Introduction
Yokohama, a bustling port city, is often associated with its vibrant urban landscape. However, serene green spaces and natural wonders are within its boundaries that offer a peaceful escape from city life. This article helps those who want to know about this nature sanctuary.
■ You Will Learn About…
・About Nature Life in Yokohama
・Historical Connections
・Locations for Natural Escape
1. Nature Life in Yokohama
Despite being a thriving metropolis, Yokohama retains a deep connection with nature. Its parks and gardens offer scenic views, fresh air, and a relaxing atmosphere for residents and visitors alike. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful walk by the waterfront or want to admire seasonal flowers in full bloom.
A Place with Uphills and Downhills
Actually, the city is a place where many uphills and downhills exist, nevertheless, it is known for its beautiful waterfront. Away from the city center, the landscape changes to hillside views. About 70% of the land is hilly, so public transport like buses is essential for our daily life.
As a result of the terrain, the city offers both vibrant blue sceneries and serene green spaces. This contrast between modernity and nature is what makes Yokohama a unique destination, where you can experience both the thrill of city life and the tranquility of nature. I picked up the highlights of natural charms in the next chapter.
2. Explore History, Inquire Scenery
Highlights
Yamashita Park
Yamashita Park (山下公園), located along Yokohama’s waterfront, is a favourite spot for relaxing strolls and scenic views. The park stretches out beside the harbor, offering panoramic vistas of the sea and ships passing by. The wide, open spaces, combined with blooming flowerbeds, create a vibrant and refreshing atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy leisurely walks or simply sit back to enjoy the soothing coastal breeze.
The park holds a strong connection to the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923. Yokohama developed the park as part of its recovery efforts after the earthquake. The city used rubble and debris from the disaster to fill in the waterfront area. This process created new land, which the land transformed into Yamashita Park. The park officially opened in 1930, symbolising the city’s resilience and renewal.
| INFOMATION | |
|---|---|
| Address | 279 Yamashitacho, Yokohama, Kanagawa How to get there? |
| Opening Hours | Always Open |
| Closed | It doesn’t have any fixed days off |
| Admission | Free |
| Parking | Not Available |
| Transportations | 5 minutes walk from Motomachi-Chukagai Station |
| References | Yamashita Park – TripAdvisor |
Sankeien Garden
Sankeien Garden (三渓園) is a stunning traditional Japanese garden that showcases the elegance of nature blended with historical architecture. Walking through the garden, visitors can enjoy picturesque ponds, seasonal flowers, and historic buildings relocated from different parts of Japan and feel like backing to the past.
Those great landscapes are brought by a wealthy silk merchant, “Sankei Hara“. With a deep appreciation for traditional Japanese culture, art, and architecture, Hara used his wealth to collect important historical buildings and cultural assets from all over Japan. He designed the garden as a place to showcase these treasures in a natural, scenic environment. Now, the grace of him contributes enjoying seasonal blooms to the public.
| INFOMATION | |
|---|---|
| Address | 58-1 Honmoku Sannotani, Yokohama, Kanagawa How to get there? |
| Opening Hours | 9:00-17:00 |
| Closed | New Year’s days |
| Admission | Adult: 900 yen Child (6～15): 200 yen |
| Parking | Available |
| Transportations | 10 minutes walk from Honmoku Bus stop TimeTable from Negishi Station（Route 58 and 101）Duraion: 10minutes |
| Official Website | Yokohama Sankeien Garden (translate in English available) |
Shomyoji Temple
Away from the central Yokohama, there is another hidden gem in its natural landscape – Shomyoji Temple (称名寺). The temple grounds offer a serene environment where visitors can relax and reflect. It is situated near the base of the Kanazawa Bunko area, which is known for its historical significance.
The temple’s architecture retains much of the Kamakura-period style, making it an authentic representation of Buddhist temples from this era. The temple used to be the home of Hoji clan. The design reflects the simplicity and sturdiness of Kamakura-period structures, adding a layer of historical authenticity and tranquility to the atmosphere.
| INFOMATION | |
|---|---|
| Address | 212-1 Kanazawacho, Yokohama, Kanagawa How to get there? |
| Opening Hours | 8:30-16:00 |
| Closed | It doesn’t have any fixed days off |
| Admission | Free |
| Parking | Not Available |
| Transportations | 15 minutes walk from Kanazawa-Bunko Station |
| References | Shomyo-ji Temple – TripAdvisor |
3. Actually Nature Sanctuary
In Yokohama, visitors can enjoy not only the vibrant energy of urban life but also an enriching journey through the city’s natural and historical wonders. The contrast between these elements makes the city unique, offering a serene escape from the modern hustle.
As visitors explore these places, they can walk through centuries-old architecture or admire how natural surroundings have been crafted to reflect deeper meanings. Whether it’s a historical garden or a peaceful temple pond, Yokohama’s nature sanctuaries allow for discovery, making it much more than just a bustling city—it’s “Noting Hills” where history and nature seamlessly coexist.
