A Hill Overlooking Nagasaki Harbor Beyond Mansions and Flower Gardens
About this spot
An outdoor facility spread across the Minamiyamate hillside and a standard destination for Nagasaki tourism. The gardens feature the former Glover Residence—the mansion of Scottish merchant Thomas Blake Glover—which is registered as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site, along with other Western-style mansions reflecting the era of the foreign settlement. As you ascend the hill via moving walkways and escalators, you can enjoy white-balconied mansions and seasonal flowers set against a panoramic backdrop of Nagasaki Harbor and Inasa Mountain across the water. Within the gardens are hidden heart-shaped pavers said to bring happiness, making the search for them a popular activity. A rest on a harbor-view bench lets you savor Nagasaki's breeze as an open port.
Tips
The gardens have many slopes and stone steps, so comfortable walking shoes are essential. It is easiest to take the moving walkway up at the entrance, then descend while enjoying the mansions. It is said there are two or more heart-shaped pavers, so allow plenty of time to search. Harbor photos are clearest in the morning with forward-facing light.
Best time to visit
Approximately 1 hour 40 minutes. Morning is best for harbor photography with forward-facing light
Access & map
850-0931 Nagasaki, Nagasaki City, Minamiyamate-cho 8-1
Model course featuring this spot
Nagasaki: Oura Cathedral and Glover Garden—a Hillside Stroll Through an Exotic Atmosphere
Nagasaki
Explore features & model courses
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