Port Opening Memorial Hall Travel Guide

Step back in time at the Yokohama Port Opening Memorial Hall, a red-brick building that commemorates the 50th anniversary of Yokohama's opening to the world in 1859. Completed in 1917, this elegant structure, nicknamed "Jack's Tower," showcases a "free classic style" with red brick and white stone. The hall is recognized as an Important Cultural Property.The building's exterior features a clock tower on the southeast corner and an octagonal domed tower on the southwest corner. Inside, admire the elaborate stained glass windows, particularly those on the second floor, which were restored after the Great Kanto Earthquake. These windows, crafted by Unozawa-gumi Stained Glass Factory, depict scenes from the port's early days.While the 1923 Great Kanto Earthquake caused significant damage, the hall was rebuilt in 1927 and restored in 1989 to its original appearance. Today, the Yokohama Port Opening Memorial Hall serves as a public hall for Naka Ward and a reminder of Yokohama's rich history as a gateway to Japan. The clock tower is one of Yokohama's Three Towers, along with the Kanagawa Prefectural Government Building (King) and Yokohama Customs (Queen).