Top 10 Yokohama Parks: Best Green Spots for Nature Lovers
Yokohama, Japan's second-largest city, is a vibrant blend of urban life and natural beauty. It is located along the waterfront and offers some of the best parks for nature lovers.
From the iconic Yokohama Park to the tranquil Sankeien Gardens, these green spaces provide a much-needed escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Whether you're interested in peaceful strolls by the bay, historic sites, or scenic spots perfect for a picnic, Yokohama's parks have something for everyone.
When visiting this bustling city, let's dive into the top green spots you should take advantage of.
Yokohama Park
Yokohama Park is the second-oldest park in Yokohama. It opened in 1897 and sits near JR Kannai Station.
It's home to various attractions, including a large Japanese garden, a pond, and Yokohama Stadium, where the city's baseball team, the DeNA BayStars, plays. The park is especially famous for its seasonal tulips, with around 140,000 bulbs blooming every April.
Visitors can enjoy strolling through its well-maintained pathways while exploring its rich history and tranquil atmosphere.
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Yamashita Park
Yamashita Park, located in Naka-ku Yokohama, is a renowned waterfront park built after the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1930. It offers beautiful views of Yokohama Port and features attractions like the Red Shoes girl statue and the Hikawa Maru ship.
The park's blend of history and recreation, with gardens, lawns, and monuments, makes it a favorite for locals and tourists alike. Its proximity to Motomachi Chukagai Station on the Minato Mirai Line ensures easy access for visitors.
Yokohama Strawberry Park
A unique green space, Yokohama Strawberry Park provides a different nature experience. This garden lets visitors pick fresh strawberries year-round, a perfect activity for families or anyone with a sweet tooth.
Located a short distance from Negishi Station, you can easily combine this with a visit to the Nippon Maru Memorial Park or Yamashita Park to create a full day of exploration—book in advance, as this park is a popular spot, especially on weekends.
Nippon Maru Memorial Park
A favorite historical site, Nippon Maru Memorial Park is not your traditional green space but offers a stunning waterfront experience next to Yamashita Park. The centerpiece is the Nippon Maru, a former sailing ship now serving as a museum.
The park's location in Minato Mirai, near Sakuragicho Station, makes it easy to reach by bus lines or the JR Negishi Line. The park's picturesque surroundings and the ship's exhibits offer a glimpse into Yokohama's maritime past, making it an excellent stop for history buffs.
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Negishi Forest Park
Negishi Forest Park is one of Yokohama's largest parks. It is known for its rich history and scenic beauty.
Built initially as Japan's first Western-style horse racing track in 1867, the park was transformed into a tranquil green space after World War II. Today, it features vast open fields, a plum grove, and walking trails ideal for relaxation or jogging.
The park also includes the Equine Museum, where visitors can explore the area's historical connection to horse racing.
Shikinomori Park
Shikinomori Park, located in Yokohama, offers a peaceful retreat from the city's busy atmosphere. Known as the "Four Seasons Forest Park," it showcases vibrant seasonal landscapes, making it a scenic spot year-round.
The park is perfect for family outings, with spacious picnic areas, walking trails, and attractions like a giant slide for children. Its natural setting also provides educational opportunities for kids, offering a space to connect with nature.
Kodomonokuni
Kodomonokuni, or "Children's Land," is a vast natural park in Yokohama. Established in 1965 to commemorate the royal marriage of Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko, it covers approximately 240 acres and features a wide range of family-friendly activities.
The park offers everything from a petting zoo and pony rides to nature walks, craft areas, and seasonal attractions like cherry blossom viewing and ice skating. It is easily accessible via the Tokyu Kodomonokuni Line, making it a popular destination for locals and tourists year-round.
Get up close with the Port of Yokohama and take in the panoramic view of the city.
Mitsuike Park
Mitsuike Park, located in Tsurumi Ward, Yokohama, is an ample, tranquil green space perfect for nature enthusiasts. It spans over 300,000 square meters and features three ponds, making it one of Japan's top 100 cherry blossom viewing spots.
The park is home to over 1,600 cherry trees, with 78 varieties blooming at various times throughout spring. Mitsuike Park also offers a unique Korean garden and numerous recreational facilities, including baseball fields, tennis courts, and walking paths, providing visitors a serene escape from bustling city life.
Kamon-yama Park
Kamon-yama Park in Yokohama is a scenic hilltop park located in Nishi Ward. It offers beautiful panoramic views of the Minato Mirai 21 district.
Known for its 200 cherry trees, the park is a popular spot for cherry blossom viewing in the spring. It also features a statue of Ii Naosuke, a key figure in opening the Port of Yokohama to the world in 1859.
Easily accessible from Sakuragicho Station, this peaceful park combines history, culture, and nature, making it a perfect destination for nature enthusiasts.
Sankeien Gardens
For a more serene experience, visit Sankeien Gardens. This traditional Japanese garden, located in Naka-ku, is a landscaping masterpiece featuring historic buildings from Kyoto, such as the iconic three-storied pagoda and the main hall of Sankei-en.
Designed by Hara Sankei, a prominent silk merchant, the garden was originally his private property before being opened to the public in 1906. Visitors can enjoy scenic walks around the pond, admire the seasonal blossoms, or explore the historic buildings scattered throughout the park.
A must-visit for any nature lover, Sankeien offers a tranquil escape just a short ride from Kannai Station.
Tips for Visiting Yokohama Parks
Plan your route: Many parks are easily accessible via the same bus lines, making visiting multiple spots in one day convenient.
Buy a day pass: If you plan to explore several parks, a day pass for the JR Negishi Line or bus lines can save you time and money.
Check hours: Each park has different operating hours. For example, Sankeien Gardens opens from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., while some areas close earlier on Mondays.
Entry fees: While parks like Yamashita Park and Nippon Maru Memorial Park are free, others like Sankeien Gardens require a small entrance fee.
Accessibility: Most parks are near major train stations such as Yokohama Station, Motomachi Chukagai Station, and Sakuragicho Station, making public transport a great option.
Weather: Aim to visit in April or September for mild weather, though each season offers unique scenery.
Discover Yokohama's Top Green Spaces
The City of Yokohama is a modern urban hub and home to some of Japan's most beautiful and diverse parks. Whether you're interested in strolling by the waterfront at Yamashita Park, exploring maritime history at the Nippon Maru Memorial Park, or taking in the beauty of traditional Japanese gardens at Sankeien, there's something for everyone.
The city's rich history, picturesque settings, and easy access via bus or train make it an ideal destination for nature lovers. Pack your bag, put on comfortable shoes, and journey to discover Yokohama's finest green spaces.
