Yamashita Park

Yamashita Park opened in March 1930 and was the first waterfront urban park developed in Japan. Today, it is widely known as one of Yokohama’s most iconic sightseeing destinations.
This park is also a symbol of disaster recovery, created by reclaiming the sea with the enormous amount of rubble generated by the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923. Work on the seawall began in 1925, and it took about four years to prepare the foundation of the park.
At the time of its opening, a main gate was built in front of the Hotel New Grand, and the surrounding area was arranged into a splendid landscape with symmetrical flower beds and pergolas. On the seaside, stone seawall balconies and stone steps leading down to the water’s edge were also constructed. Today, the central and western balconies remain, preserving the appearance of that era.
During World War II, the park was requisitioned by the Imperial Japanese Navy, and after the war it was taken over by the U.S. military. It was gradually returned beginning in 1954, and the entire park was fully opened to the public in 1960.

Landscape and Features of the Park
Yamashita Park’s greatest attraction is its open, seaside scenery. Visitors can look out over Yokohama Bay Bridge and the ships passing through the harbor, creating a romantic atmosphere unique to this port city.
The park features spacious lawns, sunken flower beds, and beautiful tree-lined promenades, making it ideal for strolling and picnicking. In spring, cherry blossoms, tulips, roses, and other seasonal flowers add color and delight visitors throughout the year. The park also retains many historically evocative structures, such as the original gateposts and outer fence, and the bridges and sluice gates of the former boat basin.

Representative Monuments and Memorials
Yamashita Park is dotted with many monuments that symbolize Yokohama’s history as an international city.
• Girl with Red Shoes Statue
A statue inspired by the folk song “Red Shoes,” this is a popular spot visited by many tourists.
• Indian Water Tower (donated in 1937)
An Islamic-style water tower donated by the Japanese Indian Association. Its delicate design is beautiful, and it is also valued as a piece of modern architecture in Yokohama.
• Guardian of Water (donated by San Diego)
A monument donated by San Diego, Yokohama’s sister city in the United States, and a symbol of friendship and exchange.
• Song Monument for “The Seagull Sailor”
A monument commemorating a children’s song closely associated with the port city of Yokohama, making a stroll through the park even more enjoyable.
These monuments are scattered throughout the park, allowing visitors to enjoy a memorial tour while walking around.

The Hikawa Maru and Seaside Views
One of the park’s most iconic sights is the luxury liner Hikawa Maru, moored within the park.
With a history that earned it the nickname “Queen of the North Pacific,” the ship is now designated as an Important Cultural Property. It is open to visitors during the daytime, and the combination of the sea and the Hikawa Maru is highly popular as a photogenic spot.

A Famous Rose Spot: The Future Rose Garden
Yamashita Park is also widely known as one of Yokohama’s most famous rose destinations.
The “Future Rose Garden” in the park was renovated in 2016 and reborn as a garden where visitors can enjoy three-dimensional and diverse plantings, including climbing roses and standard roses.
• Approximately 160 varieties and 1,900 rose bushes are planted
• In spring and autumn, the park is filled with the fragrance of roses
• Resistant varieties are used, making it a useful reference for home rose cultivation as well
Roses blooming with the Hikawa Maru in the background are especially beautiful, making this a popular photo spot for many photography enthusiasts.

Yamashita Park Today and Its Surroundings
Yamashita Park is located in the heart of Yokohama tourism, surrounded by many attractions such as the Red Brick Warehouse, Osanbashi Pier, Chinatown, and the harbor cruise terminal. As a result, many people stop by between sightseeing destinations, and the area remains lively throughout the year.
On the seaside lawns with Bay Bridge in the background, it is also common to see people enjoying picnic lunches they have taken out, making the park beloved by a wide range of visitors, from tourists to local residents.

Yamashita Park is:
• A historic waterfront park born as a symbol of recovery from the Great Kanto Earthquake
• A spectacular spot where visitors can enjoy Yokohama’s signature sea and ship scenery
• A park dotted with many monuments that tell the story of international exchange
• A garden park with beautiful seasonal flowers, including roses
• A beloved place both as a tourist attraction and as a place of relaxation for citizens

With these many charms, it stands as one of Yokohama’s most iconic parks.
As a park where the sea, history, flowers, and culture come together in harmony, it continues to be cherished by many people today.