TOC
Overview (history, characteristics, attractions)
Yamashita Park is a representative seaside park located in Naka Ward, Yokohama City, Kanagawa Prefecture, and opened in 1930 (Showa 5). It was built on reclaimed land created from rubble and landfill resulting from the Great Kanto Earthquake (1923), and is known for its leisurely strolls along the coastline facing Yokohama Port. From within the park, visitors can enjoy up-close views of the harbor, including the Bay Bridge, the Minato Mirai skyscrapers, and large passenger ships anchored there. The park is also home to seasonal flowers (especially roses), a lawn, and benches, making it a popular spot for sightseeing, strolls, and dates.
Highlights
- Seaside Promenade: Equipped with benches and walking paths, you can enjoy the view of Yokohama while feeling the sea breeze. The night view at dusk is especially beautiful.
- Hikawa Maru: A historic luxury passenger ship moored adjacent to the park, the interior is a museum where you can tour the ship (fees apply, opening hours apply).
- Rose garden and plantings: From spring to early summer and autumn, roses and other flowers are in full bloom, making it a popular photo spot.
- Squares and Monuments: Dotted with lawns, fountains, and various monuments, this area is bustling with events and outings.
- Port view and cruise ships coming in and out: Enjoy the port scenery with a view of large cruise ships, ferries, and Yokohama Bay Bridge. Depending on the season and time, you can see ships coming in and out of the port.
Access (nearest station, transportation, etc.)
- Train: Approximately 3-5 minutes walk from Motomachi-Chukagai Station on the Minatomirai Line (nearest station).
- Train: JR Negishi Line/Yokohama Municipal Subway Sakuragicho Station is about a 15-20 minute walk, or a few minutes by bus or taxi.
- Other stations: Within walking distance of Nihon-odori Station, Bashamichi Station, and Minatomirai Station on the Minatomirai Line.
- Bus/Car: There are local buses and paid parking lots in the area, but they can get crowded on weekends and holidays, so it is more convenient to use public transportation.
- Access by water: Yokohama Port's water buses (Sea Bus, etc.) connect to Rinko Park/Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse, and it is also recommended to view the park from the sea side.
Estimated stay (estimated time required)
- Short time (walking and photography): 30 minutes to 1 hour
- Leisurely strolling + cafe and snacks: 1-2 hours
- If you include a tour of the Hikawa Maru: 1.5 to 3 hours (depending on the tour time)
- Half a day to a full day, including visiting nearby spots (Chinatown, Red Brick Warehouse, etc.)
Nearby spots
- Yokohama Chinatown (a short walk away): This area is packed with restaurants and Chinese restaurants, and is especially lively during events.
- Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse (walking distance or local bus): A complex where you can enjoy shops, events, and cafes.
- Osanbashi International Passenger Terminal (walk or bus): A spot to see international passenger ships arriving and departing and to view the harbor.
- Minato Mirai area (towards Minato Mirai Station): A concentration of tourist attractions such as the Landmark Tower, Cosmo World, and Cup Noodle Museum.
- Yamate District (Western-style building area): Recommended for strolling around the exotic Western-style buildings and Harbor View Park.
Things to be aware of (crowds, manners, seasonal precautions, etc.)
- Crowds: It gets very crowded on weekends, national holidays, Golden Week, summer fireworks festivals, and Chinatown events (such as Lunar New Year). If you don't like crowds, we recommend visiting on weekdays early in the morning or in the evening.
- Manners: Please avoid entering the lawns and flower beds, and please take your trash with you or dispose of it in the designated trash cans. Please refrain from occupying benches or open spaces for long periods of time or playing loud music, as this will disturb others.
- Safety: As this is a seaside resort, winds can be strong and waves can splash about. Please be careful not to let small children or pets fall into the water, and keep pets under control by keeping them on a leash.
- Bicycles and vehicles: Please observe the pedestrian priority rules within the park and refrain from entering the park in any areas other than designated areas. The parking lot is often full during busy times.
- Seasonal notes: Be careful of the cold wind in winter and direct sunlight in summer (take measures to protect yourself from the heat and stay hydrated). The best time to see the flowers changes depending on the season, so it's a good idea to check the flowering information in advance.
- Facility information: The park is open 24 hours a day, but the surrounding tourist facilities (Hikawa Maru, exhibition halls, restaurants, etc.) have set opening hours, so we recommend checking in advance.
