Yamashita Park Street (Kanagawa Prefecture) Complete Guide | History, Highlights, and Four Seasons’ Charm Thoroughly Explained
Yamashita Park Street, which can be called the face of Yokohama, is a beautiful tree-lined avenue that bears the history since the opening of the port. This article provides the most detailed explanation of the charm of Yamashita Park Street, from its historical background to the seasonal landscapes, surrounding spots, and the latest urban development information.
What is Yamashita Park Street?
Yamashita Park Street is a street of approximately 700 meters located in Naka Ward, Yokohama, stretching from Kaikouhiroba Park to Yamashita Bridge Intersection. It runs along the south side of Yamashita Park, which faces Yokohama Port, and forms a landscape representative of Yokohama.
Basic Information
- Location: Yamashita-cho, Naka Ward, Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture
- Length: Approximately 700 meters
- Features: Ginkgo tree-lined avenue, historic buildings, tourist attractions concentrated
- Designation: Selected for “Japan’s 100 Fine Roads”
Yamashita Park stretches along the north side of the street, while the south side is lined with representative Yokohama tourist spots such as Marine Tower, Hotel New Grand, and Yokohama Doll Museum. It also has good access to Chinatown and Motomachi, attracting many visitors as the central area of Yokohama tourism.
History of Yamashita Park Street
Opening of the Port and Formation of the Settlement
The history of Yamashita Park Street dates back to the opening of Yokohama Port. When the port opened in 1859 (Ansei 6) following the Japan-US Treaty of Amity and Commerce, a townscape called the “settlement” was developed for foreign merchants’ commercial activities and residence.
The predecessor of Yamashita Park Street was created along the waterfront of the Yamashita Settlement, established on the west side of present-day Nihon-odori Street. At that time, the street was called “BUND (Bund) – Coastal Road,” commanding a close view of the sea. Bund is a term referring to coastal roads seen in port towns such as Shanghai and Hong Kong in China, a name symbolizing Yokohama’s international character.
The Great Kanto Earthquake and Birth of Yamashita Park
The Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923 (Taisho 12) caused tremendous damage to Yokohama. As part of post-earthquake reconstruction efforts, it was decided to reclaim the seashore with debris generated by the earthquake and develop a park on the reclaimed land.
Thus, Yamashita Park opened in 1930 (Showa 5), and the street facing the park was reborn as “Yamashita Park Street.” What was previously a coastline became a park, dramatically changing the street’s landscape, but its role as the face of Yokohama was unchanged.
Postwar Development and Present
After the war, the area surrounding Yamashita Park Street developed as the economic and cultural center of Yokohama. Yokohama Marine Tower opened in 1961, becoming a landmark of the street. Subsequently, cultural facilities such as the Kanagawa Kenmin Hall (1975) and Yokohama Doll Museum (1979) were constructed one after another, growing into an area where tourism and culture merged.
Since entering the Heisei period, urban development has proceeded while balancing landscape conservation as Yokohama’s face with the creation of new attractions.
The Charm of Yamashita Park Street Through the Seasons
Spring: Fresh Green Ginkgo Tree-Lined Avenue
From April to May, the ginkgo tree-lined avenue on Yamashita Park Street is enveloped in vibrant fresh greenery. Ginkgos that have shed their leaves over the winter sprout all at once, their soft yellow-green leaves coloring the street.
The fresh green foliage gleaming in the spring sunlight makes for an ideal season for strolling. Spring roses begin blooming in Yamashita Park, allowing visitors to feel the arrival of spring in both the street and the park.
Summer: Green Shade and Sea Breeze
In summer, Yamashita Park Street’s thick green ginkgo foliage creates a pleasant shade. The sea breeze from Yokohama Port passes through, making it a relatively cool walk despite being in an urban area.
At summer dusk, the views of Marine Tower and the harbor create a romantic atmosphere, drawing crowds of couples and tourists.
Autumn: Golden Ginkgo Tree-Lined Avenue
Yamashita Park Street is said to be most beautiful during autumn’s foliage season. Typically from mid-November to early December, approximately 100 ginkgo trees planted over the 700-meter stretch turn yellow all at once, dyeing the entire street golden.
Best viewing time: Mid-November to early December
Peak: Late November
The ginkgo foliage is especially beautiful when viewed against a blue sky and is popular as a photography spot. The scene of fallen leaves covering the sidewalk like a yellow carpet is unique to this season.
On clear days, the golden ginkgo tree-lined avenue, blue sky, and Yokohama Port’s landscape come together in perfect harmony, offering a truly “Yokohama-like” spectacular view. Many tourists and locals visit on weekends to enjoy the autumn atmosphere.
Winter: Illuminations and Silence
In winter, the bare ginkgo branches of Yamashita Park Street create delicate silhouettes. From December to February, illumination events are held throughout Yokohama, and the area surrounding Yamashita Park Street is illuminated.
Particularly during the year-end and New Year holidays, Marine Tower and surrounding facilities are lit up, enveloped in a magical atmosphere. The night view in the clear, cold winter air is exceptional.
Major Spots Surrounding Yamashita Park Street
Yamashita Park
Expanding north of Yamashita Park Street, it is Yokohama’s representative park. A historically significant park created by reclaiming the coastline with debris from the Great Kanto Earthquake, it is characterized by its open space facing the sea.
Highlights:
- Hikawa Maru (cargo-passenger ship designated as Important Cultural Property)
- Indian Water Tower
- Statue of the Girl in Red Shoes
- Future Rose Garden (best in spring and autumn)
Yokohama Marine Tower
A symbolic tower of Yokohama that opened in 1961. After reopening with renovations in 2022, it has been reborn as a complex facility with observation floors, restaurants, and shops.
Height: 106 meters
Observation deck: 94 meters above ground (29th and 30th floors)
From the observation deck, you can see the entire view of Yokohama Port, Bay Bridge, Minato Mirai, and on clear days, even Mount Fuji.
Hotel New Grand
A historic classic hotel that opened in 1927 (Showa 2). As Yokohama’s representative prestigious hotel, it has been loved by many notable figures.
Historical significance:
- The main building is a valuable structure conveying early Showa architectural style
- Known for General MacArthur’s stay
- Birthplace of Japanese Western cuisine culture, including Neapolitan and doria
The hotel’s restaurants allow visitors to taste dishes passed down with traditional recipes.
Yokohama Doll Museum
A museum specializing in dolls, housing dolls from 141 countries worldwide, totaling over 14,000 pieces. It opened in 1979 and introduces doll cultures from around the world.
The permanent exhibition displays ethnic dolls and traditional Japanese dolls from various countries, while special exhibitions present the charm of dolls through various themes.
Kanagawa Kenmin Hall
A representative cultural facility of Kanagawa that opened in 1975. Equipped with a main hall (2,493 seats) and small hall (434 seats), it hosts diverse performances including classical music, theater, and ballet.
The building was designed by Kunio Maekawa and is regarded as a masterpiece of modernist architecture.
Access to Yamashita Park Street
By Train
Minatomirai Line
- “Motomachi-Chukagai Station” exit, 3-minute walk (nearest station)
- “Nihon-odori Station” exit, 5-minute walk
JR Negishi Line
- “Ishikawa-cho Station” exit, 15-minute walk
- “Kannai Station” exit, 15-minute walk
Yokohama Municipal Subway Blue Line
- “Kannai Station” exit, 15-minute walk
Minatomirai Line’s Motomachi-Chukagai Station is the closest. Using Exit 4 (Yamashita Park exit) provides direct access to Yamashita Park Street.
By Bus
From Yokohama Station East Exit, you can use municipal buses or the sightseeing loop bus “Akaikusu.”
Municipal Bus
- “Chinatown Entrance” bus stop, 2-minute walk
- “Yamashita Park” bus stop, immediate arrival
Akaikusu Bus
- “Yamashita Park” bus stop, immediate arrival
By Car
Shuto Expressway
- “Yokohama Koen” exit on Yokohama Line, approximately 5 minutes
- “Shin-Yamashita” exit on Bayshore Line, approximately 10 minutes
Parking
Multiple paid parking lots are available around Yamashita Park Street:
- Yamashita Park Parking Lot (222 spaces)
- Yokohama Chinatown Parking
- Numerous coin parking lots in the area
Public transportation is recommended as weekends and tourist seasons are crowded.
Recommended Ways to Spend Time on Yamashita Park Street
Walking Course
Standard Course (2-3 hours)
- Start from Motomachi-Chukagai Station
- Stroll along the ginkgo tree-lined avenue on Yamashita Park Street
- Rest while viewing the sea at Yamashita Park
- Enjoy the panoramic view at Yokohama Marine Tower
- Have tea time at Hotel New Grand
- Lunch and shopping in Chinatown
Photography Spots
Yamashita Park Street is popular as a spot where you can take photos that look distinctly Yokohama.
Recommended shooting points:
- Ginkgo tree-lined avenue and blue sky (autumn is best)
- Street scenery with Marine Tower in the background
- Classic exterior of Hotel New Grand
- View of the street and port from Yamashita Park
Especially during autumn’s foliage season, photography in the early morning when fewer people are present or during golden hour at dusk is recommended.
Event Information
Various events are held throughout the year on Yamashita Park Street.
Regular events:
- Pedestrian-only street events (held irregularly)
- Markets and food events by local merchant associations
- Coordinated events with Yokohama Chinatown
During pedestrian-only street events, Yamashita Park Street, normally used as a roadway, becomes pedestrian-exclusive, with local restaurants and retailers setting up stalls. Collaboration projects with popular anime and other initiatives showcase local attractions.
Nearby Dining and Shopping
Dining
The area surrounding Yamashita Park Street is a gourmet destination representative of Yokohama.
Western Cuisine
- Hotel New Grand restaurants (traditional Neapolitan and doria)
- Established Western restaurants
Chinese Cuisine
- Yokohama Chinatown (over 200 restaurants within a 5-minute walk)
- From authentic Cantonese cuisine to street food
Cafes
- Open-air cafes with sea views
- Cafes utilizing historic buildings
Shopping
Motomachi Shopping Street
A 5-minute walk from Yamashita Park Street, Motomachi is lined with established brand shops and select shops. With many fashion brands originating in Yokohama, shopping here is enjoyable.
Yokohama Chinatown
Chinese ingredients, sundries, and souvenirs unique to Chinatown can be purchased.
Urban Development in Yamashita Park Street Surroundings
Urban Development Vision
Yokohama City established the “Yamashita Park Street Surrounding Area Urban Development Vision” in October 2025 (Reiwa 7). This vision presents the direction of urban development that inherits the history and charm dating back to the opening of the port while creating new values.
Main contents of the vision:
- Preservation and utilization of historic landscapes
- Enhancement of pedestrian space quality
- Creation of local vitality
- Sustainable urban development considering the environment
Landscape Initiatives
Yamashita Park Street is designated as one of “Japan’s 100 Fine Roads,” with particular effort placed on landscape conservation.
Specific efforts:
- Proper maintenance management of the ginkgo tree-lined avenue
- Height restrictions and design guidance for buildings
- Underground burial of utility lines for landscape improvement
- Sidewalk beautification
These efforts maintain Yokohama’s charming urban landscape.
Regional Coordination
Yamashita Park Street Association, Motomachi SS Association, Chinatown Development Association, and other local merchant associations collaborate to enhance the area’s appeal. During pedestrian-only street events, these organizations cooperate to showcase local attractions.
Notes and Etiquette for Visits
Crowded Seasons
While Yamashita Park Street attracts many tourists year-round, it is particularly crowded during:
- Spring Golden Week (late April to early May)
- Autumn foliage season (mid-November to early December)
- Year-end and New Year holidays
- Weekends and national holidays
To avoid crowds, visiting on weekday mornings or late afternoons is recommended.
Etiquette
- Do not break branches or damage the protected ginkgo tree-lined avenue
- When taking photographs, be considerate not to obstruct pedestrian or vehicle traffic
- Always dispose of trash properly, either carrying it away or using designated bins
- Ride bicycles with pedestrians in mind, keeping speed low
Nearby Accommodation
Various types of accommodations are available around Yamashita Park Street.
Luxury Hotels
- Hotel New Grand (historic classic hotel)
- Rose Hotel Yokohama (adjacent to Chinatown)
Business Hotels
- Multiple business hotels around Motomachi-Chukagai
- Hotels along the Minatomirai Line
From these accommodations, Yamashita Park Street is within walking distance, allowing you to enjoy strolling at night or visiting during quiet early morning hours.
Nearby Tourist Attractions
Yokohama Chinatown
5-minute walk. Japan’s largest Chinatown with over 600 shops concentrated in an area about 500 meters square. Enjoy everything from authentic Chinese cuisine to street food and sundries.
Motomachi Shopping Street
10-minute walk. A fashion street with history dating back to the opening of the port. Approximately 200 shops from established brands to the latest shops line the street.
Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse
20-minute walk. Historic buildings constructed from the late Meiji to early Taisho periods utilized as commercial facilities. Features shops, restaurants, and event spaces.
Minato Mirai 21
25-minute walk. Representing Yokohama’s modern face, this complex urban area concentrates Landmark Tower, Cosmo World, art museums, and other facilities.
Nihon-odori Street
5-minute walk. Japan’s first Western-style avenue. Its charm lies in its ginkgo tree-lined avenue and retro architecture.
Historic Buildings
Numerous buildings around Yamashita Park Street remain that tell the story of Yokohama’s history.
Yokohama Customs Building (Queen’s Tower)
Completed in 1934, this Islamic-dome building is affectionately known as “Queen’s Tower.”
Kanagawa Prefectural Government Main Building (King’s Tower)
Completed in 1928, this imperial crown-style building is counted as one of Yokohama’s three towers as the “King’s Tower.”
Yokohama Port Opening Memorial Hall (Jack’s Tower)
Completed in 1917, this red brick building is known as “Jack’s Tower” and is designated as a National Important Cultural Property.
These “Yokohama Three Towers” are within walking distance from Yamashita Park Street and are popular as a historic walking tour course.
Conclusion
Yamashita Park Street is Yokohama’s representative scenic road, where Yokohama’s history and present harmonize. With over 160 years of history since the opening of the port, having undergone recovery from the Great Kanto Earthquake and postwar development, it continues to fascinate many people as Yokohama’s face.
The beautiful ginkgo tree-lined avenue through the seasons, historic buildings, comprehensive tourism facilities, and the open landscape of Yokohama Port come together to provide visitors with a special experience. Particularly during autumn’s foliage season, the tree-lined avenue dyed golden is breathtakingly beautiful.
When visiting Yokohama, be sure to slowly stroll along Yamashita Park Street and feel Yokohama’s history and charm firsthand. Visiting together with nearby Chinatown, Motomachi, and Minato Mirai will provide an even more enriching Yokohama experience.
Yokohama City plans to continue urban development of the Yamashita Park Street surrounding area based on its urban development vision, protecting historic landscapes while creating new attractions. Please visit Yamashita Park Street as it continues to evolve.
