Former Hongkong and Shanghai Bank Nagasaki Branch Memorial Hall

Former HSBC Nagasaki Branch was originally the Nagasaki branch of the British Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation (HSBC). Today, it is open to the public as a memorial museum.

Historical Background

The Nagasaki branch of HSBC was established in 1892, and the existing building was completed in 1904, designed by architect Shimoda Kikutaro. It is the only surviving structure of its kind and remains the largest stone Western-style building in Nagasaki. At the time, it was the only foreign bank west of Kobe, serving primarily foreign residents—especially merchants—and specializing in foreign exchange operations, handling currency transactions between London, Shanghai, Hong Kong, and other ports.

After banking operations ceased, the building was acquired by Nagasaki Prefecture and repurposed as a police station for Bekozaki and Ōura. Later, Nagasaki City took over, turning it into the Nagasaki City Historical and Folklore Museum (now relocated elsewhere). In 1987, there were plans to demolish the building for the construction of an International Exchange Hall, but strong public opposition preserved it. Following a four-year restoration project, it reopened in 1996 as the Former HSBC Nagasaki Branch Museum. In 1989, it was designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan.

Architecture & Exhibitions

• 1st Floor: Retains the original banking counter area. Now functions as a multipurpose hall for about 100 people. By day, it serves as an exhibition space; in the evening (18:00–21:00), it can host lectures or small concerts.

• 2nd & 3rd Floors: Dedicated exhibition areas. Topics include the Nagasaki–Shanghai shipping route, the history of Nagasaki Port, the Chinese community in Nagasaki, the works of architect Shimoda Kikutaro, and the connections between Sun Yat-sen and Nagasaki, as well as philanthropist Umehara Sōkichi.

Since 2023, the building has been illuminated after sunset as part of a landscape enhancement project, highlighting the elegance of its Western-style architecture at night.

Access

• Tram: Get off at Ōura-kaigan-dōri Station or Ōura Cathedral Station (Nagasaki Electric Tramway Ōura branch line), approx. 3 minutes on foot.

• Bus: From Nagasaki Bus, alight at Matsugae International Terminal stop, approx. 1 minute on foot.

Opening Hours

• Daytime: 09:00–17:00

• Evening (special use): 18:00–21:00 (for lectures or small concerts)