Tsurumi in Yokohama

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Facts & Figures

The city Yokohama consists of 18 wards and Tsurumi is one of them. The ward can be found in the northeastern part of the city. The total population of Tsurumi-ku is approx. 297000 and there are over 12000 foreign residents from more than 80 countries.  Buy now and Save >
Since 2004 I have traveled nearly every year to Japan. The rail pass made my life easier to discover all those amazing places in my favorite country. I was one of them for one year. The ward covers an area of 33.2 square kilometers. This regional commercial hub is highly industrialized (esp. the area along the coast) and used by many to commute from here to the center of Yokohama and Tokyo. Some of the sightseeing highlights are the beautiful Soji-ji Temple, the large Mitsuike Park, and the Namamugi Fish Market (open only on weekdays).

My tips for local activities

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History

During the Edo period (1603 - 1868) the area of the Tsurumi Ward came under the influence of daimyo Tokugawa Ieyasu (1543 - 1616). After that it was ruled for many years by the Tokugawa shogunate. In the time of the Meiji Restoration in 1868, the district became part of the Kanagawa Prefecture. During the Great Kanto earthquake in 1923 large parts of Tsurumi were destroyed. In 1927 Yokohama city integrated Tsurumi town as one of its wards. In World War II massive air raids on the 29th of May 1945 caused huge damage to the whole district. Nevertheless soon after Tsurumi was rebuilt and re-industrialized.

Sightseeing spots within Tsurumi Ward

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Sojiji Temple - Soji-ji was founded in 740. It is one of the two biggest head temples (daihonzan) of the Soto school of Zen Buddhism. The temple ground covers an area of nearly 500,000 square meters. Soji-ji was rebuilt in Yokohama in 1911 after it burned down at its old location in Wajima City, Ishikawa Prefecture. Over the years more and more buildings were added to the temple complex.
Address: Sojiji Temple, 2-1-1 Tsurumi, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa-ken

Tsurumi University - The university was founded in 1925. It has a great campus with lots of greenery. The total student population is 3099. It is located near the Soji-ji Temple.

Mitsuike Park - Mitsuike Koen is a beautiful place for a relaxing stroll. The best time to visit is during the cherry blossom season when 1600 trees from 78 different species are in full bloom. You will find there a Korean Garden, 3 ponds, and two nice walking trails.
Address: 1-1 Mitsuike Koen, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa-ken

Festival & Events (dates can change without notice)

August

Tsurumi River Summer Festival (17th, Saturday)
Around 1200 fireworks will light up the sky. Enjoy this great spectacle, live music, and good food around Tsukuno Park and the bank of Tsurumi River.