Nagasaki Confucius Shrine

Japan’s only full-scale Confucian shrine, built in 1893 (Meiji 26) through the joint efforts of China’s Qing government and the Chinese community in Japan. The site was originally used as a school for Chinese children living in Japan. It later became a shrine when relics associated with Confucius were collected and enshrined here. Confucius, the founder of Confucianism, was a Chinese philosopher and is also revered as a god of learning.

The shrine is an elegant example of traditional Chinese architecture. The Gimon, the inner main gate of the sacred complex, is decorated with Fukurokuju, a deity of good fortune, while dragons, phoenixes, qilin, and other mythical creatures adorn its roof. The statue of Confucius enshrined inside the Taiseiden, the main hall, and the stone statues of his 72 disciples lined up in front of it were brought from China.

The shrine is one of the venues for the Nagasaki Lantern Festival, drawing many visitors to performances such as Bian Lian face-changing and the Dragon Dance. During special evening openings, the grounds are illuminated with lights and lanterns, giving the shrine a dreamlike atmosphere unlike its daytime appearance.

The adjoining Historical Museum of China features a permanent exhibition of national treasure-class artifacts from the collections of institutions such as the Palace Museum in Beijing. The exhibits are rotated several times a year, offering visitors the chance to see a variety of rare masterpieces.