Unique Side of Yokohama "Unique Side of Yokohama" has just issued!
2010 Jul.29

The special feature provides you with local information about Yokohama with unique viewpoints. It includes off the beaten track spots which you would not be able to find in tourist guidebooks. This issue, we feature "KENCHIKU JOSHI". The number of young stylish woman who enjoy their favorite style has been increasing. KENCHIKU JOSHI is one of those kind of woman. By visiting historical buildings and modern constructions designed by famous architects with a camera in their hands, KENCHIKU JOSHI enjoys finding special values in such buildings and being sentimental to them. KENCHIKU JOSHIs are very excited with the exotic buildings in Yokohama including modern and western style buildings in Kannai and Yamate, which were foreign settlements at the time of the opening of Yokohama port. But other than these national treasure level of buildings, there are many more attractive buildings in hidden places in the city. Notably, Hodogaya, a then post town of Tokaido, has beautiful buildings built in modern times. Let's begin a sight-seeing tour of buildings in the unknown side of Yokohama at Nishiya Water Purifi cation Plant.

Yokohama Hakkeijima Sea Paradise Island Summer '10 at Yokohama Hakkeijima Sea Paradise
2010 Jul.17 ‒Aug. 31

Island Summer ’10 is now underway, with events based on Sea Paradise’s core themes—the sea, islands and living creatures—so you can fully enjoy yourself whether you visit during the day or at night. Hakkeijima Sea Paradise has also been transformed into a summer paradise for falling in love. The popular Surf Coaster, which stretches out into the bay, has also been remade for the summer. During the day, riders are hurtled through a refreshing spray of water just like the cool mist from breaking waves. At night, Surf Coaster cars have been lit up for the first time, bringing to mind the image of a shooting star for both riders and observers. At the aquarium, enjoy a show that maximizes the characteristics and natural abilities of Sea Paradise’s beautiful marine mammals. This summer, look for the beluga whales’ elegant and charming “ring” performances in which they blow bubble rings toward visitors and work in unison with trainers using hula hoops. The show also features a joint performance by four other types of cetaceans and two types of seals.

Sankeien Garden Sankeien Garden Summer Viewing of Historical Buildings
2010 Aug.12‒16

Two historical buildings on the Sankeien grounds, Kakushokaku and Hakuuntei, will be open for public viewing. Sankeien Garden is home to many such historical buildings, and the two chosen for public viewing this time were the homes of garden founder Sankeien Hara and his family members. Tables and chairs used by the Haras will be displayed. Kakushokaku is a large 950-square-meter Meiji-era building built in 1902. The name derives from the building’s resemblance to a crane (kaku) soaring (shokaku) and is a valuable example of early modern Japanese architecture. The house is also historically important for frequent visits from famous persons such as nihonga painter Taikan Yokoyama and the intellectual Tetsuro Watsuji. For these reasons, the building has been designated as a tangible cultural property by the City of Yokohama. Sankeien Hara built Hakuuntei in 1920 as a retreat and tea ceremony arbor. The interior is simple and dignified in design. In particular, Hakuuntei is notable for the lounge’s Western-influenced Japanese design and the rear drawing room for its bookshelves of various precious woods and mother-of-pearl.

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