kenleewrites in 日本

Let me take you for a walk around Yamate (山手) and show you some of the older European-style houses in Yokohama.

While Roppongi might be the foreigner’s town in Tokyo, Yamate is famous in Yokohama for being the foreigners’ neighborhood. Historically, this was the designated area where the European traders were allowed to stay in the years leading to the Meiji Restoration; the Yamate Bluff area. Chinatown is just a stone’s throw away.

There are many ways to get in, but I recommend getting into Yokohama and hopping on the Minatomirai line. Ride it all the way to the Chinatown. From there, make your way to the Minato no mieru oka koen (港の見える丘公園); Harbour View Park.

You can meet them on the way there.

The park commands a majestic view of the Bay Bridge.

And is a favorite spot for couples too. ^^.

There’s even an English rose garden. No roses in bloom now.

I did manage to find one or two though.

I think rose season is in early May. I visited the park once on a whim way back in the second week of May 2008 and discovered the rose garden.

The Yokohama International School is just on the other side of the garden. My back was towards the school when I took this photo. I like the little police box (koban) by the corner on the left.

Walk further up and you’ll reach the Foreigner’s Cemetery.

It’s more of a historic cemetery. Many foreign dignitaries were buried here. Read more about foreign cemeteries in Japan here.

They do get a splendid view of Yokohama city area, including the Landmark Tower.

There’s a little french place to stop for drinks and a little snack.

Yamate Museum.

I spotted this modern house. Nice.

The Toys Club Museum. Lots of old tin toys. Ahhh… the memories.

Further down the street, there was a Toy’s Garage, which didn’t seem to be opened today.

Nevermind the toy garage. You like christmas? There’s a christmas toy shop.

Yeap. Christmas Toys all year round!

There was a beautiful Golden Retriever in the shop. TJ. TJ just slept next to the christmas tree in the middle of the shop. ^^. Say hi for me if you see him when you visit.

Ever wondered what old phones looked like?

Like this! ^^.

Yamate 234 House is one of the many well-preserved residences within the Yamate Bluff.

How about a look inside?

Another cafe to stop for talk and coffee.

Elisman’s house.

He had an old phone too. The toilet in Eliman’s house were very comfortable. Experience… ^^.

This other house belonged to a Spanish family. Berrick Hall.

Look inside?

Walking through Yamate reminds me of the years I spent in Sydney. Where houses were made of brick.

This is the Sacred Heart Cathedral. Wikipedia tells me that it’s the seat of the Roman Catholic Church Diocese of Yokohama. The current building (completed 1933) is a reconstruction of the original church which was completely destroyed in the 1923 Great Kanto Earthquake.

Most people living here are either very well-off Japanese or expatriates. And I reckon once you’ve managed to settle yourself into this neighborhood, you settle for good.

Another house. I think it was a diplomat’s house. You saw this house before, right at the top of this post. ^^.

It has a huge garden behind with an amazing view of Yokohama city and the Bay Bridge.

Leaving the Yamate Bluff area, there was this interesting little place. Must be fun living up top.

Yamate quite a good spot to go for a walk, with someone or just with the camera. You could always go with both. ^^.

As the sun set, I slowly made my way back towards Chinatown.

Related posts... maybe:

1. みなとみらい Minatomirai
2. Suburban Japan
3. Visiting Ginza
4. Ebisu #1 Yebisu Beer Museum
5. Yokohama #1 A day last spring

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Tags: tokyo, yokohama

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