Many visitors, even Yokohama residents, are not aware of the beautiful parks outside of the main tourist spots. An example begins at Kamoi Station. Walk to the Tsurumi River and head towards Shin-Yokohama. During the spring, there is a wonderful display of Sakura with many park benches where you can just sit and enjoy the atmosphere.
After about 3 kilometers there is a bridge you can cross to Egawa Seseragi Ryokudo for one of the best Sakura and Tulip views in the city. The name means Small River, with a quiet flow, along a green road. Until 1955 this area was filled with rice farms that they were quickly overrun with residential development. The water along the river became very dirty; however the new residents decided to clean it up. In 1985 they planted 200 cherry trees along the stream. The local sewer company in 1995 fixed the pipes and made a creek with high quality clean water and walkways to enjoy the outdoors. The local school kids were encouraged by Yamazaki Bread Company to plant tulips along the creek sides. They were rewarded with gifts of bread for their efforts. Today it is like walking through a fairyland, especially in early spring when the sakura and tulips bloom simultaneously.
The walkway ends near the local IKEA. From there, go an additional 2.7 kilometers to Kozukue Castle Ruins. Here is another spot that is mostly unknown even by the locals. The castle was founded by the Uesugi Clan in 1438. During the Odawara Siege of 1590 the castle was given up without a fight. When the war was over the castle was demolished. Today you will walk through a bamboo forest and see many signs with information about the castle. Meander along the moat, look up on the hills and visualize what is was like back in the early days before the castle was destroyed. The trails have many up and down steps giving you some good exercise, and even includes a wildlife habitat where you may catch a glimpse of some forest creatures.
To walk all three areas is about 9.7 kilometers or 6 miles. And yes, there are buses you can take that will shorten your walk considerably.
Yokohama covers 437 square kilometers or 169 square miles. This is just three of the many hidden gems you will find throughout the city.
