What other travelers are saying about Confucius Shrine (Koshi-byo)
One of the few temples that charge a small entry fee but it’s well worth it and under £4. Plenty of photo opportunities, a museum to visit behind the temple, access to the temple and you can even feed the fish for a small charge.
More about Confucius Shrine (Koshi-byo) from our blog
Frequently Asked Questions
The Nagasaki Confucius Shrine is unique for being an authentic Chinese-style mausoleum outside of China dedicated to Confucius, and it's considered to be the only shrine built by and for the Chinese community in Japan.
Visitors can explore magnificent Chinese architecture, a collection of artifacts related to Confucius, and learn about his teachings and philosophies through exhibitions in the associated museum.
The "Analects" are a collection of sayings and ideas attributed to Confucius and his contemporaries, compiled into a book that is central to Confucianism. The shrine is known for honoring Confucius and his teachings, including the "Analects".
The Confucius Shrine in Nagasaki was first constructed in 1893 by Chinese residents of Nagasaki with financial support from the Qing Dynasty government.
My wife had found this ... Fascinating and lots of history of Chinese Buddhism in Nagasaki.
Entrance fee included museum (good exhibits. No photos allowed, signage in Japanese / Chinese).
You can buy koi food to feed the fish in a small pond.
This Confucius Shrine in Nagasaki is a vibrant slice of China! The architecture is stunning, with intricate details and bright colors that really stand out. Walking around, you'll see impressive statues of Confucius and his 72 disciples. There's also a museum with Chinese historical artifacts, making it a unique cultural experience in Japan. It's a peaceful and interesting place to visit, offering a different perspective from typical Japanese shrines. Definitely worth checking out if you're in Nagasaki!
The Nagasaki Confucius Shrine is conveniently accessible by the Nagasaki Electric Tramway.
From Nagasaki Station, take Tram Line 1 towards Sofukuji. Get off at the Shinchi Chinatown stop (about 7-8 minutes). Transfer to Tram Line 5 towards Ishibashi and get off at either the Oura Kaigan-dori stop (5-minute walk) or the Oura Tenshudo stop (3-minute walk), both of which are close to the shrine.
Alternatively, from Nagasaki Station South Exit, you can take a bus (about 10 minutes) and then walk for about 5 minutes to the shrine.
The shrine is also within walking distance (around 3 minutes) from the Ishibashi Tram Stop on Line 5.
The Nagasaki Koshibyo Confucius Shrine and Historical Museum of China offers a serene and beautifully maintained glimpse into Chinese culture and history. The vibrant architecture, detailed stone carvings, and tranquil courtyards create a peaceful atmosphere. The museum’s exhibits, though modest in size, showcase the long-standing ties between China and Nagasaki with well-curated artifacts. A short stop, especially for those interested in cultural exchange and architecture.
The entrance fee is quite high (¥660), but decided to go because I was curious to learn more about the history of Confucianism and Chinese influence in Nagasaki. But, the museum is only in Japanese. The temple itself is beautiful, but if you've seen many Confucius temples before and cannot speak or read Japanese, I doubt you will get much out of this visit. I wouldn't recommend going.
