Yamashita Park is exciting to visit, because it neatly sits between Yokohama’s urban fringe and its harbor. The nice cool breeze and endless blue on one side is a nice contrast to the cityscape on the other. Plus, there is usually some event happening at this park so it worth taking a stroll down to capture the beauty and join in whatever festivity is on.
When we visited in May 2017, Yamashita Park was hosting the Garden Necklace Yokohama 2017, which featured some incredible flowers displays including a the main display, a hedgehog with vibrant flowers in full bloom acting as its spikes. There were so many flower beds and statues up on display.
Within Yamashita Park is the Future Rose Garden, known as Mirai-no-baraen in Japanese. This garden is open every spring and autumn season at Yamashita Park. Around mid April and May are the best times to visit to see the full array of roses in full bloom and in several different colors.
If you look at to the harbor, you should be able to see a large ship called the Hikawamaru. She is permanently berthed as a museum ship. Back in the day, she served as a cargo passenger ship for the trip between Yokohama and Seattle. The interior is decked out with the old furniture to show what traveling on this ship was like back in the 1930s and 40s.
Within walking distance to the park, you can take the Sea Bass in the harbor (close to Hikawamaru) to Minato Mirai, the island that is home to World Porters (a shopping center), Cosmo Clock 21 (ferris wheel), Red Brick Warehouse (shops and restaurants), and the Cup Noodle Museum.
There are plenty of mini attractions to catch, including the main water fountain near the middle and another water feature to the west of the park.
Even if you aren’t attending for a festival, you should still visit the park. There are plenty of worthwhile photo opportunities to capture with your partner, friends and family. You can also get a glimpse into the lives of the locals.
If you are in need of any food, you are well within walking distance to both Minato Mirai and Chinatown. (Though, they are both in opposite directions.) Both are excellent choices for food. Chinatown in Yokohama may be the better option if you are out later in the evening (but not too late, e.g. 11:00 pm).
Yamashita Park’s Future Rose Garden is located alongside Yokohama Harbor:
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