[1] This area was originally the location of the warehouses of Chinese merchants, who traded goods to Japan from the 15th to 19th centuries.

They lived in the 'Chinese residence' (Tojin yashiki) a little to the south-east (today's Kannaimachi 館内町).

The Chinese traders came to Nagasaki because it was the only open port in Japan during the Tokugawa period.

The Tokugawa government allowed only Nagasaki to stay open to Chinese and Dutch traders, closing off the rest of Japan to prevent European political influence and the spread of Christianity.

Strict rules were placed on these Chinese traders, forcing them to stay within the precincts of the Tojin yashiki at night.