Guida
The Yokohama Foreigner Cemetery, located in the Yamate district of Naka Ward, Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture, is a historic cemetery where many foreigners were laid to rest during the 19th and mid-20th centuries. It serves as a silent witness to the international history of Yokohama's opening to the world, with more than 4,400 individuals from over 40 different nations buried here. The grounds are filled with diverse styles of tombstones that reflect the rich, multicultural history of the former foreign settlement.
The origins of this site date back to the arrival of American naval-ships in 1854. When a sailor named Robert Williams fell from a mast while the fleet was anchored in Yokohama Port, a burial site was required. Following the wishes of Commodore Matthew Perry, this scenic location overlooking the sea was selected. Originally part of the grounds of Zotoku-in, a Shingon Buddhist temple, it was formally established as a dedicated cemetery for foreigners in 1861. This created a unique historical intersection where Western culture and Japanese tradition met.
The cemetery features a wide variety of tombstone designs, symbolizing the global community that once gathered here. While many graves follow Christian traditions, the site also retains a connection to its Japanese Buddhist roots. One notable feature is the cherry blossom tree planted in 1991 near the grave of Eliza Siddons, commemorating her historical connection to the area. These monuments serve as vital visual records for understanding the modern history of Yokohama.
While the interior of the cemetery is generally closed to the public, it is open to visitors on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays from March through December. Visiting during these specific open days allows you to walk through the vast, peaceful grounds and see the historic tombstones up close. Since access is restricted on other days, it is essential to check the official schedule before your visit.
On public days, you can take a slow stroll through the grounds to trace the footsteps of the people from diverse backgrounds who settled in this land. The site also includes materials that introduce the achievements of those buried here, allowing visitors to learn about the roles these individuals played in the development of Yokohama through text and historical records. It is a profound experience of connecting with fragments of history in a tranquil environment.
The cemetery is situated in the Yamate district, an area that retains a strong atmosphere of the former foreign settlement. The neighborhood is dotted with Western-style historical buildings and mansions. Combining a visit to the cemetery with a walk through this area will deepen your understanding of Yokohama's modernization process. The location also offers easy access to the Motomachi shopping area, making it a perfect stop during a day of sightseeing.
As the cemetery grounds may have unpaved paths or slopes, we highly recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes. Please remember that this is a sacred place where ancestors and historical figures rest; maintaining a quiet and respectful demeanor is required. While there are no specific reservation requirements, please ensure you visit on the designated public days. We also suggest checking official sources for any English-language guidance or documentation available.