Yamashita Park
Yamashita Park is located beside Yokohama port and is the oldest and most classic coastal urban park in Yokohama. The park features the iconic cruise ship Hikawa Maru, Mirai Rose Garden, an extra-long seaside walkway and clean, spacious lawns. During the day, you can take a stroll along the seaside walkway to enjoy the sea view and rest on the lawn; At dusk, it’s wonderful to sit on the bench and watch the gentle sunset; At night, you can enjoy the charming night view of Yokohama from this excellent viewing spot.
Must-sees in Yamashita Park
The Iconic Cruise Ship Hikawa Maru
Hikawa Maru, which is moored in the Yamashita Park, was once the “Queen of the Pacific” shuttling between Japan and Seattle of US before retirement in 1960. The comedy master Charlie Chaplin was once a passenger of Hikawa Maru when he visited Japan in 1932. The interior furnishings of his room have been highly restored, and the sea view outside the window remains the same. During World War II, it was once used as a hospital ship.It is now Japan’s only cargo and passenger ship built before World War II. The interior of the ship still retains spaces such as the passengers’ cabins, captain’s room, dining hall, social hall and steering room, allowing visitors to catch a glimpse of the former splendor of the luxury ship. The luxury of the first-class cabins contrasts sharply with ordinariness of the third-class cabins, allowing you to directly sense the differences among maritime classes at that time. In the steering room, there are the equipment from that time displayed there, and you can also hear simulated navigation broadcasts, making you feel as if you have returned to the golden age of ocean voyages.
In addition, it is recommended to walk up to the deck to enjoy the sea view of Yokohama port and the modern buildings of Minato Mirai 21, which is an excellent spot for taking photos.
The Yokohama Port
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Mirai Rose Garden
The Mirai Rose Garden, with approximately 160 varieties and 1,900 rose plants, is one of the most popular flower attractions in Yokohama during the spring season. Its most distinctive feature is the blending of the sea view and the flower field. You can enjoy the sea breeze while admiring the colorful roses. You can also capture the picture of the roses together with the Hikawa Maru, which is extremely romantic.Useful Tips:
1. The best viewing period is from early to late May, but the actual timing may vary slightly depending on the climate of that year.
2. The first flower gate in the row of gates facing the sea on the west side of the Mirai Rose Garden is the ideal viewing spot. Facing the sea and the Hikawa Maru, with flower beds serving as the foreground, the scene exudes a strong sense of atmosphere.
“The Girl in Red Shoes” and “Water Fountain” Statues
“The Girl in Red Shoes” and “Water Fountain” are the two most representative statues in the Yamashita Park. “The girl in Red Shoes” statue is a realistic portrayal of the Yokohama classic nursery rhyme “Red Shoes”, with a touch of sadness yet very gentle. The little girl wearing bright red shoes, sits facing the sea, as if quietly watching the ships coming and going in the port. The statue of “Water Fountain” was presented by the city of San Diego, USA. The goddess statue holds a water bottle, symbolizing “Guarding the water source of the port” and “Guarding the peace of the city”, praying that Yokohama will no longer be affected by natural disasters such as earthquakes.Night Views and Fireworks Display
“Night Flowers” Fireworks Display
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Yamashita Park is also a recommended viewing spot for the “Night Flowers” fireworks display. The fireworks will be set off at Osanbashi Yokohama International Passenger Terminal and Shinko. The Yamashita Park, Red Brick Warehouse, Hammerhead and Cosmo Clock 21 are all excellent viewing spots.
Time for Fireworks Displays:
June to August: 19:30-19:35; Other months: 19:00-19:05. Generally, 1-3 sessions are held each month, with no fixed dates, but mostly the sessions are scheduled on weekends.
Highlights of the Four Seasons
Cherry Blossoms in Spring
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From June to August, the Yamashita Park is lush and green. After the rose season ends in May, sunflowers can be seen blooming from July to August. The scene of sunflowers and Hikawa Maru in the same frame is the most representative.
From mid-November to early December, the ginkgo trees in the park form a golden corridor. The surrounding trees also changed into red and orange colors, complementing the view of the harbor and giving the Yamashita Park a completely different autumn charm from the spring flower scene.
In winter, large-scale light shows are held in Yamashita Park and around Yokohama port. Under the projection of light and shadow, the park and the harbor present a dreamy atmosphere that complements the brilliant night view, making Yamashita Park a must-see scenic spot for winter visitors to Yokohama.
Opening Hours and Ticket Fare
Yamashita Park: Free admission with 24-hour access.Hikawa Maru: Business hours are from 10:00 to 17:00, with last entry at 16:30. Hikawa Maru is closed on Mondays. The ticket, at 300 yen (2 USD), can be purchased directly at the ticket office and only cash is accepted.
How to Get There
1. Take the Minatomirai Line to Motomachi-Chukagai Station. Get out from Exit one, then turn right and walk straight for about 3 minutes to get there.2. Take the Yokohama tourist bus “Akai Kutsu” and get off at the Yamashita-koen-mae stop. The bus has a retro body and you can also enjoy the Red Brick Warehouse and other scenic spots along the way.
Note: Ticket for Yokohama tourist bus “Akai Kutsu” is 220 yen (1.3USD). The operating hours are from 10:02 to 17:32 on weekdays and 10:02 to 18:27 on weekends and public holidays. Buses run every 30 minutes on weekdays and every 15 minutes on weekends and holidays.
Nearby Attractions
Yokohama Chinatown: It is one of the three major Chinatowns in Japan, located about a 10-minute walk from Yamashita Park. It is lined with Chinese restaurants, dessert shops and grocery stores, making it a popular tourist destination for enjoying delicious food, taking a stroll and experiencing Chinese culture.Osanbashi Yokohama International Passenger Terminal: It is the international passenger terminal of Yokohama port and also an open viewing space. The roof design offers a 360-degree view of the harbor and the city, and is open to the public for free.
Red Brick Warehouse: It is a complex commercial area transformed from a century-old warehouse, preserving the retro appearance of the red brick building and the atmosphere of the port city. The warehouse integrates restaurants, specialties stores and exhibition spaces. Whether shopping, dining or participating in seasonal activities, you can experience the unique blend of history and modernity in Yokohama.
