Confucian Shrine

In Nagasaki you are never far from the influence of China, and nowhere is this more obvious than at the Confucian Shrine.

Built in 1893 by Chinese residents of Nagasaki it is reputed to be the only Confucian shrine outside China actually built by Chinese.

It was badly damaged in the A Bomb blast and did not reopen until 1967, though extensive renovations in 1982 brought it to its current vivid glory.

Behind the shrine is the Museum of Chinese History and Culture, and entry to it is included in the entrance fee to the shrine. The museum's collection is quite large and varied with many of the exhibits on loan from the National Museum in China.

A statue of Confucius is the center of worship in the colorful main building of the shrine, and 72 white statues line the entrance.