Yamashita Park

Park

Prefecture

Kanagawa

Type

Park

N/A

1 review

Free

Entry Fee

Free Entry Train Access

About This Destination

Yokohama's most famous waterfront park stretching along the harbor, home to the historic ocean liner Hikawa Maru, rose gardens, and views of the Bay Bridge.

Yamashita Park is a 750-meter waterfront promenade that stretches along the shores of Yokohama Harbor, built on rubble from the devastating Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923. Opened in 1930 as Japan's first seaside urban park, it remains the heart of Yokohama's scenic harbor area. The park's most prominent feature is the Hikawa Maru, a beautifully preserved 1930s ocean liner that once sailed the Yokohama-Seattle route and is now open as a floating museum. Lush gardens, including a fragrant rose garden with over 190 varieties, provide colorful scenery throughout the seasons. The park offers sweeping views of the Yokohama Bay Bridge, the Minato Mirai skyline, and passing ships, making it a cherished gathering place for both residents and visitors alike.

Location

Prefecture: Kanagawa

Address: Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan

Nearest Station: Motomachi-Chukagai Station

View on Google Maps

Visitor Information

Credit Cards: Unknown

Food Options: No permanent dining facilities within the park, but nearby Yokohama Chinatown and the waterfront area offer abundant options including shiumai and Chinese cuisine.

Official Website

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get to Yamashita Park?

From Minatomirai Line, take Motomachi-Chukagai Station — the park is right next to Exit 3 (1-minute walk). From JR Ishikawacho Station, walk 15 minutes east. From Yokohama Station: 8 minutes by Minatomirai Line (¥190). Park is free and 24-hour open. Easy combo: walk from the Red Brick Warehouse (15 min along the waterfront) and continue to Yokohama Chinatown (5 min from park). Free parking only in early morning weekdays; paid lots nearby ¥600/hour.

Can I board the Hikawa Maru?

Yes — the 1930 ocean liner is permanently moored alongside the park as a floating museum. Open 10:00–17:00 (last entry 16:30); closed Mondays. Adult ¥300, child ¥100. Walking through the engine room, art-deco first-class staterooms, original kitchens, and the bridge gives a fascinating glimpse of luxury 1930s sea travel. Famous passengers included Charlie Chaplin (1932). Allow 60 minutes. Combine with a free walk along the rose garden in front.

When is the best time for the rose garden?

Two peaks per year: mid-May to mid-June (spring bloom, most spectacular with 190+ varieties at full glory) and late September to mid-November (autumn bloom, slightly less dense but with cooler weather). The rose garden is free and open 24 hours. Roses are individually labeled in English/Japanese with cultivar names — popular among photographers. The annual Yokohama Rose Festival (mid-May–early June) coincides with peak bloom. Spring evenings 18:00–20:00 offer fragrance-rich strolls.

What other attractions are nearby?

Within 5 minutes' walk: Yokohama Chinatown (Japan's largest, 600+ shops/restaurants), Marine Tower (¥1,000, 106m observation deck), Yokohama Doll Museum (¥400). Within 10 min: Red Brick Warehouse, Osanbashi International Passenger Pier (free rooftop with great Yokohama views), Yokohama Marine Museum. The Yamashita Park area + Chinatown + Red Brick Warehouse can be combined into a 5-hour Yokohama waterfront day. Add Cup Noodles Museum (15 min by foot/Akaikutsu bus) for a full day.