At the southern end of Nagasaki, some former homes of the city's pioneering Meiji period European residents have been reassembled in this hillside garden. The series of moving stairways up the hill, along with the koi ponds and fountains, gives it the air of a cultural theme park (ever popular in Japan). The stylish houses are the main draw here, along with the interesting history and superb views across Nagasaki.

The garden takes its name from Thomas Glover (1838-1911), whose arms-importing operations played an important part in the Meiji Restoration; he built the first train line in Japan and he helped establish the country's first modern shipyard.

The best way to explore the hillside garden is to take the walkways to the top and then walk back downhill. At the top of the park is Mitsubishi No 2 Dock building with displays about the city's important shipyard. Going down the hill you come to Walker House, the Ringer and Alt Houses and finally Glover House. Halfway down the hill, above Glover House, is the renowned statue of the Japanese opera singer Miura Tamaki, often referred to as Madame Butterfly. You exit the garden through the Nagasaki Traditional Performing Arts Museum, which has a display of dragons and floats used in the colourful Kunchi Matsuri.