Yokohama Port Opening Memorial Hall: "Jack's Tower" — A Symbol of Yokohama's International Heritage
Standing proudly at the heart of Yokohama's historic Kannai district, the Yokohama Port Opening Memorial Hall is one of Japan's most iconic Taisho-era public buildings and a designated Important Cultural Property. Known affectionately as "Jack's Tower" for its elegant 36-meter clock tower, this red-brick landmark has watched over the city's waterfront for over a century, bearing witness to Yokohama's transformation from a small fishing village into one of Asia's great international ports.
Built in 1917 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the opening of Yokohama Port, the memorial hall was funded entirely by donations from local citizens and merchants — a testament to the deep civic pride that has always defined this cosmopolitan city. Together with the Kanagawa Prefectural Government Building ("King's Tower") and the Yokohama Customs Building ("Queen's Tower"), it forms the beloved "Yokohama Three Towers," a trio of landmarks that has become inseparable from the city's identity.
Historical Background: From Treaty Port to Taisho Landmark
The story of the Yokohama Port Opening Memorial Hall is deeply intertwined with the history of modern Japan itself. In 1854, Commodore Matthew Perry's "Black Ships" arrived at Yokohama, and the resulting Japan-U.S. Treaty of Amity and Commerce opened Yokohama Port to international trade in 1859. This pivotal moment transformed a quiet seaside village into a bustling gateway between Japan and the Western world.
The site where the memorial hall stands has long held significance for the city. In the early Meiji period, a Western-style Town Hall (Machikaisho) designed by R.P. Bridgens stood on this very spot, featuring a three-story clock tower that became a beloved local landmark. When that building was lost to fire in 1906, citizens rallied to build a worthy successor.
In 1909, on the 50th anniversary of Yokohama's port opening, plans were set in motion to construct a grand public hall. A public architectural competition was held in 1913, and the winning design by Tokyo city engineer Fukuda Shigeyoshi was selected. His concept deliberately honored the clock tower of the old Town Hall, ensuring continuity with the site's heritage. The detailed construction plans were developed by Yokohama city engineer Yamada Shichigoro and his team, and the building was constructed by Shimizu Corporation, completed on June 30, 1917.
Why It Was Designated an Important Cultural Property
The Yokohama Port Opening Memorial Hall was designated as a national Important Cultural Property on September 2, 1989, in recognition of several key values.
The building is an outstanding example of the "Tatsuno-style Free Classic" architectural approach, characterized by the striking combination of red brick walls accented with bands of white granite — a style pioneered by the renowned architect Tatsuno Kingo, designer of Tokyo Station. The hall represents one of the finest achievements of this style in the Kanto region.
Three distinctive towers placed at the building's street-facing corners — the tall clock tower (southeast), an octagonal domed tower (southwest), and a square domed tower (northwest) — create a dynamic and picturesque skyline. The stone ornamentation incorporates elements of the Vienna Secession style, reflecting the unique artistic sensibilities of the Taisho era.
The building is also historically significant as one of the earliest examples in Japan of structural reinforcement applied to a brick building. After the devastating Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923 destroyed the roof and gutted the interior, reinforced concrete was used to strengthen the surviving brick walls during reconstruction in 1927 — an innovative engineering approach at the time. The restored interior harmonizes seamlessly with the original exterior, further enhancing the building's cultural value.
Architectural Highlights and Must-See Features
The Clock Tower — "Jack"
Rising approximately 36 meters above the street, the clock tower is the building's most recognizable feature. Constructed with an iron-frame brick structure, it demonstrates the highest level of brick construction technology available during the Taisho period. Clocks grace all four sides of the tower, keeping time over Yokohama just as the original Town Hall clock once did. The tower's nickname "Jack" — paired with the "King" and "Queen" of the neighboring government buildings — is said to have originated among foreign sailors in the 1930s who used these landmarks for navigation.
Stained Glass Windows
The hall's stained glass windows are among its most treasured artistic features and are considered highly significant in the history of Japanese stained glass craftsmanship. On the second floor, three magnificent panels depict scenes related to the port's early history. The central window features a phoenix (hōō) cradling the Yokohama city emblem (the "Hamabishi" diamond crest). The left panel, titled "Goetsu Dōshū" (Rivals in the Same Boat), and the right panel, "Hakone-goe" (Crossing Hakone), illustrate transportation scenes from the port's founding era. On the grand staircase, a separate stained glass window depicts the USS Powhatan, Commodore Perry's flagship, with the Stars and Stripes flying prominently — a direct reference to the treaty that opened the port.
The Grand Auditorium
The main lecture hall originally accommodated 1,200 people and has hosted countless public gatherings, cultural events, and civic ceremonies since 1917. With its arched ceiling beams and elegant proportions, it remains an impressive space that continues to serve the community.
Exterior Details
The building's facades reward close observation. The alternating red brick and white granite banding creates a rhythmic pattern, while dormer windows, pointed turrets, and ornamental stonework add visual richness at every level. The restored copper and slate roof and the three rebuilt domes — completed in 1989 — return the building to its original Taisho-era splendor.
Visitor Information
The Yokohama Port Opening Memorial Hall is open to the public free of charge. Visitors can explore the second-floor stained glass windows, historical exhibition panels, and architectural details during regular viewing hours. On the 15th of each month (or the following weekday if the 15th falls on a holiday), a special public opening allows access to additional areas including the auditorium. Volunteer guides are available to provide informative tours of the building's history and highlights, typically lasting around 15 minutes.
The building continues to function as the Naka Ward public hall, hosting meetings, lectures, and cultural events. As a result, some rooms may be unavailable for viewing during events. Photography is generally permitted in the public viewing areas.
Surrounding Attractions
The memorial hall is situated in the heart of Yokohama's most historically rich neighborhood, making it an ideal starting point for exploring the city's heritage.
- Kanagawa Prefectural Government Building ("King's Tower") — Directly across Nihon-odori boulevard, this 1928 building features a tower inspired by a five-storied pagoda, representing the "Teikan" (Imperial Crown) style.
- Yokohama Customs Building ("Queen's Tower") — Completed in 1934, this graceful building with its Islamic-style dome houses a free customs museum showcasing the port's trading history.
- Yokohama Archives of History — Located nearby on the site where the Japan-U.S. Treaty of Amity was signed in 1854, this museum offers comprehensive exhibits on the port's founding era.
- Nihon-odori — Japan's first Western-style boulevard, lined with ginkgo trees and historic buildings, stretches from the memorial hall toward the waterfront.
- Osanbashi Pier — The international passenger terminal offers one of the best vantage points from which to view all three towers simultaneously — and according to local legend, seeing all three at once will make your wish come true.
- Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse — These restored early-20th-century warehouses now house shops, restaurants, and event spaces along the waterfront.
- Yamashita Park — A short walk away, this seaside park offers panoramic views of Yokohama Bay and is home to the retired ocean liner Hikawa Maru.
- 📍 Plan Your Visit to Kanagawa
- Find tours, activities & transport passes near Yokohama Port Opening Memorial Hall
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Q&A
- Why is it called "Jack's Tower"?
- The nickname originated in the 1930s when foreign sailors visiting Yokohama Port used playing card names — King, Queen, and Jack — to identify the three distinctive towers visible from the harbor. The Yokohama Port Opening Memorial Hall's clock tower became "Jack," while the Kanagawa Prefectural Government Building became "King" and the Yokohama Customs Building became "Queen." Together they are known as the "Yokohama Three Towers."
- Is the building free to visit?
- Yes, admission is completely free. Visitors can view the stained glass windows, historical displays, and architectural details during regular viewing hours (generally 9:00–18:00, or until 16:00 in winter). On the 15th of each month, a special public opening provides access to additional spaces including the auditorium.
- How do I get to the memorial hall?
- The most convenient access is from Nihon-odori Station on the Minatomirai Line — the building is just a 1-minute walk from Exit 1. Alternatively, it is about a 10-minute walk from Kannai Station on the JR Keihin-Tohoku/Negishi Line (South Exit) or the Yokohama Municipal Subway Blue Line (Exit 1).
- What happened to the building during the Great Kanto Earthquake?
- The 1923 Great Kanto Earthquake caused severe damage — the roof and interior were completely destroyed by fire, leaving only the clock tower and outer walls standing. The building was reconstructed by 1927, but the domes were simplified to flat roofs due to financial constraints. It was not until 1989 that the original domes were faithfully restored, and the building was designated an Important Cultural Property that same year.
- What is the "Three Towers" legend?
- Local tradition holds that if you visit a spot where you can see all three towers — King, Queen, and Jack — at the same time, your wish will come true. There are three recognized viewpoints: one across from the Kanagawa Prefectural Office on Nihon-odori boulevard, one at Osanbashi Pier, and one at the Red Brick Warehouse Park. Metal plates mark these locations to help visitors find them.
Basic Information
| Name | Yokohama Port Opening Memorial Hall (横浜市開港記念会館) |
|---|---|
| Nickname | Jack's Tower (ジャックの塔) |
| Designation | National Important Cultural Property (designated September 2, 1989) |
| Architectural Style | Tatsuno-style Free Classic (辰野式フリークラシック) |
| Original Design | Fukuda Shigeyoshi (competition winner); detailed design by Yamada Shichigoro and Yokohama city engineers |
| Construction | Shimizu Corporation (清水組) |
| Completed | June 30, 1917 (Taisho 6) |
| Structure | Brick, iron-frame brick, and reinforced concrete; 2 stories above ground, 1 basement level, with tower; slate and copper roof |
| Building Area | 1,536.93 m² |
| Clock Tower Height | Approximately 36 meters |
| Address | 1-6 Honcho, Naka-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 231-0005 |
| Owner | City of Yokohama |
| Opening Hours | Building: 9:00–22:00; Viewing: 9:00–18:00 (until 16:00 in winter) |
| Public Opening Day | 15th of each month (next weekday if holiday) |
| Closed | 2nd Wednesday of each month (next weekday if holiday); Year-end/New Year holidays |
| Admission | Free |
| Access | 1 min walk from Nihon-odori Station (Minatomirai Line) Exit 1; 10 min walk from Kannai Station (JR / Subway) |
| Phone | 045-201-0708 |
References
- 横浜市開港記念会館 — 文化遺産オンライン
- https://bunka.nii.ac.jp/heritages/detail/144288
- 会館の歴史 — 横浜市中区
- https://www.city.yokohama.lg.jp/naka/madoguchi-shisetsu/riyoshisetsu/kaikokinenkaikan/history.html
- 横浜市開港記念会館 — Wikipedia
- https://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/横浜市開港記念会館
- 横浜市開港記念会館 公式サイト
- https://www.kaikokinenkaikan.com/
- 横浜市開港記念会館 — NOVARE Archives 清水建設歴史資料館
- https://www.shimzarchives.jp/heritage/heritage_964/
- 横浜市開港記念会館（旧開港記念横浜会館） — 三幸エステート
- https://www.sanko-e.co.jp/read/memory/yokohamashi-kaiko-kinenkan/
Last verified: 2026.03.27