Hodogaya Park (Kanagawa Prefecture) Complete Guide: Facilities, Access, and Event Information
Kanagawa Prefectural Hodogaya Park is a sports park located in Hodogaya Ward, Yokohama City, and was the first athletic park to be established in Kanagawa Prefecture. Planned in conjunction with post-war land reform, since the completion of a baseball field in 1949 (Showa 24), it has been cherished by many residents of the prefecture as a hub for sports and culture. This article provides comprehensive information you should know before visiting, covering the history, facilities, access methods, and seasonal highlights of Hodogaya Park.
Overview and History of Hodogaya Park
Basic Information About the Park
Hodogaya Park is a prefectural park located in central Yokohama, boasting a vast area of approximately 60 hectares. It is located at 4-2 Hanamidai, Hodogaya Ward, Yokohama City, Kanagawa Prefecture, and is developed spanning both Hodogaya and Asahi wards.
The park is operated under a designated management system, with the Kanagawa Park Association handling daily maintenance and facility operations. Positioned as a sports park under the Urban Park Law, its primary purpose is to promote the health and fitness of residents and advance sports.
Historical Background and Development
The history of Hodogaya Park dates back to the post-war reconstruction period. Beginning with the completion of a baseball field in 1949 (Showa 24), full-scale development began as one of Kanagawa Prefecture’s first urban parks. Basic athletic facilities were completed in 1957 (Showa 32), and various sports facilities have been continuously added in response to the needs of each era since then.
In particular, the hardball baseball stadium was completely rebuilt in 1996 (Heisei 8) and was reborn as “34 Hodogaya Stadium.” It has long been cherished as the venue for exciting high school baseball matches, and in 2021, the championship game of the 103rd National High School Baseball Championship Kanagawa Tournament was held for the first time in 46 years, playing an important role in Kanagawa’s baseball history.
Main Facilities and Sports Equipment
Hodogaya Park is equipped with diverse sports facilities and cultural facilities to accommodate users of a wide range of ages.
34 Hodogaya Stadium (Hardball Baseball Field)
The hardball baseball stadium, a symbolic facility of the park, is a full-scale baseball field with a natural grass ground. It has a capacity of approximately 10,000 spectators and is used as a venue for official high school baseball games as well as social adult baseball and university baseball matches.
With dimensions of 99 meters down the foul lines and 122 meters to center field, it is also equipped with night lighting facilities, allowing for games and practice at night. The scoreboard is an electronic display, providing a viewer-friendly environment for spectators.
Softball Baseball Field
Separate from the hardball baseball stadium, a dedicated softball baseball ground is also equipped. It serves as a practice and game venue for local amateur baseball teams and youth baseball teams, used by many baseball enthusiasts. Use requires advance reservation through Kanagawa Prefecture’s facility reservation system.
Soccer Field and Rugby Field
The natural grass soccer field and rugby field are core sports facilities of the park. The soccer field is of regulation size and is utilized as a venue for high school soccer and social league matches. Similarly, the rugby field is widely used from student rugby to social teams.
These fields are well-maintained in terms of turf, providing an environment where competition can take place in good condition. Spectator seating is also installed, allowing for official matches to be held.
Tennis Courts
Multiple all-weather hard courts are equipped for public use. Tennis courts are rented on an hourly basis, available for individuals and groups. They are particularly popular on weekends, and early reservation is recommended.
Pool (Summer Only)
An outdoor pool opens during the summer, attracting many families. A 25-meter pool and a children’s pool are installed, and lifeguards are always on duty for safe use. The pool is typically open from mid-July to the end of August, with fees set at a level comparable to typical public pools.
Gymnasium
An indoor sports facility is equipped as a gymnasium, usable for basketball, volleyball, badminton, and other sports. With complete heating and cooling, it is possible to enjoy sports year-round regardless of weather.
Advance reservation is required to use the gymnasium, with facilities available for both group and individual use on designated days. Various sports classes and events are regularly held, accommodating everyone from beginners to advanced athletes.
Sports Ground
Multiple free-to-use sports grounds that require no reservation are located throughout the park. They are ideal for those who want to exercise casually, such as jogging, walking, and light ball games. On weekends, families can be seen enjoying frisbee and badminton on these grounds.
Cultural Facility: Kanagawa Art Hall
As a distinctive facility of Hodogaya Park, there is the “Kanagawa Art Hall,” which serves as a hub for music and theatrical activities.
Facility Overview
Kanagawa Art Hall is a multipurpose hall established to support the cultural activities of residents. It is equipped with excellent sound and lighting systems and can accommodate a variety of cultural events including concerts, theatrical performances, and dance recitals.
With approximately 300 seats, it is appropriately sized for medium-scale performances. Practice rooms and green rooms are also fully equipped, with sufficient space to conduct rehearsals and preparations before performances.
How to Use
Kanagawa Art Hall operates on an advance reservation system, with applications possible several months before the desired date. Usage fees vary depending on the time of day and day of the week, with details available at the park management office or on the official website. Many cultural organizations, including music groups, theatrical circles, and dance groups, regularly use the facility.
Nature and Seasonal Highlights
Hodogaya Park is enjoyed not only as a sports facility but also as a place of relaxation where visitors can appreciate nature throughout the four seasons.
Plum Garden
The plum garden within the park is planted with over 90 plum trees and blooms beautifully from February to March. A variety of species can be enjoyed, including red plums, white plums, and weeping plums, and many flower viewing visitors come during the plum blossom season.
The plum garden is relatively compact, allowing visitors to fully appreciate the beauty of the plums even in a short time. You can enjoy early spring fragrance and color while strolling through the area.
Cherry Blossom Spot
From late March to early April, cherry blossoms bloom throughout the park. Hundreds of cherry trees, primarily Somei Yoshino, are planted, creating a vibrant spring landscape.
The areas around Symphony Square and along park paths are particularly beautiful, and the cherry blossom season attracts many families and groups enjoying flower viewing. Visitors can spread out leisure sheets to relax, making it a popular flower viewing spot within Yokohama City.
Symphony Square
Symphony Square is a central gathering area of the park, an open space surrounded by a lawn and trees. Benches and tables are installed, making it ideal for picnicking and taking breaks. Events are occasionally held on weekends, and it functions as a place for community interaction.
Other Plantings
Beyond plums and cherry blossoms, azaleas, hydrangeas, autumn leaves, and other plants color the park in different seasons. Particularly during the autumn foliage season, ginkgos and maples display beautiful colors, adding to the pleasure of walking the trails.
Access
Access to Hodogaya Park is possible via both public transportation and automobile.
Access by Train and Bus
From JR Yokohama Station
- Board the bus bound for Hodogaya Station West Exit (Line 25) from Platform 4 of the West Exit bus terminal at JR Yokohama Station
- Approximately 30 minutes to “Hodogaya Baseball Field” bus stop, then a short walk
From Sotetsu Hoshikawa Station
- Board the bus bound for Hodogaya Station West Exit (Lines 25 or 125) from Hoshikawa Station North Exit
- Approximately 7 minutes to “Hodogaya Baseball Field” bus stop
- Or approximately 15 minutes walk from Hoshikawa Station (about 1.2 km)
From Sotetsu Wadacho Station
- Approximately 15 minutes walk from Wadacho Station (about 1.3 km)
- This route passes through a residential area, suitable for those who prefer to walk
From JR Hodogaya Station
- Access by bus or on foot from Hodogaya Station West Exit
- On foot, approximately 20 minutes
Access by Automobile
From Metropolitan Expressway
- Approximately 10 minutes from “Shin-Hodogaya IC” on the Kariba Line
- Approximately 15 minutes from “Hodogaya IC” on the Yokoha Line
From General Roads
- Accessible from National Route 16 or National Route 1
- Search car navigation for “4-2 Hanamidai, Hodogaya Ward, Yokohama City” or “Hodogaya Park”
Parking Information
Hodogaya Park has paid parking facilities.
Parking Overview
- Capacity: Approximately 200 vehicles
- Hours: 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM (varies seasonally)
- Fee: Ordinary vehicles ¥300 for the first 2 hours, then ¥50 for each additional 30 minutes (maximum fee applies)
- Parking for large vehicles and buses is also available (advance notice required)
Usage Notes
- Congestion is expected during tournaments at the baseball or soccer fields
- Parking may fill up during cherry blossom season and on weekends; public transportation is also recommended
- The distance from the parking lot to each facility is a few minutes walk
Park Facilities and Services
Restrooms and Rest Areas
Multiple restrooms are installed throughout the park, including barrier-free toilets. Rest areas and benches are placed at various locations, allowing visitors to rest during their stroll.
Shops and Vending Machines
A shop is located near the park management office where beverages, light refreshments, and sports equipment can be purchased. Vending machines are also installed throughout the park for easy hydration.
Barrier-Free Access
Most park paths are paved, making them easy to navigate with wheelchairs and strollers. Designated parking spaces for people with disabilities are secured, and multipurpose restrooms are installed.
Rules and Etiquette for Park Use
Advance Reservation for Facility Use
Sports facilities require advance reservation. Online reservations can be made through Kanagawa Prefecture’s public facility reservation system “Kanagawa Facility Reservation System.” Reservations become available several months before the desired date, and users are determined by lottery or first-come, first-served basis.
Park Etiquette
- Please take all trash with you
- Pets are welcome but must be kept on a leash
- Fires are prohibited in lawn areas
- Avoid making noise or engaging in disruptive behavior
- Treat plants and facilities with care
Prohibited Activities
- Barbecuing and fireworks outside designated areas
- Bicycles and skateboards (except in designated areas)
- Feeding wild animals
- Commercial photography (permit required)
Events and Class Information
Various events and sports classes are held at Hodogaya Park throughout the year.
Regularly Held Events
- Plum Festival (late February to early March): Events held during the plum blossom season
- Cherry Blossom Festival (late March to early April): Special events during flower viewing season
- Sports Festival (autumn): Various sports experience events
Sports Classes
Various sports classes from beginner to advanced levels are regularly offered at the gymnasium and sports grounds. These include tennis classes, soccer classes, yoga classes, and more. Most require advance registration, so check the park management office or official website for the latest information.
Nearby Tourist Spots
There are also tourist attractions worth visiting in combination with Hodogaya Park in the surrounding area.
Yokohama Children’s Play Park
The children’s play park adjacent to Hodogaya Park is popular with families with small children. With play equipment and open areas, it can be enjoyed for a full day in combination with the park.
Hodogaya-juku
The historic streetscape of Hodogaya-juku, which flourished as a post station on the old Tokaido route, is nearby. It is possible to enjoy a historic walking tour, and a tourism plan combining a park visit with exploration is feasible.
Ways to Enjoy Throughout the Year
Spring (March to May)
This is the most vibrant season with plum and cherry blossoms in bloom. You can enjoy flower viewing while indulging in walks and picnics in the warming weather. The fresh greenery is also beautiful, making it an ideal season for photography.
Summer (June to August)
The summer-only pool opens and is busy with families. Early mornings and evenings when it is cool, many people can be seen jogging and walking. Be sure to stay hydrated and take sufficient breaks to prevent heat stroke.
Autumn (September to November)
This is a beautiful foliage season, with trees throughout the park turning red and yellow. The pleasant weather makes it suitable for sports events, many of which are held during this season. It is also sports day season, with local schools and organizations using the facilities.
Winter (December to February)
The relatively mild Yokohama winter is suitable for walks. From late February, plums begin to bloom, signaling the arrival of early spring. With clear air, the distant scenery looks beautiful on sunny days.
Conclusion
Kanagawa Prefectural Hodogaya Park has over 70 years of history as the prefecture’s first athletic park and is a comprehensive park where sports, culture, and nature are in harmony. The well-equipped sports facilities including 34 Hodogaya Stadium, cultural activities at Kanagawa Art Hall, and the natural beauty of the plum garden and cherry blossoms in each season captivate users of all ages.
Located in central Yokohama with convenient access, yet blessed with vast grounds and abundant greenery, it is a valuable space for refreshment in urban living. With good public transportation access and ample parking, it can be visited in various ways.
Whether you want to enjoy sports, relax in nature, or engage in cultural activities, Hodogaya Park can accommodate each purpose. When visiting Kanagawa Prefecture, why not pay a visit? It is recommended to check the official website or management office for the latest facility information and reservation methods.
