Nagasaki Confucius Shrine (Koshibyo)

The only full-scale mausoleum in Japan was built in 1893 in cooperation with the Qing government of China and overseas Chinese residents in Japan. Originally used as an elementary school for overseas Chinese living in Japan, the Confucius Mausoleum was later dedicated to the relics of Confucius. Confucius, the founder of Confucianism, is known as a Chinese philosopher and God of learning.

The mausoleum is a noble Chinese building full of traditional beauty. The gate (the main gate inside the sacred Shrine) is decorated with a blessing bringing Fukurokuju (a statue of Buddha) and dragons, phoenixes, and Qilin on the roof. The statue of Confucius enshrined in the main hall, and the stone statues of 72 sages of Confucius' disciples lined up in front of the Daiseiden-hall were imported from China.

Many people visit to see traditional performing arts such as "Henmen" and "Jaodori," one of the events of the "Nagasaki Lantern Festival." When the Shrine is open at night, it is lit up with lights and lanterns, giving the Nagasaki Confucius Shrine a fantastic atmosphere at night that is different from that of the day.

The Historical Museum of China, located next to the museum, permanently exhibits national treasures from the collection of the National Palace Museum in Beijing and other museums. The exhibits are changed several times a year and include valuable masterpieces.