NagasakiTravel

National Treasure Chinese Temple Welcomed by Vermillion Dragon Palace Gate

About this spot

A Chinese temple built by people from Fujian Province who came to Nagasaki, featuring a vermillion-lacquered gate tower that evokes Dragon Palace Castle. The First Peak Gate (第一峰門) at the top of the stone steps and the Great Treasure Hall (大雄宝殿), which serves as the main hall, are both National Treasures. The ornate wooden joints and carvings, crafted using materials and techniques brought from China, display foreign architectural elements distinct from Japanese temples. This space, which tells the deep connection between Nagasaki and China, is uniquely characteristic of the port city. Temple Town Street is lined with other Chinese temples and ancient temples like Kofuku Temple (興福寺), and the cobblestone street and stone walls themselves become focal points of the walk.

Tips

Admission is required to enter the temple grounds, which have many stone steps and elevation changes, so watch your footing. The elaborate wooden joints under the eaves of the First Peak Gate are magnificent—it's recommended to pause and look up before passing through. You can reach the Spectacles Bridge area on foot by following Temple Town Street.