The Yamate, Yokohama area used to be home to many foreigners, and as proof of this there still remain exotic residential areas with western-style homes and churches. Along with parks overflowing with nature there are ideal viewing places from which the Minatomirai and Bay Bridge can be seen. The area itself is perfect for couples and for friends who want to fully enjoy this international atmosphere.

First off: Motomachi Chukagai Station
Once leaving the station to your left, with Motomachi on your left-hand side, what you will find is Harbour Hill Park (Minato no Mieru Okakoen). This park, a place of rest for the local citizens, has quite a few of Yokohama’s famous viewing spots. Unfortunately, on this day the weather was not very favourable, and Bay Bridge could not be seen clearly. However, the night view is still amazing.

Due to the pleasurable weather, many people could be seen reading a book or just taking a nap.

The park boasts approximately 55,000m2 of land. Roses start to bloom in May and October.

A sundial. Who would have guessed it would be Citizen-made, established in 1963.

The Yamate Hall no. 111, constructed in 1926 in Spanish style. Inside are a hearth and a large chandelier, making for an elegant and dignified atmosphere.

I’m not sure if the nice weather had any part in it, but I ran into many people sketching the landscapes in the area.

Almost all of Yamate’s sightseeing spots are found along Yamate Street. It really is the main street of Yamate. If you head south down the main road, on the left hand side was where the British army had a settlement from 1863 to 1875, which is why it is called “Jinyazaka,” (encampment hill).

Take a good look at the dog in the right corner.

Across the street, to the east, lies the Yokohama Foreigner’s Cemetery. 4,800 people from over 40 countries who contributed to Japan’s modernization are buried here.

The area is at an elevation, making for a spectacular view.

“Yamate Hall no. 10,” constructed in 1967 in celebration of the Meiji restoration’s 100 year anniversary, has a tearoom and restaurant inside with a great view.

This is Yamate Street. On the left is the Foreigner’s Cemetery, and on the right is Yamate Hall no. 10.

After walking another 50 meters or so, you will come to the Yokohama Reference Library, Yamate Hall no. 234, and the Ehrismann Mansion, lined side-by-side. One of the fun parts of sightseeing in Yokohama is taking a relaxing walk and seeing some of the western style buildings.

The Yokohama Reference Library, an entirely wooden western style building built in 1909. Documents from when Yokohama Port first opened are displayed here.

“Yamate Hall no. 234,” living quarters made for foreigners at the beginning of the Showa period (1926—).

The Ehrismann Mansion, designed by Antonin Raymond, the “father of modern architecture.”

Another encounter.

There is a middle and high school nearby, hence the large number of students.

At a street nearby the Ehrismann Mansion is a public telephone, retro style.

A reproduction of the first public telephone installed in Kyobashi in 1900.

Berick Hall (Former Berick Mansion)

And yet another encounter! This dog must be the boss of these streets.

At the end, I headed towards the Yamate Italian Mountain Garden, a little ways away from the main street.

This is where the Italian consulate-general one was located, giving it the name, “Italian Mountain.”

The final destination for today’s walk was the Yamate Italian Mountain Garden. The area is surrounded by quiet neighbourhoods, making for an excellent walk. I highly recommend this area to everyone, for it also gives you a feel of being in another country. Because of the various levels of elevation, the views are great, but I would recommend wearing some comfortable shoes!