Dec 3, 2018 - 1 min read

Yokohama’s Harbor View Park

Stylish views from above

By Steve Morton

Community writer

Arriving just in time for sunset, I passed by this statue located within a small forest situated on the northern side of this park. Interestingly, this area is called “French Mountain”, named after the site where a former French Military Garrison was built

A close up of Yokohama Marine Tower at dusk

When reaching this park’s main observation point you have the choice of visiting a nearby English Rose Garden along with several museums

One of these nearby museums includes 'The Jiro Osaragi Memorial Museum' where you can see a collection of this Japanese Writer’s books and personal effects

On the way to this museum you can see many views of Yokohama Bay Bridge

Although usually busy on weekends, if you come on most weekdays you can usually avoid many of the crowds

From the main observation deck you can enjoy some great views. Towards the east you can look down on Yokohama Bay Bridge

While towards the west you can see Yokohama Marine Tower and Minato Mirai in the near distance

Regarded as one of the city’s top attractions, Yokohama Harbor View Park, (Minato-no-Mieru-Oka Koen), provides the perfect blend of history, natural beauty and course; some spectacular views of the bay below!

Perched on top of a steep hill and located several minutes walk away from Motomachi-Chukagai Station, this park was opened to the public in 1962 and occupies the site of a former British Army Barracks and Consulate. Although the Barracks are now gone, this park is home to many western style buildings including the 'Jiro Osaragi' Memorial Museum and the site of a former British consulate which has now been designated a cultural property.

Although it can sometimes get busy on weekends, if you come here during most weekdays, you are more than likely to find very few people here. I would especially recommend coming here during the late afternoon/early evening. By doing this you should arrive just in time for sunset where you will be able to see Yokohama Bay Bridge and Minato Mirai being illuminated by thousands of sparkling lights

From Motomachi-Chukagai Station take the exit for Motomachi Shopping Street, turning right then walk towards a main road with a set of traffic lights. From here, turn right again where it’s about a 5 to 10 walk up a steep hill