Audio Guide of Glover Garden

The park is usually open every day from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with extended hours during summer and holidays so visitors can enjoy the nighttime illumination. The easiest way to get there is by taking tram line 5 to the 'Oura Tenshudo' stop and walking about 5 minutes; you can check the latest details on its official website.

General admission for adults is around 620 yen (about 4-5 USD), while students and children receive discounted rates. It is a very affordable price to visit a World Heritage Site, and tickets can generally be purchased directly at the ticket office upon arrival.

We recommend allowing between 60 and 90 minutes to enjoy the Western-style mansions and gardens without rushing. If you plan to use an audio guide to learn more about Thomas Glover's history and take photos of the harbor, two hours is ideal.

This site is key to understanding Japan's Industrial Revolution and its opening to the West, as it was the former residence of the Scottish merchant Thomas Glover. In addition to its unique colonial architecture, the views and surroundings are said to have inspired Puccini's famous opera 'Madame Butterfly.'

Spring is spectacular because of the cherry blossoms, but sunset is the insiders' secret for seeing Nagasaki and the harbor light up. Visiting just before sundown gives you one of the best nighttime panoramas in Japan.

Despite being set on a steep slope, the park is very well adapted with an escalator system and moving walkways known as the 'Glover Sky Road.' This allows visitors with reduced mobility to reach the upper area and enjoy the views without physical strain.

Right at the foot of the hill you will find Oura Church, the oldest Christian church in Japan and a National Treasure. You are also just a short walk from the waterfront and the shopping area where you can try Nagasaki's famous Castella sponge cake.

Yes! Keep your eyes open on the stone pavement: legend says that if you find one of the two heart-shaped stones hidden in the walkway, you will have luck in love. Touching the 'Heart Stone' is a fun and essential tradition for all visitors.