Yamate retains a deep flavor from 150 years previously when the country was opened
When it comes to the Western-style houses of Yamate, there are 2 houses by the Italian Garden Park, 3 houses around Motomachi Park and 2 houses at Harbor View Park. The Diplomat’s House at the Italian Garden Park is nationally designated as an Important Cultural Property. A highlight is the luxurious ornamentation to the American Victorian style of the house.
Bluff 18 House was used up to 1991 as a priest’s house to a church. The furnishings of that time have been restored and displayed, and the lifestyle of a foreign residence in the early Showa Era has been recreated. Berrick Hall was the residence of a British trader. Used as a dormitory for an international school up to the year 2000, it is the largest structure surviving from pre-war days as a Yamate foreign residence.
The Ehrismann Residence, surrounded by greenery, was designed by Antonin Raymond known as the father of modern architecture. One feature is the sunroom that overlooks the garden along with a smoking room. You can enjoy having cake and other desserts at the café. Yamate 234 House was built as an apartment complex geared toward foreign residents. It was considered to be an unusual apartment house back then and is one of the few surviving structures.
Yamate 111 House leaves an impression with its red-tiled roof and white walls. Many people visit the adjacent rose garden in the peak months of May and October. Yokohama British Hall was built as the residence of the British Consul-General. The hall on the 1st floor is used for events such as concerts and the 2nd floor can be toured with its exhibition room and bedrooms.
Motomachi became prominent in quickly adopting Western culture
When Yokohama Harbor was opened, Yamate was the first to gather shops to cater to foreigners. In the late 1970s, the Motomachi-born Hamatora fashion became a huge trend. Shops such as Kitamura for bags and Star Jewelry for accessories were brands that could be found in Yokohama.