“Yamashita Park” is one of Yokohama’s most iconic waterfront parks, featuring expansive harbor views, charming night scenery, seasonal flowers, and the historic ship Hikawa Maru. This article summarizes transportation options, must-see highlights, and nearby walking attractions around Yamashita Park, taking you through the seasonal charm and harbor atmosphere of this classic Yokohama waterfront park.
Yamashita Park is located beside Yokohama Port. It is a waterfront park stretching about 700 meters along the coastline and opened in 1930, making it one of Japan’s earliest seaside parks. The park is open 24 hours a day and admission is free, allowing visitors to enjoy harbor views and seasonal flowers. Its proximity to Yokohama Chinatown, the Red Brick Warehouse, and Osanbashi Pier also makes it an ideal starting point for planning a walk or one-day trip around the Yokohama port area.
Yamashita Park Transportation Guide
Nearby Stations and Parking Lots
The most convenient way to reach Yamashita Park is to take the Minatomirai Line to “Motomachi-Chukagai Station.” After exiting from Exit 1, also known as the Yamashita Park Exit, turn right and walk straight for about 3 minutes to arrive. If you drive there, there are also several paid parking lots inside and around the park. Whether you use public transportation or drive yourself, it is easy to arrange a one-day trip around the Yokohama port area.
| Departure point | route | travel time | cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yokohama Station | Minato Mirai Line → Motomachi/Chinatown Station | Approximately 15 minutes | 230 yen |
| Shinjuku -Shibuya | Tokyu Toyoko Line Direct Access to Minato Mirai Line | Approximately 50-60 minutes | 840 yen 533 yen |
| Haneda Airport | Limousine Bus "Yamashita Park/Minato Mirai Line" → Get off at "Yamashita Park" | Approximately 30 minutes | One-way fare: 1,000 yen (※Fee may vary depending on the period; please refer to Keikyu Bus's official announcement for the most up-to-date information). |
※ Fees and time are for reference only. Please check the official website for the latest information.
Walking times from nearby stations to Yamashita Park
| station | walking time |
|---|---|
| Minato Mirai Line "Motomachi/Chinatown Station" | Approximately 1 to 3 minutes |
| Minato Mirai Line "Japan Odori Station" | Approximately 7 minutes |
| Limousine bus "Yamashita Park Front" | Approximately 5 minutes |
| JR Ishikawacho Station | Approximately 13 minutes |
Must-See Attractions in Yamashita Park
NYK Hikawa Maru (氷川丸)
The NYK Hikawa Maru (氷川丸), moored beside Yamashita Park, was built in 1930 and measures 163.3 meters in length. It once served as a cargo-passenger ship on routes between Japan and North America, and today it is the only surviving cargo-passenger ship of its kind. Inside the ship, spaces such as first-class cabins, dining rooms, and the wheelhouse have been preserved, allowing travelers to glimpse the elegance of a luxury passenger ship from the past. Hikawa Maru was designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan in 2016 and is also one of Yamashita Park’s most representative historical landmarks.
・Address: Yamashita Park, Yamashitacho, Naka Ward, Yokohama City, Kanagawa Prefecture
・Opening Hours: 10:00–16:30, closed on Mondays
・Admission Fee for Interior Visit: Adults 300 yen, seniors aged 65 and above 200 yen, elementary, junior high, and high school students 100 yen
Future Rose Garden
The rose garden inside Yamashita Park features about 1,900 roses of approximately 160 varieties, making it one of Yokohama’s most popular flower-viewing spots in spring and autumn. When the roses are in full bloom, they create a beautiful photo scene together with Hikawa Maru moored by the sea and the scenery of Yokohama Port. The best viewing periods are from early to late May in spring and from early October to mid-November in autumn, though the actual blooming conditions may vary slightly depending on the weather each year.
・Address: 279 Yamashitacho, Naka Ward, Yokohama City, Kanagawa Prefecture
・Opening Hours: Open 24 hours for free visits
・Admission Fee: Free
Red Shoes Girl Statue
The “Red Shoes Girl Statue” inside Yamashita Park is inspired by the Japanese nursery rhyme “Red Shoes.” It depicts the image of a young girl and is one of the park’s most representative artistic statues. Standing quietly amid the sea breeze and floral scenery, it has become a popular photo spot where many travelers stop during their walk, adding a gentle sense of story and nostalgia to the park.
・Address: Yamashitacho, Naka Ward, Yokohama City, Kanagawa Prefecture
・Opening Hours: Open 24 hours for free visits
・Admission Fee: Free
Indian Water Tower
The “Indian Water Tower” inside Yamashita Park was built to commemorate the assistance provided by Indian merchants after the Great Kanto Earthquake, symbolizing international friendship and mutual support. This memorial tower was donated and established in 1939. Standing quietly in one corner of the park, it bears witness to Yokohama’s reconstruction history and has become one of the easily overlooked yet story-rich attractions for travelers taking a stroll.
・Address: 279 Yamashitacho, Naka Ward, Yokohama City, Kanagawa Prefecture
・Opening Hours: Open 24 hours for free visits
・Admission Fee: Free
Recommended Restaurants and Food Spots in Yamashita Park
Yamashita Park Footbath Café “THE WHARF HOUSE”
Located at the western end of Yamashita Park, “THE WHARF HOUSE” is a multifunctional facility that combines dining and relaxation, offering all-day meal service from breakfast to dinner. Its biggest feature is that you can soak your feet in the outdoor footbath while enjoying views of Yokohama Port. It also offers BBQ and picnic plans, along with a souvenir shop, making it a great place to relax during a walk.
・Address: 279 Yamashitacho, in front of the Industry and Trade Center, Naka Ward, Yokohama City, Kanagawa Prefecture
・Opening Hours: 【Café】9:00–17:00;【Restaurant】17:00–22:00;【BBQ】11:00–22:00, March to November;【Shop】10:00–19:00
・Footbath Hours: 11:00–21:00
・Footbath Fee: 300 yen
Yamashita Park Experiences
Bay Night Views and Fireworks Events
At night, Yamashita Park offers views of the illuminated Hikawa Maru, Yokohama Bay Bridge, and the sparkling night scenery of Minato Mirai all at once, making it one of the representative night-view spots in the Yokohama port area. The fireworks event “Yokohama Night Flowers” is held regularly each year, and Yamashita Park is also a recommended viewing location. Please refer to official announcements for the detailed schedule.
・Fireworks Launch Locations: Around Yokohama Port, including “Osanbashi Pier” and “Shinko Pier.” Yamashita Park is also one of the recommended viewing spots.
・Launch Time: Each show lasts 5 minutes, and the time varies by season: 【March to May and September onward】19:00–19:05;【June to August】19:30–19:35.
・Admission Fee: Free viewing
Seasonal Highlights of Yamashita Park
【Spring】Yamashita Park Cherry Blossoms, Late March to Early April
Every spring, about 30 cherry trees bloom one after another in Yamashita Park, including varieties such as Somei Yoshino and weeping cherry blossoms, adding a romantic spring atmosphere to the waterfront park. Among them, the weeping cherry blossoms blooming with Hikawa Maru as the backdrop are especially loved by travelers. The combination of cherry blossoms, the historic ship, and harbor scenery creates a unique view and makes this a must-visit photo spot in spring.
【Summer】Yamashita Park Roses and Sunflowers, June to August
In early summer, Yamashita Park is lush with greenery, and during the rainy season in June, visitors can enjoy the fresh harbor scenery after the rain. After the rose season ends in May, sunflowers can sometimes be seen blooming in the park from July to August. The view of sunflowers framed together with Hikawa Maru is especially iconic, becoming a soothing seasonal scene unique to Yamashita Park in summer.
【Autumn】Yamashita Park Ginkgo Trees and Autumn Leaves, Mid-November to Early December
Every late autumn, the approximately 800-meter-long ginkgo tree avenue along Yamashita Park gradually turns golden yellow, forming a charming golden tunnel. Trees inside and around the park also turn shades of red and orange, complementing the harbor scenery and giving Yamashita Park an autumn atmosphere completely different from its spring flower views.
【Winter】Yamashita Park “Night of Yokohama Light Show”, December
Every December, Yamashita Park and the surrounding Yokohama Port area host the large-scale illumination event “Night of Yokohama Light Show (ヨルノヨ).” The park and harbor take on a dreamlike atmosphere under light projections, shining together with the brilliant night scenery and attracting many travelers to come for an evening walk and light viewing. Admission to the event is free, making it a limited-time winter scene not to be missed when visiting Yokohama.
Recommended Accommodations Around Yamashita Park
There are many sea-view hotels around Yamashita Park, offering a wide range of choices from classic long-established hotels to modern luxury properties. Staying here not only allows easy walking access to popular attractions such as Yamashita Park and Chinatown, but also lets you enjoy views of Yokohama Port and the dazzling night scenery from your room. It is one of Yokohama’s most popular accommodation areas among travelers.
Hotel New Grand Yokohama (ホテルニューグランド)
Hotel New Grand Yokohama opened in 1927 and is one of Yokohama’s representative long-established hotels. Located directly in front of Yamashita Park, it enjoys an excellent location. The tower building’s Bay View rooms overlook Yokohama Port, while the European-style main building preserves a strong exotic and historical atmosphere, allowing travelers to experience the classic charm of the port city during their stay.
・Address: 10 Yamashitacho, Naka Ward, Yokohama City, Kanagawa Prefecture
・Transportation: About a 6-minute walk from “Motomachi-Chukagai (Yamashita Park) Station” on the Minatomirai Line
Hyatt Regency Yokohama (ハイアットリージェンシー橫浜)
Hyatt Regency Yokohama opened in 2020 and is a design hotel that blends modern luxury with the atmosphere of a port town. Located in a historic area of Yokohama, it is within walking distance of Yamashita Park and Chinatown. With its convenient location, it is an ideal base that combines sightseeing convenience with comfortable accommodation.
・Address: 280-2 Yamashitacho, Naka Ward, Yokohama City, Kanagawa Prefecture
・Transportation: About a 3-minute walk from “Nihon-odori Station” on the Minatomirai Line
Yokohama Bay Hotel Tokyu (橫浜ベイホテル東急)
Yokohama Bay Hotel Tokyu is located in Yokohama’s Minato Mirai area, facing the harbor and Ferris wheel scenery, with excellent sea views. Guest rooms overlook the night views of Yokohama Port and the city skyline, and some room types also offer views of Osanbashi Pier and the bay. The hotel is close to the Red Brick Warehouse and Yamashita Park, making it an ideal accommodation choice that combines shopping, strolling, and night-view appreciation.
・Address: 2-3-7 Minatomirai, Nishi Ward, Yokohama City, Kanagawa Prefecture
・Transportation: About a 1-minute walk from “Minatomirai Station” on the Minatomirai Line
Attractions Around Yamashita Park
Yamashita Park is located in the center of the Yokohama port area, surrounded by many attractions that can be connected on foot, including Yokohama Chinatown, the Red Brick Warehouse, and Osanbashi Pier. It is the core starting point for sightseeing routes around the port area and is also suitable for a relaxed one-day itinerary.
Yokohama Chinatown
Yokohama Chinatown is one of Japan’s three major Chinatowns, along with those in Kobe and Nagasaki. Located in the Yokohama port area, it is within walking distance of Yamashita Park. The streets are filled with Chinese restaurants, dessert shops, and general stores, making it a popular tourist destination for tasting food, strolling, shopping, and experiencing Chinese culture.
・Address: Yamashitacho, Naka Ward, Yokohama City, Kanagawa Prefecture
・Transportation: About a 10-minute walk from Yamashita Park toward the station
When visiting Yokohama Chinatown now, you can use the “Yokohama Chinatown Gourmet Ticket,” which allows unlimited rides on the Tokyu Line and Minatomirai Line and includes meal voucher discounts, making your overall Yokohama port area itinerary easier and smoother.
Osanbashi Pier
Osanbashi Pier is Yokohama Port’s international passenger ship terminal and also an open observation space. Its rooftop design offers 360-degree views of the harbor and city scenery, and it is open to visitors free of charge. During the day, you can enjoy the sight of ships coming and going in the harbor, while at night you can take in the dazzling night views of Yokohama Port and Minato Mirai. It is a popular walking and photography spot among travelers.
・Address: 1-1-4 Kaigandori, Naka Ward, Yokohama City, Kanagawa Prefecture
・Transportation: About a 10-minute walk from Yamashita Park
Red Brick Warehouse
The Red Brick Warehouse is a mixed-use commercial facility converted from historical warehouses from the Meiji era, preserving the retro appearance of red brick architecture and the atmosphere of the port city. Inside, it combines restaurants, specialty shops, and event spaces. Whether shopping, dining, or participating in seasonal events, visitors can experience Yokohama’s unique blend of history and modernity.
・Address: 1-1-1 Shinko, Naka Ward, Yokohama City, Kanagawa Prefecture
・Transportation: Take the “026 Route” bus from “Marine Tower-mae” stop to “Yokohama Zeikan-mae” stop, then walk about 5 minutes.
Minato Mirai
Minato Mirai is Yokohama’s representative waterfront commercial district, blending modern urban scenery with harbor charm. The area features popular facilities such as a Ferris wheel, shopping centers, and Yokohama Landmark Tower. It is suitable for shopping and sightseeing during the day, while at night visitors can enjoy the brilliantly lit harbor night views, making it the core area for experiencing Yokohama’s urban charm.
・Address: Varies depending on each facility. Please refer to the “Minato Mirai 21” facility list.
Yamashita Park FAQ
1. Is there an admission fee for Yamashita Park?
Yamashita Park is free to enter and is open 24 hours a day. An additional ticket is required to visit the interior of Hikawa Maru (氷川丸), which is moored beside the park: adults 300 yen, seniors aged 65 and above 200 yen, and elementary, junior high, and high school students 100 yen.
2. How long should I spend at Yamashita Park?
If you only want to take a relaxing walk and enjoy the harbor scenery, about 30 to 60 minutes is recommended. If you also visit Hikawa Maru, you will need about 1.5 to 2 hours. If you combine the visit with nearby attractions such as Chinatown and Osanbashi Pier, you can plan it as a half-day itinerary and leisurely enjoy the charm of the Yokohama port area.
3. Can I have a picnic at Yamashita Park?
Yamashita Park has spacious lawns where you can freely bring food for a picnic. In addition, “THE WHARF HOUSE Yamashita Park” inside the park also offers paid picnic plans, including meals, tents, picnic mats, and other rental items. Advance reservation is required, allowing you to enjoy a seaside picnic more easily.
4. Is Hikawa Maru inside Yamashita Park worth visiting?
Hikawa Maru inside Yamashita Park is definitely worth a visit. For only 300 yen, you can enter this century-old cargo-passenger ship and explore its interior. The ship preserves spaces such as an Art Deco-style dining room, first-class cabins that once hosted Charlie Chaplin, and the wheelhouse, all of which are very well maintained. It is especially recommended for travelers who enjoy history and photography, offering a close-up experience of the elegance of maritime travel from the past.