Yokohama's cherry blossom viewing spot is Negishi Forest Park, the site of Japan's first Western-style horse racing track.

  • Kanagawa
  • Sightseeing
Image courtesy of Kanagawa Prefecture Tourism Association

This park was created from the site of Japan's first Western-style horse racing track.

Negishi Forest Park is a magnificent park of about 18 hectares located in Negishidai, Naka-ku, Yokohama.
This park was originally created on the site of "Negishi Racecourse," a horse racing track with a history of Japan's first full-scale horse racing.
In 1866, the Negishi Racecourse, Japan's first full-scale Western-style horse racing track, was completed by the shogunate and was used as a horse racing track until World War II. In addition to the stables, the racetrack included facilities such as a temporary horse observation post, a second-class horse observation post, and a preliminary inspection station.
Image courtesy of Negishi Forest Park

The present building is the "Old First-Class Horse Observation Center," which was used for viewing horse races at the time, and was completed in 1929 by an American architect. The impressive three towers with round windows are a historical landmark that preserves the memory of Japan's first Western-style racetrack.
Because of its elevated location in this vicinity, the spot offers a panoramic view of Minatomirai - the Tanzawa mountain range - Mt. On a fine day, it is a good idea to take pictures from this area.â

It is also known as a cherry blossom viewing spot!

Image courtesy of Yokohama Tourist Information

This park can be enjoyed throughout the year in spring, summer, fall, and winter, but is especially known for its cherry blossoms in spring.
The park is especially well known as a cherry blossom viewing spot in spring, when the cherry trees in the park, mainly some 450 Someiyoshino cherry trees of more than 20 varieties, are in full bloom. Due to the vast site, it is also recommended to enjoy the cherry blossoms from various angles, such as the lawn, the plum grove, and the walking paths in the park.
Why not visit when you are in Yokohama?

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