First-time visitors to Yokohama are most likely to do all of their sightseeing in Naka Ward. Since Naka Ward has so much to offer, we can’t really argue with that approach, but Yokohama has a total of 18 wards and a ton more to explore beyond its popular, central districts. This month we take a stroll around Isogo Ward.
Isogo is known to most Yokohama City residents for its industrial strength and as a commercial hub due to its position along Negishi Bay, which allows access to major shipping lanes. Because of that reality, the ward’s greenspace and historical areas often go overlooked.
It wasn’t only modern day inhabitants that chose this convenient seaside enclave as their home. There are archeological relics indicating that a settlement dating back as far as the late Jomon period (~c. 300 BC) existed. The remains can be found at Santonodai, a hilltop overlooking the bay with views of Yokohama’s skyscrapers and the Tanzawa Mountain range to the west. The site resembles an ongoing archeological dig. A small museum displays artifacts from the Yayoi (c. 300 BC ~ c. 250 AD) and Kofun (c. 250 AD ~ c. 550 AD) periods and there are recreated dwellings of the eras you can walk into.
To experience history of a more modern type, stop by the Yokohama Tram Museum. This small facility is dedicated to the streetcars that used to service the city. Models, photos, and the actual vehicles themselves trace the history of the trams. Train buffs and young children can both delight in playing engineer by using the driving simulator or taking control of the N-gauge model trains. (website: shiden.yokohama)
For a tour of cultural history, visit the Kuraki Noh Stage. It’s located in a tranquil, wooded setting at the edge of Kuraki Park. You can view performances of the ancient art of Noh as well as those of international performing artists and musicians. The organization also offers courses related to traditional arts for both adults and children alike. As it’s a public facility, prices are reasonable. Visit their website for schedule information (kuraki-noh.jp). While in the area, Kuraki Park is an expansive piece of greenspace that is worth exploring. It’s an ideal place for picnics, jogging, walking your pets or simply escaping the bustle of the city without actually leaving it.
Those who are looking to spend multiple hours walking in the woods should embark on the Enkaizan hiking course. Starting at the western edge of Isogo Ward, there are many kilometers of trails through the wooded hills that form Yokohama’s border with Kamakura. The criss-crossing system of trails is generally well marked, but having a map is recommended, lest you end up kilometers off course (Google Maps is not quite sufficient). Maps can be found on the city website (city.yokohama.lg.jp) by searching for “Enkaizan”.