Former Hong Kong and Shanghai Bank Nagasaki Branch Museum
Explore Nagasaki's prosperous past at this stunning 1904 Western-style bank building, now a museum with interactive exhibits.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Former Hong Kong and Shanghai Bank Nagasaki Branch Museum
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore Nagasaki's prosperous past at this stunning 1904 Western-style bank building, now a museum with interactive exhibits.
"A very beautiful building, many of its interior remains the same as original."
📸 Capture the Architecture
Don't miss taking photos of this beautiful historic building, both inside and out.
💡 Interactive Exhibits
Engage with the interactive displays, most of which offer English support for a better understanding.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Historic Western Architecture
Exterior and Interior
Marvel at the grand 1904 building, once the largest Western-style structure in Nagasaki, adorned with arches and stone pillars.
Sun Yat-sen & Umeya Shokichi Exhibit
Third Floor
Explore the fascinating connection between Sun Yat-sen and Umeya Shokichi, a key part of the museum's narrative.
Restored Interiors
Throughout the museum
See original furniture and equipment, including Morse code machines, offering a tangible link to the past.
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Planning Your Visit
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Admission & Exhibits
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Capture the Architecture
Don't miss taking photos of this beautiful historic building, both inside and out.
💡 Interactive Exhibits
Engage with the interactive displays, most of which offer English support for a better understanding.
💰 Affordable Entry
The 300 yen admission fee is a great value for the historical insights provided.
🕰️ Allow ample time
While not huge, take your time to appreciate the details and historical context of each exhibit.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Capture the Architecture
Don't miss taking photos of this beautiful historic building, both inside and out.
💡 Interactive Exhibits
Engage with the interactive displays, most of which offer English support for a better understanding.
💰 Affordable Entry
The 300 yen admission fee is a great value for the historical insights provided.
🕰️ Allow ample time
While not huge, take your time to appreciate the details and historical context of each exhibit.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Former Hong Kong and Shanghai Bank Nagasaki Branch Museum for its beautifully maintained historic building and affordable admission. The interactive exhibits, many with English support, are a hit, offering engaging insights into Nagasaki's past and its international connections, particularly the Sun Yat-sen exhibit. Some wish for more detailed information on certain artifacts, but overall, it's considered a worthwhile and interesting visit.
"Well maintained building. 3 floors. A few interactive features, with English support. One floor had a lot of information on relationship of Sun Yat-sen & Umeya Shokichi. They have kept old furniture and some equipments (Morse code machines etc) in other rooms. Would have liked a bit more information on those exhibits.
Built in 1904, it was the largest Western style building in the city, decorated with ornament, arches and stone pillars. In 1991, restoration of this historical building began and was then re-opened as museum.
Opening hours: 9:00- 17:00
Admission fee: 300 yen"
Amit Gupta
"As a Hongkonger, I was surprised to see this monument building. It evidenced how prosperous was Nagasaki when it opened up to foreign investment from Hong Kong over a century ago. When I saw the decor inside on Nov 25, 2018, I could imagine the kind of activities taking place here then!"
Peter Kam Fai Cheung
"The museum has a lot of interactive features. Most of these support English speakers. I appreciate their effort in putting all these displays for a relatively cheap admission fee. Interesting place. Definitely worth the visit."
Evan Gentry
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is centrally located in Nagasaki, making it accessible by public transport. Many visitors combine their visit with other nearby attractions. Check local bus routes or consider a short taxi ride from Nagasaki Station for convenience.
While there might not be dedicated parking for the museum itself, there are several public parking lots and garages in the vicinity of the city center. It's often easier to use public transportation to reach this area.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The museum is open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. It's advisable to check for any special holiday closures before your visit.
Admission is very affordable at 300 yen per person. This fee grants you access to all three floors of exhibits.
Tickets are typically purchased on-site at the museum. There's usually no need to book in advance, especially given the reasonable admission fee and manageable crowd sizes.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Yes, many of the interactive features and exhibit descriptions offer English support, making it accessible for international visitors.
You'll find exhibits on the history of the bank, Nagasaki's international trade, the relationship between Sun Yat-sen and Umeya Shokichi, and restored historical interiors with artifacts like Morse code machines.
The interactive elements can be engaging for older children, but the historical focus might be more appreciated by adults and teens. It's a good educational stop for families interested in history.
Most visitors spend about 1 to 1.5 hours exploring the museum, depending on their interest level in the exhibits and how much time they spend with the interactive displays.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed inside the museum, especially for capturing the beautiful architecture and historical interiors. However, it's always good practice to check for any specific 'no photo' signs on certain exhibits.
The exterior of the building, with its grand arches and stone pillars, is a prime photo opportunity. Inside, the restored rooms with original furniture and the grand staircase are also highly photogenic.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider framing the visit as a 'time travel' adventure to explore what life was like for people working in a bank over 100 years ago. The affordable admission fee makes it an accessible option for families looking for an educational outing. It's a good complement to other historical sites in Nagasaki, offering a different perspective on the city's international connections.
🏛️ History Buffs & Architecture Enthusiasts
Pay close attention to the exhibits detailing the relationship between Sun Yat-sen and Umeya Shokichi, offering a unique geopolitical perspective. The collection of original artifacts, from furniture to communication devices, provides a tangible link to the era. It’s an excellent opportunity to understand the economic and cultural exchanges that shaped Nagasaki.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Architectural Gem of Nagasaki
Visitors often remark on the building's beauty and the well-preserved interiors. The museum effectively uses its space across three floors to tell various stories. The attention to detail in maintaining the original ambiance, including antique furniture and equipment, allows visitors to step back in time and imagine the bustling activities that once took place within these walls.
For those interested in architecture and historical preservation, the museum offers a unique opportunity to appreciate a significant piece of Nagasaki's urban heritage. It stands as a reminder of the city's role as a vital international port and a hub for global commerce over a century ago.
Connecting East and West: Key Exhibits
Beyond this specific historical narrative, the museum showcases various aspects of the former bank's operations. Visitors can see preserved original furniture and equipment, such as Morse code machines, which offer a tangible connection to the communication and business practices of the early 20th century. These displays are designed to be interactive, allowing visitors to engage with the history in a more dynamic way.
While the English support for interactive features is appreciated, some visitors have expressed a desire for more in-depth textual information on certain artifacts. Nevertheless, the collection provides a comprehensive overview of Nagasaki's role as a gateway for foreign investment and cultural exchange, making it an insightful visit for history enthusiasts.
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