Nagasaki City Tortoiseshell Crafts Museum: Where History Meets Artistry

Housed in the Former Nagasaki Customs Office, Shimomatsu Branch—a nationally designated Important Cultural Property—the Nagasaki City Tortoiseshell Crafts Museum stands proudly in Matsugae-machi, Nagasaki City. This remarkable institution celebrates both the city's renowned tortoiseshell craftsmanship and its rich customs history.

A Victorian-Era Architectural Gem Built in 1898, the Former Nagasaki Customs Office, Shimomatsu Branch exemplifies late 19th-century architectural excellence. This single-story brick structure, designated as an Important Cultural Property in 1990, underwent meticulous restoration before emerging as the Tortoiseshell Crafts Museum in 2002. The building itself serves as a striking testament to Nagasaki's historical significance in Japan's maritime trade.

Preserving an Ancient Art Form The museum proudly displays a collection of roughly 300 exquisite tortoiseshell artifacts, generously donated by the Japan Tortoiseshell Association. Since the Edo period, Nagasaki's artisans have been celebrated for their masterful tortoiseshell craftsmanship, creating pieces that showcase extraordinary precision and artistic vision. These exhibits allow visitors to examine up close the remarkable skill and dedication required to create such delicate works of art.

Gateway to the World During Japan's period of isolation, Nagasaki Port served as the nation's sole window to the outside world. Even after Japan opened its borders, the port maintained its prominence, with the customs office playing a vital role in international trade. The museum's customs-related exhibits illuminate this fascinating chapter of Japanese history, offering visitors insight into Nagasaki's unique position in global commerce.

Visiting This Historic Treasure Set along the historic Ōura Kaigan-dōri, alongside the Former Hong Kong and Shanghai Bank Nagasaki Branch Museum, this institution adds to the street's distinctive international character. Open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (except during New Year holidays, December 29 to January 3), the museum is easily accessible—just a two-minute walk from the Ōura Kaigan-dōri tram stop. Here, visitors can immerse themselves in the intersection of Nagasaki's artistic heritage and trading history within a beautifully preserved architectural landmark.