatown stop (about 7-8 minutes). Transfer to Tram Line 5 towards Ishibashi and get off at either the Oura Kaigan-dori stop (5-minute walk) or the Oura Tenshudo stop (3-minute walk), both of which are close to the shrine. Alternatively, from Nagasaki Station South Exit, you can take a bus (about 10 minutes) and then walk for about 5 minutes to the shrine. The shrine is also within walking distance (around 3 minutes) from the Ishibashi Tram Stop on Line 5.

The Nagasaki Koshibyo Confucius Shrine and Historical Museum of China offers a serene and beautifully maintained glimpse into Chinese culture and history. The vibrant architecture, detailed stone carvings, and tranquil courtyards create a peaceful atmosphere. The museum’s exhibits, though modest in size, showcase the long-standing ties between China and Nagasaki with well-curated artifacts. A short stop, especially for those interested in cultural exchange and architecture.

The entrance fee is quite high (¥660), but decided to go because I was curious to learn more about the history of Confucianism and Chinese influence in Nagasaki. But, the museum is only in Japanese. The temple itself is beautiful, but if you've seen many Confucius temples before and cannot speak or read Japanese, I doubt you will get much out of this visit. I wouldn't recommend going.

It is a beautifully restored Chinese Shrine. There is a small museum at the back. All signage is in Chinese and Japanese, but there is a leaflet in English that is given to foreign visitors upon entry. It is pretty informative. The visit costs 660¥.

It is very impressive to visit this attraction, however please note that you won't be able to receive a goshiun stamp here!

Lovely shrine, beautiful inlays and rich history. Not a quick pit stop shrine if that’s what you want, more of a stop, explore, and read up in the museum part. No foreign signs so translate comes in handy, but honestly we just came to see the architecture.

A spectacular Confucian shrine that is very close to the cruise terminal. This was an important stop for my husband and is one of only a few shrines dedicated to the Chinese philosopher Confucius in Japan.

Nagasaki Confucian Shrine and Historical Museum of China. (1)The history The Nagasaki Confucian Shrine was built in 1893 by the Qing government and people of Chinese heritage in Japan. It is Japan's only full-scale Chinese-style Confucius's mausoleum. The cream of China's history, culture and traditional arts like the Gimon Grate and Taisei Hall are scattered around the grounds, just like the head temple in Qufu of Shandong Province, China. The museum at the back of Taisei Hall was newly opened in 1983 for the purpose of promoting mutual understanding and cultural exchange between Japan and China. Here, China's national treasures provided by museums in China are on permanent display. (2)Gimon Gate The main gate is called the Gimon Gate. It was destroyed by a typhoon in the early Showa period but was rebuilt in 1967. It is the formal inner main gate of this mausoleum. Traditionally, the gates of China's mausoleums are built in odd numbers and the center gate is a sacred gate that only the gods and the Emperor are allowed to pass through, so it is normally closed. (3)Taisei Hall The wooden shrine standing in the front is the main shrine and is called by Taisei Hall. Since it was built in 1893, it has survived over 100 year of wind and snow, and the impact of the atomic bomb. Today, it is a prized cultural asset that conveys the ancient style of architecture. The Chinese characters written on the banner hung under the eave reads "make no social distinctions in teaching ". It means that "Anyone who wishes to learn can enter the school, no matter their status, and people can become anything through education". Pigeons placed on the roof of Taisei Hall symbolize peace today. But, during the age of Confucius, pigeons were considered uncontrollable pets, so there pigeons represent the message that even pigeons can learn just like everyone else. (4)The 72 Sages The stone statues in front and at the side of the Ryobu are the 72 Sages who, as Confucius's disciples, were well-trained in the "Six Arts" The statues are life-size and weigh 1.8 tons each. They were sculptured at an art factory in Beijing based on historical facts. The sage's name is inscribed on the front of the pedestal and the sculptor's name on the back. The "Six Arts" are six talents for excelling in virtue, intelligence and physical health. Toku(Virtue); Rites and music, Chi(intelligence); Calligraphy and mathematics, Tai(Physical health); Archery nod chariot driving. I referred Japanese Wikipedia. Admission Free; Adult is 600 yen. Open Hours; 8:30 A.M.- 5:30 P.M.(Last entry at 5:00 PM.)

Spectacular, spectacular Shrine and Museum. Well maintained property and our timing was absolutely perfect. We were there in early April, just before Golden Week and not too crowded. One of the most spectacular Confucian Shrines I have ever been to. A must-visit when in Nagasaki.