About Yamashita Park
History time of line Yamashita Park
Here’s a brief history timeline of Yamashita Park in Yokohama:
- 1854: Yokohama becomes one of the first Japanese ports opened to foreign trade following the signing of the Treaty of Kanagawa with the United States.
- 1867: Construction begins on a seawall to protect the city from tsunamis and storm surges.
- 1870: The area where Yamashita Park is now located becomes the site of the first foreign settlement in Yokohama, known as the “Kannai” district.
- 1875: The Kannai district is expanded, and a promenade is built along the seawall.
- 1897: The promenade is officially named “Yamashita Park” in honor of a local banker, Count Yamashita Takatoyo, who contributed funds to its development.
- 1923: The Great Kanto earthquake strikes Yokohama, causing extensive damage to the city and the park.
- 1930: The park is rebuilt and expanded to its current size of 24 acres, with the addition of gardens, fountains, and other features.
- 1945: The park suffers damage again during World War II, when it is used as a military base by the occupying U.S. forces.
- 1950s-1960s: The park is restored and renovated, with the addition of a rose garden, a children’s playground, and other features.
- 1989: The park is designated as one of Japan’s Top 100 Historical Parks and Gardens by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology.
- 2009: The park is further renovated and modernized, with the addition of new landscaping, lighting, and public art installations.
How to reach Yamashita Park
Yamashita Park is located in the Naka Ward of Yokohama, Japan. Here are some of the ways to reach the park:
- By train: The closest train station to Yamashita Park is Motomachi-Chukagai Station, which is served by the Minato Mirai Line. From there, it’s a short walk to the park.
- By bus: Several bus routes stop near Yamashita Park, including the Yokohama City Air Terminal (YCAT) Shuttle Bus and the Yokohama Municipal Bus. Check with the local transit authority for specific routes and schedules.
- By car: There is limited parking available near the park, but it can be challenging to find a space, particularly on weekends or during peak tourist season.
- By foot: Depending on your location in Yokohama, it may be possible to walk to Yamashita Park. The park is located near several other popular attractions, such as Yokohama Chinatown and the Red Brick Warehouse, making it a convenient stop on a walking tour of the city.
Overall, public transportation is the easiest and most convenient way to reach Yamashita Park, with the park being located within walking distance of the Motomachi-Chukagai Station.