Yamashita Park in Yokohama

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Facts & Figures

Yamashita Park, located near Chinatown in Yokohama, is one of the most popular tourist spots in the city. It is a great public park for a relaxing stroll along the promenade and to enjoy amazing views of the Port of Yokohama, Yokohama Bay Bridge, and Osanbashi Pier.  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. The public park is directly located at the Yokohama Bay. The size of this green oasis is 750m by 100m. You will find there a museum ship with the name Hikawa Maru, Yokohama Marine Tower, monuments, fountains, lawns, and much more. The rose garden (mirai no bara-en) with around 2000 roses of 160 different species is also worth a visit. The best time to come here is during the cherry blossom season from late March to early April. My tip: grab a bench and take in the scenery as huge cruise ships pass by in the background, or hop on board the Marine Shuttle for a harbor tour from the sightseeing cruise terminal.

• Yamashita Park:
• Opening Hours - always open 24/7
• Admission Fee - free

My tips for local activities

How about exploring the highlights and hidden gems of the fascinating metropolis of Yokohama with a local guide? Check out this page > for more details.

History

Yamashita Park was built after the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923. The debris was used to create a park at the former waterfront. The Scotsman Marshall Martin came up with the idea for this project. The first seaside park in Japan opened for the public in March of 1930. In 1945 after World War 2 the area was used for military purposes of the American army. In 1960 the park was handed back to the Japanese government and reopened in 1961.

Sightseeing spots within Yamashita Park

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Hikawa Maru - The museum ship was a former Japanese ocean liner used by the imperial family and even the famous Charlie Chaplin (1889 - 1977) went on board. It was constructed in 1929 for Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (NYK Line). The ship started its business in 1930 and connected Yokohama with Vancouver and Seattle. It crossed the Pacific Ocean in total 254 times. After 30 years in 1960, the ocean liner was retired and transformed into a museum. It is now a designated Important Cultural Property of Japan.

Yokohama Marine Tower - The tower reaches a height of 106 meters. The architectural icon for Yokohama City offers great views from the observatory deck (100 m above ground). The tower was reopened in 2022. Read more >

Indian Water Tower - The fountain was a donation by the local Indian people to express their gratitude for the help they received after the Great Kanto Earthquake in 1923. Do not miss the amazing mosaic on the interior ceiling.

Guardian of Water Sculpture and Fountain - The sculpture was created by Donal Hord (1902 - 1966). It was a gift from the city of San Diego in 1960. San Diego is the partner city of Yokohama.

Girl Scout Statue - The statue was unveiled on the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Girl Scouts in 1962. It is a symbol of the friendship between Japan and the US.

Statue of the Girl with Red Shoes (Akai Kutsu) - The statue is based on a famous Japanese song/poem about a girl with red shoes taken away by a foreigner at Yokohama Bay. It was written by the poet Noguchi Ujo (1882 - 1945) in 1922.

Monument of Seagull Sailor Man - It is based on the famous Children’s Song - Seagull Sailor Man.

Monument of General Artemio Ricarte - The monument was erected in 1972 to honor this Philippine General (1866 - 1945).

Mission Bell of El Camino Real - The bell was a gift in 1983 by the city of San Diego. It is a symbol of the 25th anniversary of the partnership between Yokohama and San Diego.

Waterfront walkway - The walkway follows the whole length of the park and offers great views over Yokohama Bay. It is also a dating hotspot:)

Song monument - The well-known writer and poet Takeuchi Toshiko (1905 - 1945) came here for a visit and got inspired to write the famous song Kamome no Suihei-san (Mr Seagull Sailor-man).

Festival & Events (dates can change without notice)

May

Yokohama Port Festival (end of May)
This yearly event celebrates the anniversary of the opening of Yokohama Port to other countries (America, Netherlands, Russia, France, and Britain) on the 2nd of June in 1859. Enjoy great music, performances, and fireworks.

July

Yokohama Sparkling Twilight (16th - 17th)
This spectacular event at the Yamashita Park features more than 3000 fireworks. It is held over two days in the middle of July. The event also includes live music and parades. The fireworks usually start at around 7:30 pm.