Elephant’s Nose Park is a waterfront park located at 1 Kaigandori, Naka Ward, Yokohama City, Kanagawa Prefecture. Situated in the historic port district, the park combines the heritage of Yokohama’s international harbor with a modern public space where visitors can relax and enjoy views of the sea.
The park takes its name from Elephant’s Nose Pier, a distinctive harbor structure whose curved shape resembles an elephant’s trunk. The original pier played an important role in the early development of Yokohama Port, and its historical appearance was reconstructed as part of the city’s preparations for the 150th anniversary of the opening of the port.
Elephant’s Nose Park officially opened on June 2, 2009 (Heisei 21), commemorating the 150th anniversary of Yokohama Port’s opening. Located in the Minato Mirai district’s waterfront area, it is widely recognized as the historical birthplace of Yokohama Port.
Today, the park serves as both a relaxing public space and an outdoor destination where visitors can discover the history of one of Japan’s most important international ports.
The history of Elephant’s Nose Park is closely connected with the opening and development of Yokohama Port in the 19th century.
In 1859 (Ansei 6), the Tokugawa shogunate constructed two major piers in preparation for the opening of the port: the East Pier, also known as the British Pier, and the West Pier, known as the Customs Pier.
These harbor facilities formed part of the infrastructure that supported Yokohama’s opening to international trade and the arrival of foreign ships. Their construction marked the beginning of Yokohama’s development as a major international trading port.
In 1867 (Keio 3), the East Pier was reconstructed with a distinctive curved, bow-shaped design. Its unusual outline resembled an elephant’s trunk when viewed from above, and it gradually became known as Elephant’s Nose Pier.
The shape was an important feature of the historic waterfront landscape and became closely associated with the early development of Yokohama Port.
In 1896 (Meiji 29), a new pier was constructed at the end of the West Pier under the direction of British engineer Henry Spencer Palmer. This facility became part of the development of Osanbashi Pier, helping expand the port’s capacity and improve its maritime functions.
These improvements reflected Yokohama’s growing importance as an international harbor and its increasing role in Japan’s overseas trade.
The Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923 (Taisho 12) caused extensive damage throughout Yokohama, including the Elephant’s Nose Pier.
During the subsequent restoration work, the pier was rebuilt with a straighter configuration rather than retaining its original curved shape. As a result, the distinctive historical outline that had given the pier its name disappeared from the waterfront landscape.
In 2009, the historic shape of Elephant’s Nose Pier was reconstructed to resemble its appearance during the middle of the Meiji period (1868–1912).
The project was undertaken as part of the celebrations marking the 150th anniversary of Yokohama Port’s opening. The park was designed by architect Masao Koizumi of Koizumi Atelier, who helped bring the historical waterfront landscape back to life in a modern public space.
The result is today’s Elephant’s Nose Park, where visitors can experience a reconstructed historical harbor environment while enjoying contemporary facilities and open views of the sea.
The Elephant’s Nose Breakwater is the central feature of the park. Its curved form recreates the appearance of the historic pier during the middle of the Meiji period and recalls the structure that gave the area its name.
Lighting fixtures modeled after traditional gas lamps have been installed along the breakwater, helping create an atmosphere reminiscent of the old port district.
Parts of the original breakwater are believed to have sunk during the Great Kanto Earthquake. Elements associated with these historical remains have been preserved and incorporated into the restoration, allowing visitors to appreciate the relationship between the original harbor structure and its modern reconstruction.
The breakwater is also an excellent viewpoint from which to enjoy the harbor scenery. Visitors can watch ships moving through the port and take photographs of the surrounding waterfront.
Kaiko Wharf is an open public space where visitors can experience the atmosphere of the port from the direction of Nihon Odori Avenue.
The plaza preserves historical remains associated with the cargo-handling operations of the Meiji period. These include sections of the railway tracks and a turntable that were once used to transport and move freight around the harbor.
These remains provide a glimpse into the practical infrastructure that supported the early development of Yokohama as a commercial port.
The open layout also makes Kaiko Wharf suitable for public events and gatherings. Its spacious setting provides an attractive place to relax while enjoying the historic surroundings.
Pier Zou-no-hana, also known as Elephant’s Nose Pier, is a small pier within the park where visitors can experience the waterfront at close range.
Standing beside the water, visitors can observe ships traveling through Yokohama Port and enjoy the changing harbor scenery. The pier also provides an opportunity to imagine the maritime activities that once took place along this historic stretch of waterfront.
Kaiko Hill is a gently sloping grassy area overlooking the harbor. Its open landscape provides a comfortable place to sit, relax, and enjoy views of the sea.
The grassy space is particularly appealing to visitors who want to take a break during a walking tour of the waterfront. It also provides access to Zou-no-hana Terrace, the park’s multipurpose cultural and visitor facility.
Zou-no-hana Terrace is a multipurpose cultural space located within the park. It includes a café and serves as a venue for creative activities, exhibitions, and events.
One of its most recognizable features is the large elephant sculpture known as Time-Traveling Elephant (Perry).
Created in 2009, the sculpture was designed as a symbol looking back over the 150-year history of Yokohama Port while also representing the city’s future. It expresses the idea of dialogue, vitality, and the continuing development of Yokohama and humanity.
The sculpture is impressive in scale, measuring approximately 6 meters in length and 2.6 meters in height, with feet measuring 72 centimeters.
Its distinctive appearance makes it one of the park’s most recognizable photographic attractions. The sculpture also provides an imaginative connection between the history of the port and the future-oriented character of modern Yokohama.
Screen panels are arranged in a circular formation around the waterfront area of the park. At night, their lighting creates an attractive illuminated landscape that adds a different atmosphere to the historic harbor setting.
The illuminated panels make this area particularly appealing for evening walks and photography. The contrast between the modern lighting, the historic pier, and the surrounding harbor creates a distinctive nighttime scene.
During the development of Elephant’s Nose Park, several important historical remains were discovered. Rather than removing them, the project incorporated these features into the park design so that visitors could continue to appreciate the area’s maritime heritage.
Three particularly notable historical elements are preserved within the park.
The remains of the railway tracks and turntable used for harbor cargo operations are recognized as Yokohama City-designated historical structures.
These facilities were once essential for moving freight within the port and illustrate how railway transportation supported the development of Yokohama’s maritime trade.
Sections of the stonework associated with Elephant’s Nose Breakwater have also been preserved. These remains provide a physical connection to the original harbor structures and help visitors understand the historical shape and construction of the pier.
A two-story brick warehouse is another important historical feature associated with the park’s development area.
Brick warehouses played an essential role in storing goods transported through Yokohama Port during its period of modernization. The surviving structure helps convey the industrial and commercial character of the historic waterfront.
Together, these preserved remains create an outdoor historical environment where visitors can discover the infrastructure that supported Yokohama’s development as an international port.
Elephant’s Nose Park is also one of the relatively few places from which visitors can enjoy views of all three of Yokohama’s famous historic towers.
These landmarks are collectively known as the Yokohama Three Towers, and each has a distinctive nickname associated with the historical international community of the port city.
Queen’s Tower refers to the Yokohama Customs House. Its distinctive architecture makes it one of the most recognizable historical buildings along the waterfront.
Jack’s Tower is the nickname for Yokohama Port Opening Memorial Hall, a historic red-brick building that commemorates the opening and development of Yokohama Port.
King’s Tower refers to the main building of the Kanagawa Prefectural Government Office. Its distinctive architectural appearance has made it an important part of Yokohama’s historic cityscape.
The opportunity to see all three towers from the park makes Elephant’s Nose Park an especially attractive destination for photography and sightseeing.
Elephant’s Nose Park has also served as a venue for cultural events and artistic activities. One of the best-known events associated with the area is Smart Illumination Yokohama, an autumn illumination event that uses energy-efficient lighting technologies, including LED lighting, to create imaginative nighttime scenery.
The event began in 2010 at Zou-no-hana Terrace. From the following year, its venue expanded beyond the Elephant’s Nose area to include other parts of Yokohama’s waterfront district.
Smart Illumination Yokohama was launched as part of Yokohama City’s creative city policy. Its purpose was to introduce new forms of artistic expression while highlighting the appeal of the waterfront area.
By combining contemporary art with energy-saving lighting technologies, the event creates a distinctive atmosphere in which the historic harbor landscape is transformed into an illuminated artistic space.
The beautiful lighting displays and creative installations have attracted many visitors, making the waterfront especially appealing during the evening event period.
Elephant’s Nose Park offers a memorable combination of Yokohama’s maritime history, modern public art, and attractive waterfront scenery. Its reconstructed breakwater preserves the distinctive shape of the historic pier, while the surviving railway remains, stonework, and brick warehouse provide a deeper understanding of the port’s development.
Visitors can stroll along the breakwater, relax on Kaiko Hill, enjoy refreshments at Zou-no-hana Terrace, and photograph the famous Time-Traveling Elephant sculpture. The park also provides excellent views of the Yokohama Three Towers and the surrounding harbor.
During the evening, the illuminated screen panels and occasional art events create a different atmosphere from that of the daytime waterfront.
Located within walking distance of other historic and modern attractions in central Yokohama, Elephant’s Nose Park is an excellent stop for travelers exploring the city’s port district. It is a place where the history of international trade and the contemporary identity of Yokohama come together in a beautiful seaside setting.