Imagine Confucius inviting you to visit his temple when you see the radiant Confucius Shrine in Nagasaki. The teachings of this Chinese philosopher are as relevant today as they were when his following began to grow in China during the 6th to 5th centuries B.C. Stand in front of the statue of this great teacher and philosopher who has had an everlasting effect on China’s social standards and as well as a global impact.
Although Japan has a number of other similar structures throughout the country, this shrine is unique, as it’s believed to be the only one built by Chinese citizens on foreign soil. Constructed in 1893, it has the unmistakable architectural design of a Chinese temple with its dragon-festooned, bowed yellow roof.
Gaze up at 72 of the disciples of Confucius who stand at life-size scale in the shrine’s courtyard. Each stone statue weighs about 2 tons (1.8 metric tons) and displays very learned and wise expressions. It’s not uncommon to hear visitors say that a particular figure reminds them of someone they know. A seated Confucius is inside the shrine.
Go around the back of the shrine to the Museum of Chinese History and Palace Museum built to mark the 90th anniversary of the historical attraction. In the museum are works of art, inventions and historic pieces on loan from China. These items are still on diplomatic Chinese territory as the Confucius Shrine is on land administered by the Chinese Embassy in Tokyo.
Prior to the dropping of the atomic bomb in World War II, the shrine also had a sanctuary and primary school. The severity of damage forced the shrine to remain closed until 1967, with further repairs made in 1982. Time your visit to witness one of the many events or festivals provided by the Chinese community.
Confucius Shrine is open daily and has an admission charge. Find it in Nagasaki Prefecture by taking tram 5 to Ouratenshudo-shita stop near the Dutch Slope, followed by a short walk.
