Kanagawa Prefectural Office

Kanagawa Prefectural Government Building: The King's Tower of Yokohama

Standing proudly along Nihon-ōdōri (Japan Boulevard) in the heart of Yokohama's Kannai district, the Kanagawa Prefectural Government Building is one of the most iconic landmarks of the city's waterfront. Completed in 1928, this majestic structure is affectionately known as the "King's Tower" and forms part of the celebrated "Yokohama Three Towers" alongside the "Queen's Tower" (Yokohama Customs Building) and the "Jack's Tower" (Yokohama Port Opening Memorial Hall). Designated as a nationally Important Cultural Property in December 2019, the building stands as a remarkable testament to early Shōwa-era architecture, blending Western modernism with Japanese aesthetic traditions in a style that would come to be recognized as a pioneering example of the Imperial Crown Style (teikan yōshiki).

Historical Background

The current Kanagawa Prefectural Government Building is the fourth incarnation of the prefectural office. The history of the Kanagawa Prefectural Government traces back to the Yokohama Courthouse, which was established in the late Edo period by taking over the functions of the Kanagawa Magistrate's Office. The first prefectural office was located at the site of the present-day Yokohama District Public Prosecutors Office and was destroyed by fire. The second office was a former customs building that was repurposed for government use, and in 1883, the prefectural offices moved to their current location. The third building stood on this same site until the Great Kantō Earthquake of September 1, 1923, when it was gutted by fire and subsequently demolished.

Following the devastating earthquake, a public design competition was held in 1926 for the new building. The competition attracted an impressive 398 entries, reflecting the significance of the project. The winning design was submitted by Karō Obi (1898–1972), a technician at the Tokyo Municipal Electric Bureau. Obi's proposal featured a distinctive tower inspired by the five-storied pagoda, which aligned with the competition guidelines that hinted at the need for a landmark visible from ships entering the harbor. The guidelines stated that the design should allow the prefectural office to be easily identified when viewed from the sea.

Based on Obi's award-winning concept, the Kanagawa Prefectural Internal Affairs Department, under the direction of architect Matazō Naritomi and with the renowned structural engineer Toshikata Sano serving as architectural advisor, carried out the detailed construction plans. Obi himself joined the prefectural staff in October 1926 to contribute to the implementation design, though he departed after just three months. Construction began in January 1927, and the building was completed on October 31, 1928, at a cost of approximately 2.75 million yen.

Why It Was Designated an Important Cultural Property

The Kanagawa Prefectural Government Building was designated a national Important Cultural Property on December 27, 2019, in recognition of its exceptional historical, architectural, and documentary value. Several key factors contributed to this prestigious designation.

First, the building represents a groundbreaking moment in the development of Japanese government architecture. It was among the first public buildings to adopt a steel-reinforced concrete structure — a direct response to the lessons learned from the Great Kantō Earthquake. This structural innovation marked a turning point in how government buildings were designed for earthquake resistance across Japan.

Second, the building's design is recognized as a pioneering example of what would later be called the Imperial Crown Style, combining Western architectural forms with distinctly Japanese decorative elements. The tower, with its sōrin (Buddhist spire) finial and hōgyō (pyramidal) roof inspired by traditional pagoda architecture, became a model for subsequent government buildings that sought to express national identity through modern construction.

Third, the building's interior preserves an outstanding collection of original Art Deco and Japanese-inspired decorative elements, including the hōsōge (sacred lotus arabesque) motifs found throughout the chandeliers, handrails, and furnishings — many of which remain in their original state from the time of completion.

Finally, an extraordinary archive of 230 architectural drawings, scale models, and documentation from the design competition through to construction has been preserved, providing invaluable insight into early Shōwa-era architectural practice. These materials were designated as appendix items alongside the building itself.

Architectural Highlights and Design Features

The Kanagawa Prefectural Government Building is a five-story structure with one basement level and a four-story tower, reaching a total height of 48.6 meters. The building's exterior is clad in characteristic scratch tiles in warm brown tones — a hallmark of the Wright Style (raito yōshiki) that was fashionable in early Shōwa Japan, inspired by the architectural language of Frank Lloyd Wright's Imperial Hotel in Tokyo.

The geometric Art Deco ornamental patterns found on the entrance portico columns and throughout the façade are composed almost entirely of straight lines, giving the building a distinctly modern character. At the same time, the central tower rises with unmistakably Japanese overtones: its silhouette recalls a five-storied pagoda, topped with a sōrin-inspired spire that was refined during the implementation design phase to create the iconic profile visible across Yokohama's harbor.

Inside, the entrance hall creates a powerful impression with its harmonious blend of Art Deco geometry and traditional Japanese aesthetics. The central staircase features spherical light fixtures and handrail grilles adorned with the hōsōge motif — a stylized flower from Buddhist art said to bloom in paradise, closely resembling the examples found at the Byōdō-in temple in Uji. This motif appears throughout the building on chandeliers, furniture, and architectural details.

The Seichō (Grand Hall) on the fourth floor is a particularly noteworthy space. Used for important ceremonies, it features an exquisite ori-age gō-tenjō (raised coffered ceiling), a format associated with the highest levels of formality in traditional Japanese architecture. Recent restoration work has returned this room to its original 1928 appearance. The former VIP reception room and the former assembly chamber on the third floor also preserve their original furnishings and decorative schemes, offering visitors a glimpse into the governmental ceremonies of prewar Japan.

The King's Tower and the Yokohama Three Towers

The nickname "King's Tower" is believed to have originated with foreign sailors who frequented Yokohama's port in the early Shōwa period. They gave playing-card names to the three distinctive towers that marked the harbor skyline: the King (Kanagawa Prefectural Government, approximately 49 meters tall, completed 1928), the Queen (Yokohama Customs Building, approximately 51 meters, completed 1934), and the Jack (Yokohama Port Opening Memorial Hall, approximately 36 meters, completed 1917).

The tower was originally called the Shūyō-tō (Tower of Self-Cultivation), and at its uppermost level, a divided spirit from Iseyama Kōtai Jingū — the chief shrine of Yokohama — was enshrined. Today, all three towers can be viewed simultaneously from the sidewalk along Nihon-ōdōri in front of the Eastern Wing, creating one of Yokohama's most beloved photographic compositions. A local legend holds that anyone who sees all three towers from a single spot will have their wish granted.

Visiting the Building

The Kanagawa Prefectural Government Building welcomes visitors during regular office hours. On weekdays, the 6th-floor History Exhibition Room and the rooftop observation deck are open free of charge from 8:30 AM to 5:15 PM (closed on weekends, national holidays, and December 29 to January 3). The exhibition room features panels and audio guides that trace the history of all four generations of the prefectural office building and highlight the architectural significance of the current structure.

The rooftop observation deck offers panoramic views of Yokohama Harbor, the Minato Mirai skyline, the Bay Bridge, and on clear days, even Tokyo Skytree. From this vantage point, visitors can see both the Queen's Tower and the Jack's Tower at close range — a perspective unique to the King's Tower. Original terracotta ornaments that once adorned the building's eaves are also displayed on the rooftop; these were replaced with copper sheeting during renovations but have been preserved for public appreciation.

Special interior viewing days are held periodically, during which the 3rd-floor Governor's Office, former VIP reception room, and former assembly chamber, as well as the 4th-floor Seichō (Grand Hall), are opened to the public. Volunteer guides are available during these special openings to provide detailed explanations of the building's history and architectural features. The building's corridors and main entrance hall can be freely explored at any time during business hours.

The building is also well known as a filming location, having appeared in numerous Japanese television dramas and films, thanks to its strikingly preserved early Shōwa atmosphere. Evening light-up events illuminate the building's exterior on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings from sunset until 10:00 PM.

Surrounding Attractions

The Kanagawa Prefectural Government Building enjoys an exceptionally convenient location in the heart of Yokohama's most popular tourist district. Directly from the building, visitors can easily walk to numerous world-class attractions.

Zō-no-Hana Park (Elephant's Nose Park) lies just across the street toward the harbor, offering a beautiful waterfront promenade with views of the Ōsanbashi International Passenger Terminal, where international cruise ships dock. A short walk further leads to the Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse, a pair of beautifully restored early 20th-century bonded warehouses that now house boutiques, restaurants, cafes, and event spaces.

To the southeast, Yamashita Park stretches along the waterfront for approximately 700 meters, featuring the historic Hikawa Maru ocean liner (also a nationally designated Important Cultural Property), the Marine Tower, and charming monuments reflecting Yokohama's international heritage. Beyond Yamashita Park lies Yokohama Chinatown, one of the world's largest Chinatowns, with over 500 shops and restaurants offering authentic Chinese cuisine and culture.

In the opposite direction, the Minato Mirai 21 district beckons with its futuristic skyline, including the Yokohama Landmark Tower, the Cosmo Clock 21 Ferris wheel, and the Cup Noodles Museum. The Kanagawa Museum of Cultural History, housed in the former Yokohama Specie Bank building (itself a nationally designated Important Cultural Property), is located nearby along Bashamichi (Horse Carriage Road), offering further insight into the region's rich history.