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For most of the 250 years of the Edo Period (1603-1868), the rulers of Japan prohibited almost all interactions with foreign countries. When the period of isolation finally ended in the 1850s, Yokohama was one of only a few port towns where foreign traders, looking to profit from the newly opened country, were permitted to reside. While the Chinese made themselves a Chinatown, Westerners took up in the hills of the Yamate area, which was also called "The Bluff".

The Yamate area (ŽRŽè) retains a number of sites relating to its history as the main residential district of Westerners in Yokohama. However, because of the Great Kanto Earthquake, few of them predate 1923. Today Yamate remains a hilly residential area with some pleasant parks. As visitors walk between Yamate's sites of interest, they will see by the international schools and churches that the presence of foreign residents continues to this day.

Yamate has a number of parks within walking distance from each other. The largest is the Harbor View Park, which is named after the view that the park affords onto the water and the Yokohama Bay Bridge. On the park grounds one can find some of the area's preserved Western buildings. Mostly former residences, the buildings are open to the public and most have been furnished in their original style.

Below the hills of Yamate is the Motomachi shopping street, which runs parallel to the Nakamura River. The street served the needs of the first foreign residents of Yokohama and introduced many products to Japan. Nowadays the street does not differ drastically from other shopping streets, but it still has a certain European feel. There is a large number of higher end fashion shops, as well as cafes and restaurants. The street runs 500 meters and is pedestrian-only on weekends and national holidays from 12:00 to 18:00.

The Foreigners' Cemetery dates back to 1854, when Commodore Perry (the American navy officer who forced Japan to open its ports) buried one of his sailors on a hill overlooking the water. A few months later, a couple of Russian sailors were buried as well.

In 1861, it was designated as a cemetery for foreigners. Today, a small section of the 4200 graves can be visited, and the inscriptions often offer an interesting glimpse into the life of the interred. A small, informative museum is located beside the entrance. The cemetery is open only in the afternoons on weekends and national holidays except in January and August when it is closed everyday.

British House

Hours: 9:30 to 17:00 (until 18:00 in July and August)
Closed: 4th Wed of the month (or next day if Wed is a holiday), Dec 29 to Jan 3
Admission: Free

Bluff No. 111

Hours: 9:30 to 17:00 (until 18:00 in July and August)
Closed: 2nd Wed of the month (or next day if Wed is a holiday), Dec 29 to Jan 3
Admission: Free

Bluff No. 234

Hours: 9:30 to 17:00 (until 18:00 in July and August)
Closed: 4th Wed of the month (or next day if Wed is a holiday), Dec 29 to Jan 3
Admission: Free

Ehrismann Residence

Hours: 9:30 to 17:00 (until 18:00 in July and August)
Closed: 2nd Wed of the month (or next day if Wed is a holiday), Dec 29 to Jan 3
Admission: Free

Berrick Hall

Hours: 9:30 to 17:00 (until 18:00 in July and August)
Closed: 2nd Wed of the month (or next day if Wed is a holiday), Dec 29 to Jan 3
Admission: Free

Museum of Tennis

Hours: 10:00 to 17:00 (entry until 16:30)
Closed: 3rd Wed of the month (or next day if Wed is a holiday), New Year
Admission: Free

Bluff No. 18

Hours: 9:30 to 17:00 (until 18:00 in July and August)
Closed: 2nd Wed of the month (or next day if Wed is a holiday), Dec 29 to Jan 3
Admission: Free

Diplomat's House

Hours: 9:30 to 17:00 (until 18:00 in July and August)
Closed: 4th Wed of the month (or next day if Wed is a holiday), Dec 29 to Jan 3
Admission: Free

Getting there and around

Motomachi-Chukagai Station (8 minutes, 230 yen from Yokohama Station) on the Minato Mirai Line is located just beside the northern end of the Motomachi Shopping Street and the Harbor View Park. Alternatively, Ishikawacho Station (7 minutes, 170 yen from Yokohama Station) on the JR Negishi Line is located near the southern end of the Motomachi Shopping Street.

The Akaikutsu Loop Bus connects the northern part of the Yamate district with other spots in central Yokohama. One ride costs 220 yen, while a day pass is available for 500 yen.

How to get to and around Yokohama

Hours and Fees

Foreigners' Cemetery (small public area and museum)

Hours

Closed

Admission

Hotels around Yokohama

Top rated in Yokohama
Budget:
    • Oakwood Suites Yokohama
      Luxury
      Set less than 1 km from the centre of Yokohama, a 19-minute walk from Yokohama Marine Tower, Oakwood Suites Yokohama offers air-conditioned accommodation with a balcony, a fitness centre and a shared lounge. Free WiFi is featured throughout the property and private parking is available on site. The accommodation comes with a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with bidet, shower and free toiletries, while the kitchen features a fridge, an oven and a microwave. A toaster is also available, as well as a coffee machine and a kettle. Sankeien is 5.5 km from the aparthotel, while Nissan Stadium is 11 km away. The nearest airport is Tokyo Haneda Airport, 19 km from Oakwood Suites Yokohama.
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    • Guest House FUTARENO
      Budget-friendly
      Situated in Noge district in Yokohama, GuestHouse FUTARENO is a 5-minute walk from Sakuragicho and Hinodecho stations. The renovated traditional Japanese house offers a cosy atmosphere with free property-wide WiFi. Popular attractions like the Nogeyama Zoo is a 8-minute walk away. The Minatomirai area and the Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse can be reached within a 23-minute walk from the property. Numerous bars can be found within a 5-minute walking distance. Guestrooms come with bunk beds and features wooden decor. Bathroom facilites are shared with other guests. Free luggage storage is available at GuestHouse FUTARENO. Guests can relax at the shared lounge.
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    • InterContinental Yokohama Pier 8, an IHG Hotel
      Luxury
      Well set in the centre of Yokohama, InterContinental Yokohama Pier 8, an IHG Hotel provides air-conditioned rooms, a garden, free WiFi and a terrace. Featuring room service, this property also provides guests with a restaurant. Private parking is available on site. At the hotel, all rooms have a desk. Every room is equipped with a safety deposit box and selected rooms include city views. All units include a wardrobe. InterContinental Yokohama Pier 8, an IHG Hotel offers a buffet or American breakfast. Speaking English and Japanese at the reception, staff are always at hand to help. Yokohama Marine Tower is 2.1 km from the accommodation, while Sankeien is 6 km away. The nearest airport is Tokyo Haneda Airport, 19 km from InterContinental Yokohama Pier 8, an IHG Hotel.
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    • The Kahala Hotel & Resort Yokohama
      Luxury
      Ideally located in Yokohama, The Kahala Hotel & Resort Yokohama, open from September 2020, offers lavishly-decorated air-conditioned rooms, a restaurant, free WiFi and a bar. This non-smoking 5-star modern hotel offers a 24-hour front desk, shops onsite, spa and fitness facilities for the guest's comfort. At The Kahala Hotel & Resort Yokohama all stylish rooms are fitted with a flat-screen TV. The en suite bathroom offers both bath and shower with free toiletries. Popular points of interest near the accommodation include Pacifico Yokohama, Cupnoodles Museum and Yokohama Museum. The nearest airport is Tokyo Haneda International, 32 km from The Kahala Hotel & Resort Yokohama, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
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    • JR-East Hotel Mets Yokohama Sakuragicho
      Mid-range
      Attractively set in the centre of Yokohama, JR-East Hotel Mets Yokohama Sakuragicho features buffet breakfast and free WiFi. Boasting a 24-hour front desk, this property also provides guests with a restaurant. Yokohama Marine Tower is 2.1 km away and Sankeien is 6 km from the hotel. Nissan Stadium is 11 km from the hotel, while Motosumi-Bremen Shopping District is 16 km from the property. The nearest airport is Tokyo Haneda Airport, 19 km from JR-East Hotel Mets Yokohama Sakuragicho.
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    • Yokohama Royal Park Hotel
      Luxury
      Located above the 52nd floor of Yokohama Landmark Tower, all rooms at Yokohama Royal Park Hotel offer free WiFi and views of Yokohama City or the Yokohama Bay Bridge. Guests can take a swim at the indoor pool at the fitness centre with addtional charge, enjoy various cuisines at the 8 dining venues or request soothing massage treatments for an extra cost. Minatomirai Subway Station is a 3-minute walk and JR Sakuragicho Train Station is a 5-minute walk away. All spacious air-conditioned rooms are located between the 52nd and 67th floor, featuring carpeted floors and a flat-screen satellite TV. Each comes with a minibar and an electric kettle with green tea bags. The en suite bathroom includes a bathtub and nightwear is provided for all guests. The 24-hour front desk provides dry cleaning services, luggage storage and daily newspapers. Guests can use the business centre or make travel arrangements at the concierge desk. Local gifts can be purchased at the hotelfs souvenir shop. Landmark Spa is located on the 49th floor, and above 18 years old guests can use the facilities at a surcharge. There is also a barber and beauty shop, as well as a photo studio at the property. Offering spectacular views from the 68th floor, restaurant Shikitei offers Japanese dishes, and French full courses are served at Le Ciel restaurant. You can enjoy a late-night cocktail with panoramic views of Yokohama Bay at the Sirius Lounge, located on the 70th floor. Royal Park Hotel Yokohama is a 20-minute walk from the Red Brick Warehouse and Yokohama Chinatown. The Pacifico Yokohama convention centre is an 8-minute walk away. Guests can take a 50-minute limousine bus ride to Haneda International Airport or a 2-hour limousine bus ride to Narita International Airport (charges apply).
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    • Hotel New Grand
      Luxury
      Situated right in front of Yamashita Park and looking out to the Yokohama Bay, Hotel New Grand is a renowned classic hotel with nearly a century of first-class hospitality. Motomachi-Chukagai Subway Station is just a 1-minute walk away. Free WiFi is available throughout the property. Featuring chic ambience and large windows offering ocean or city views, rooms are equipped with a flat-screen TV, fridge and electric kettle. Minibar and an electric kettle are also provided. The en suite bathroom includes a bath tub and toiletries. While staying at New Grand Hotel, guests can receive massages at the aesthetic salons or purchase gift items at the Sundry Shop. Currency exchange and concierge services are offered. Luggage can be stored at the bell desk for free. Yokohama China Town is a 2-minute walk, Motomachi shopping area is a 5-minute walk away, and Osanbashi Pier is a 10-minute walk away. The lively Minato-mirai area and JR Yokohama Station are both within an 8-minute subway ride from the property. Le Normandie serves classic French cuisine in an elegant setting with antique interior. Il Giardino offers colourful Italian dishes, while delicately prepared Japanese meals can be enjoyed at Yugyo-an restaurant.
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    • The Yokohama Bay Hotel Tokyu
      Luxury
      In the heart of the Minato-Mirai area, just a minute's walk from Minato-Mirai Station, The Yokohama Bay Hotel Tokyu offers spacious rooms with a balcony, spectacular views of Minato-Mirai and free WiFi. It features 6 dining options. Concierge services are available. Rooms have a luxurious interior with floor-to-ceiling windows, a seating area and an LCD TV. Amenities include a fridge, a safe and nightwear. Guests sleep in 2 extra -long double beds. Guests at the Tokyu Bay Yokohama can unwind in the sauna or relax with a massage treatment. The hotel offers ticketing services, as well as currency exchange. Facilities include a 24-hour reception, a babysitting centre and a jewellery shop. French cuisine can be enjoyed at restaurant Queen Alice, while Japanese dishes are offered in a serene Japanese-style dining area at Oshima. The hotel also offers a caf?-restaurant and 2 bars. The Yokohama Bay Hotel Tokyu is located in the Queen's Square Yokohama complex, which includes a concert hall, shops and spacious gardens. Itfs directly connected to Minatomirai Subway Station, and only a 30-minute drive from Haneda Airport or a 90-minute drive from Narita Airport.
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    • The Westin Yokohama
      Luxury
      The Westin Yokohama features a fitness centre, garden, a shared lounge and restaurant in Yokohama. This 5-star hotel offers room service, a 24-hour front desk and free WiFi. The property is 4.1 km from Yokohama Marine Tower, and within 2.1 km of the city centre. The hotel will provide guests with air-conditioned rooms with a desk, a coffee machine, a safety deposit box, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with a shower. The Westin Yokohama provides certain rooms with mountain views, and all rooms include a kettle. At the accommodation each room comes with bed linen and towels. Breakfast is available daily, and includes buffet, continental and American options. Sankeien is 8.1 km from The Westin Yokohama, while Nissan Stadium is 10 km away. The nearest airport is Tokyo Haneda Airport, 17 km from the hotel.
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    • Hyatt Regency Yokohama
      Luxury
      Set in Yokohama, 600 metres from Yokohama Marine Tower, Hyatt Regency Yokohama offers accommodation with a fitness centre, private parking, a restaurant and a bar. With free WiFi, this 5-star hotel offers room service and a 24-hour front desk. The property is 4.6 km from Sankeien, and within 200 metres of the city centre. The hotel will provide guests with air-conditioned rooms with a wardrobe, a coffee machine, a fridge, a safety deposit box, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with a bidet. Hyatt Regency Yokohama features some units with city views, and the rooms have a kettle. At the accommodation the rooms are equipped with bed linen and towels. A buffet breakfast is available every morning at Hyatt Regency Yokohama. Nissan Stadium is 12 km from the hotel, while Motosumi-Bremen Shopping District is 18 km from the property. The nearest airport is Tokyo Haneda Airport, 20 km from Hyatt Regency Yokohama.
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