Yamate 南山手

Once a foreign settlement in Nagasaki , the Yamate area is well loved by all who live there. This area is a rich tapestry of the history of Western-Japanese relations and home to the famous Glover Garden. Get lost in the seaside streets, parks, restaurants and historic buildings of Yamate.

Glover Garden is a five-minute walk from the Ouratenshudo-shita tram stop. Alternatively get off at the Ishibashi stop and take the Glover Sky Road elevator up to a small look out point a short distance from the garden.

Higashi-Yamate was home to consulates and residences of western countries in the 19th century, and you can find many Western-style buildings in this part of the city. Today, the buildings are predominantly museums and cafes. The majority of these buildings can be found along the stone paved Dutch Slope , named after the fact that the people of Nagasaki called most foreigners "Dutch-san," (which sounds like "Dutch Slope"). Make your way up this hill and enjoy the beautiful views of the Yamate area and the Nagasaki port.

Minami-Yamate is home to the Former Glover House, just a stone's throw from Oura Cathedral, Japans oldest brick Christian church. Glover Garden, at the Former Glover House, has nine historic buildings within its grounds, the most famous being the house itself, home to the late Thomas Glover and his family. Thomas Glover was a trader and businessman who helped young samurai study abroad, and pioneered fields such as shipbuilding and coal mining. He was a key figure in the industrialization of Japan.

Enjoy a wonderful stroll around the grounds and take in the timeless view of the port and Goddess Bridge from the gardens. After making your way through Former Glover House, grab a beer and unwind at the onsite patio cafe.