Yokohama Port Opening Memorial Hall: A Glimpse into History

4 (1828)

Explore Yokohama's past at the iconic Port Opening Memorial Hall, a stunning red-brick landmark with beautiful stained glass and rich history.

Home
Japan
Kanto
Port Opening Memorial Hall

The Yokohama Port Opening Memorial Hall, affectionately known as "Jack's Tower," is a neo-Renaissance style building erected in 1917 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Yokohama's port opening. Today, it stands as a historical landmark and a public hall, offering visitors a peek into Yokohama's vibrant past.

A brief summary to Port Opening Memorial Hall

Honcho, 1 Chome−６−6 横浜市開港記念会館, Yokohama, 1 Chome Honcho, Naka Ward, Kanagawa, 231-0005, JP
Click to display
Click to display

Local tips

Check out the stained glass windows on the second floor, which depict scenes from Yokohama's port opening.
Visit at night to see the building illuminated, creating a nostalgic atmosphere.
Explore the surrounding area, including Chinatown, Yamashita Park, and other historical sites.

Do you manage this location?

Take control to get all the benefits, like improved information, better appearance, and stronger visibility across AI-powered discovery. Learn more

Activate your presence

Other nearby places you may find interesting

NYK Maritime Museum

NYK Maritime Museum: A Voyage Through Japanese Maritime History

Yokohama Chinatown

Yokohama Chinatown: A Culinary and Cultural Gem

Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse

Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse: A Blend of History and Modernity

Getting There

Walking

From Nihon-odori Station (Minatomirai Line), the Yokohama Port Opening Memorial Hall is just a short walk away. Exit the station and walk east along Nihon-odori Street. The hall will be on your right after a few minutes. No costs are associated with this approach.
Public Transport

Take the JR Keihin-Tohoku Negishi Line or the Yokohama Municipal Subway to Kannai Station. From Kannai Station, it's approximately a 14-minute walk to the hall. Alternatively, take the Minatomirai Line to Nihon-odori Station, which is right next to the hall. A single subway or bus fare within Yokohama costs 220 yen for adults and 110 yen for children. A one-day bus pass is available for 600 yen.

Discover more about Port Opening Memorial Hall

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).