Introducing the charms of Yokohama, an international city that developed as the gateway to Japan – CNN.co.jp

Yokohama (CNN) Yokohama is undoubtedly Japan’s most cosmopolitan city.

Located less than 48 kilometers southwest of Tokyo, Yokohama is home to skyscrapers, a commercial district, and a red-light district, but it is also a colorful and sometimes turbulent city filled with ancient wooden temples and the homes of foreign merchants who settled in Japan. It exists in harmony with Tako’s historical heritage.

In 1853, when U.S. Navy Admiral Matthew Perry entered the port of Uraga, located just south of Yokohama, with the mission of persuading the general at the time to lift the national isolation system, Yokohama was still a small town with only about 100 houses. It was just a fishing village.

However, by the end of the 1850s, it had transformed into a gateway to Japan and a booming city bustling with merchants, immigrants, and speculators.

Yokohama is now Japan’s second most populous city, but fortunately the city center is relatively compact and most areas can be explored on foot.

Chinatown and Koreatown

Given the proximity of Japan and China, and given the importance of the tea and silk trade in the 1800s, thousands of Chinese settled in Yokohama, settling in the Kannai district a few blocks from the waterfront. There is no surprise that he has established a foundation.

At the north, south, east, and west ends of Chinatown, there are four gates (pailou) with intricate decorations of gods, dragons, and tigers. The town is lively and has over 600 shops, including restaurants serving authentic cuisine, supermarkets selling imported goods, and inexpensive souvenir shops.

Chinatown is also home to two brightly colored temples, which locals still visit to burn incense and pay homage to Chinese gods. Celebration events are also held during the Spring Festival (Lunar New Year).

Also, if you go a little further from Chinatown, you will find Korean Town. In this area, signs are written in Hangul and restaurants serve bibimbap and makgeolli (Korean cloudy liquor).

Hundreds of cherry blossom trees line the Ooka River on the west side of Koreatown, and during the cherry blossom season in early spring, the cherry blossom petals dance in the wind and the entire city is dyed in cherry blossom color.

bluff

The first Europeans and Americans to come to Yokohama were required by the shogun to live in a foreign settlement separated by a barrier (kannai). Currently, Yokohama Stadium is located at that location. Eventually foreigners were allowed to settle in Yokohama’s most popular locations.

Wealthy businessmen and merchants soon began building houses one after another on the hill just south of Kannai. This elevated area was called “Bluff,” and its residents enjoyed views overlooking Yokohama’s harbor and cool sea breezes even in the hot and humid summer. Although the view from this hill has changed dramatically over the past 150 years, some of the houses where foreigners once lived still remain.

In 1930, British trader B. R. Berwick Hall, built as Mr. Berwick’s residence, is the largest existing building in the area and is registered as a historic building by Yokohama City.

Other buildings include Yamate 234 Building, built in 1927, and the current Yokohama Yamate Episcopal Church, founded in 1863.

foreign cemetery

Yokohama experienced rapid economic growth at the beginning of the 20th century, but economic growth came to a screeching halt when the Great Kanto Earthquake, estimated to have a magnitude of 7.9, struck eastern Japan on September 1, 1923.

The Great Kanto Earthquake caused widespread damage and claimed many lives. Many of the victims were buried at the Yokohama Foreign Cemetery near Bluff.

One gravestone is engraved with the name of a priest who died on the day the Great Kanto Earthquake occurred. Another grave marker nearby bears the name of a Catholic nun.

Other people buried there include Dixie Tye, a famous war correspondent for the American newspaper New York Post, and Edmund Morrell, a British engineer who helped build Japan’s first railroad connecting Shinbashi and Yokohama.

Stages of Studio Ghibli works

The 2011 animated film “From Up on Poppy Hill” produced by Studio Ghibli is set in Yokohama in the 1960s.

The story revolves around the port of Yokohama, and the main character, high school girl Umi Matsuzaki, hoists two international signal flags, meaning “I pray for safe passage,” on a bluff pole. This flag is currently flying at Port View Hill Park.

A racetrack that even the Emperor attended

In Negishi Forest Park, located a few kilometers southwest of Bluff, stands the huge former first-class horse viewing area (viewing seats) of the Japan Race Club that once existed.

These seats are the remains of Japan’s first Western-style racetrack, Negishi Racecourse, which reached its peak in the 1930s.

Behind the bleachers is a photo of the grandstand in its heyday, which included a lounge overlooking the course, a referee’s stand, and a voting booth. Emperor Showa (1901-1989) was a fan of horse racing and is said to have visited this racecourse several times.

After Japan lost World War II, the racecourse was taken over by the occupation forces and used as military land. After that, Negishi Park was returned to Yokohama City and is now known as a famous cherry blossom viewing spot.

Yamashita Park

The Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923 destroyed many buildings and infrastructure in Yokohama. The debris was disposed of in the sea along the coast, which eventually became Yamashita Park.

Moored at the park’s pier is the Hikawa Maru, a luxury passenger ship launched in 1929. She sailed to the West Coast of the United States, and was visited by celebrities and dignitaries such as Charlie Chaplin and Prince and Mrs. Chichibu.

The Hikawa Maru was nicknamed the “Queen of the Pacific,” but during World War II it was used as a hospital ship, and after the surrender of the Japanese government, it transported demobilized Japanese soldiers.

It is now a floating museum, where you can admire restored Art Deco-style rooms and interiors.

Red Brick Warehouse

Located at the northern end of Yamashita Park, there is a red brick warehouse along the elevated road that was once used as a railway for the Port of Yokohama.

Too small to be used as a cargo warehouse for modern ships, it was converted into a cultural and commercial complex with boutiques, bars, and restaurants. The large open space is used as a venue for events and exhibitions.

Minato Mirai

In contrast to Yokohama’s historic buildings are Minato Mirai’s gleaming steel and glass skyscrapers. This group of buildings was built on reclaimed land over the past 30 years and connects the old port area with Yokohama Station.

Minato Mirai is lined with famous brand stores, malls, restaurants, bars, hotels, and convention centers, and right next to it is one of Japan’s largest Ferris wheels, the amusement park “Cosmo World,” and the new urban ropeway “Yokohama Air Cabin.” ” is also available.