Happy Marine Day! Exploring Japan’s Five Historical Port Cities

As an island nation, Japan relies heavily on its ports to maintain connections with the outside world. These ports, big or small, have been vital not only for transport but also for driving Japan’s rapid economic and infrastructural growth, elevating it to the status of a global power. But how did this all begin?

A monument in Kanagawa commemorating the arrival of Commodore Perry. | Photo by PhotoAC

To find out, we need to return to 1853 when Commodore Matthew Perry’s arrival compelled Japan to abandon its Edo Period (1603–1868) isolationist policy and open up its door to the world, marking the beginning of Japan’s embrace of diverse cultures through trade and commerce. 

Following the Treaty of Amity and Commerce in 1858, Japan commenced trade with five other nations, including Great Britain, France, and the United States. This thus called for the opening of five major ports (開港５港): Hakodate, Niigata, Yokohama, Kobe, and Nagasaki. 

These ports facilitated an influx of foreigners who settled, engaged in free trade, and left lasting impacts on the nation’s land and history. This harmonious blend of Eastern and Western influences that emerged has since shaped the cityscapes of these port towns. 

As we celebrate Marine Day (海の日) on 15 July this year, let’s honour the economic prosperity of maritime Japan by paying tribute to these five historic international ports.

1. Hakodate Port (函館港), Hokkaido

Hakodate Port, one of the main ports in Northern Japan, also one of the first international trade ports which opened Japan to the outside world. | Photo by PhotoAC

Towards the end of the Edo Period in 1859, Hakodate (函館), opened its port to the world. Situated in Japan’s northernmost prefecture of Hokkaido, it became one of Japan’s first international trade ports, alongside four others across the country. 

This led to a cultural exchange that gave Hakodate a unique cityscape distinct from the rest of Japan, evident in the well-preserved buildings showcasing Western architectural styles or a blend of both Western and Japanese styles. Notable examples include the Old Public Hall of Hakodate Ward (旧函館区公会堂) and Motomachi Catholic Church (カトリック元町教会), located in the architectural preservation districts of Motomachi (元町) and Suehirocho (末広町). These areas exude a nostalgic yet exotic atmosphere, making it feel as though you’re not walking along the streets of Japan at all.

The Port of Hakodate viewed from atop Mount Hakodate at night offers a three-star view as rated by Michelin Green Guide Japan. | Photo by PhotoAC

Today, Hakodate is a port city filled with many charming sights, the most famous being the view from Mount Hakodate (函館山). This iconic vista, awarded a three-star rating by the internationally recognized Michelin Green Guide Japan, symbolises the spectacular port city and is sure to tug at your heartstrings whether seen by day or night. 

In the bay area, you can spot warehouses and post offices that serve as historical remnants of Hakodate Port’s glorious role in the city’s maritime history. These buildings, such as the Kanamori Red Brick Warehouse (金森赤レンガ倉庫) and Hakodate Meijikan (函館明治館) have been repurposed and transformed into commercial complexes. Here, you’ll find an abundance of souvenir options and even have the chance to create your own music box or glassware, bringing back a personal memory of this unique port city.

In spring, the entire Fort Goryokaku is covered in pink as the thousands of cherry blossom trees in the park bloom, creating an ephemeral dream-like scene. | Photo by PhotoAC

Another spot not to be missed would be Fort Goryokaku (五稜郭). This enormous star-shaped fort was Japan’s first Western-style castle to be built towards the end of the feudal era, and served as the site of the Battle of Hakodate and later a civil war during the Meiji Restoration. At the turn of the century, after it had lost its military significance, the fort was transformed into a public park, now one of the most famous attractions in Hakodate City. 

Fort Goryokaku is also renowned for its breathtaking views in spring when approximately 1,500 cherry trees are in full bloom, making it one of the best spots for viewing these ethereal blossoms. During winter, the fort hosts the “Hoshi no Yume (星の夢)” event, where it is illuminated with over 2,000 light bulbs, creating a mesmerising and enchanting scene in this northern port city.

2. Niigata Port (新潟港), Niigata

Also known as “Venice of the East”, Niigata Port is located at the mouth of two major rivers, making it the ideal location as a base for water transportation. | Photo by PhotoAC

Nestled in the Hokuriku Region, the historical port of Niigata (新潟) sits at the mouth of two major rivers, Shinano River and Agano River, making it the prime location for water transportation, explaining its unparalleled popularity as a stopover for the Kitamaebune (北前船) merchant ships, which operated between Osaka and Hokkaido. 

Following the treaty of 1858, Niigata was designated as one of the five ports to open Japan to the world, marking its status as an international port—a role it continues to play today. After the war, the port’s functions were restored, and it grew in tandem with Japan’s rapid economic expansion. Today, the port consists of two districts, and a terminal core that handles the largest amount of container cargo on the Sea of Japan side of Honshu.

Shortly after the opening of the port, the Shinano River was deemed too shallow for large ships to stopover, resulting in many foreign merchants to leave soon after. | Photo by PhotoAC

Although the incompatibility of the port with large ships during the Meiji Period (1868–1912) led foreign merchants to leave soon after its opening, Niigata still retains the exotic atmosphere left behind by the fleeting yet profound touch of foreign influence, which has crystallised into the unique charms of this port city. 

The Furumachi Hanamachi (古町花街) area, an entertainment district comparable to Kyoto’s Gion and Tokyo’s Shinbashi, features traditional wooden buildings housing restaurants and lodgings for geisha. This area is also home to the renowned Niigata Furumachi Geisha (古町芸者), once recognized as one of Japan’s three major geisha groups. With a history of over 200 years, the geisha culture is a significant part of this port city’s heritage that is not to be missed. 

The Niigata City History Museum boasts exhibits detailing the port city’s rich maritime history as well as many well maintained and preserved historical buildings. | Photo by PhotoAC 

Explore Niigata’s Minatomachi (港町) and immerse yourself in its rich history and cultural fusion of East and West. Begin by visiting the Niigata City History Museum (新潟市歴史博物館みなとぴあ), which showcases exhibits detailing Niigata’s ancient past as a port city, along with historical buildings from the Meiji and early Showa Period (1926–1989). 

Continue your journey to the Former Ozawa Family Residence (旧小澤家住宅), a designated cultural property that preserves the distinctive features of Meiji Period Niigata townhouses and merchant houses. Designed to resemble the scenery of Matsushima (松島), the Japanese garden features numerous stones transported by the Kitamaebune ships, including the Kishu Stone (紀州石) and Sado Red Stone (佐渡赤石), adding to the allure of this “Venice of the East”.

3. Yokohama Port (横浜港), Kanagawa

The port city of Yokohama, one of Japan’s most contemporary ports and bustling urban centres. | Photo by PhotoAC

Originally a small fishing village with just 87 houses, the opening of the Yokohama Port (横浜港) in 1859 proved to be a pivotal moment, marking the region’s rapid evolution into a modern port with a distinctive blend of Western and Eastern cultures. 

Tucked away on the western coast of Tokyo Bay, this deepwater port was strategically positioned to facilitate Edo’s rapid development. Despite enduring challenges like the Great Kanto Earthquake in 1923 and damages from WWII, which temporarily disrupted its role as a trade port, Yokohama has managed to preserve and repurpose numerous historically important buildings, retaining echoes of the port’s glorious maritime past. 

Since the 1970s, Yokohama has experienced extensive urban development, including revitalization projects that have transformed it into a bustling cosmopolitan hub while preserving its rich maritime history.

Berrick Hall, a beautifully designed Spanish-style building, is a former residence of a British trading merchant, built in 1930. | Photo by Adobe Stock

Situated atop a small hill overlooking the port, Yamate (山手) area developed as a foreign settlement following the opening of the port. Here, the Yokohama Yamate Seiyoukan (横浜山手西洋館) area preserves and safeguards historical Western-style houses once inhabited by foreigners who arrived during the port’s early days. While some houses are privately owned, many are open to the public and are free for visitors to tour around.

You can also explore notable historical buildings within the vicinity such as the Berrick Hall (ベーリック・ホール) to have a glimpse of Yokohama’s multicultural past and legacy.

A brick warehouse originally constructed in the early 1900s, it has now been converted to a cultural and commercial complex consisting of a variety of trendy shops and is sometimes used as a space to host various events. | Photo by Adobe Stock

Located in the Shinko (新港) area lies the Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse (横浜赤レンガ倉庫), a brick warehouse originally constructed in the early 1900s, now repurposed into a cultural and commercial complex housing a variety of trendy shops and cafes, offering a wide array of items to satisfy any shopper. Right next to the warehouse, the Akarenga Park (赤レンガパーク) boasts a sizable lawn area where visitors can unwind and enjoy a leisurely picnic while indulging in the calming sea breeze and the gorgeous sunset from the harbour. 

4. Kobe Port (神戸港), Hyogo

Highly praised for its “10 Million-dollar” view from the top of Mount Maya, Kobe Port has rapidly modernised since its opening to become the cosmopolitan hub of today. | Photo by Adobe Stock

Originally known as Hyogo no Tsu (兵庫津), Kobe Port (神戸港), a natural harbour, has historically served as a vital hub for domestic transportation. Its opening in 1868 not only facilitated the transformation of a small village along the Saigoku Kaido Road into the modern port city we know today, but also played a crucial role in Japan’s modernization during the Meiji Period. 

Surrounded by the verdant Rokko Mountains (六甲山) and sheltered from westerly winds by Cape Wada (和田岬), Kobe Port provided a tranquil and secure haven for ships to dock safely. During the Taisho Period (1912–1926), Kobe Port handled approximately 40% of the nation’s trade volume, boasting the highest import volume in Japan at that time. With over 150 years of history, many of its distinctive Meiji Period buildings still stand as remnants of its prosperous past. Today, Kobe remains a vibrant urban centre in western Japan, exuding endless charm and appeal.

Uroko no Ie, a Western-style building with an exterior constructed with 3,000 natural stone slates resembling fish scales, earning it the name “House of Scales”. | Photo by Adobe Stock

Located just next to Shin-Kobe Station (新神戸駅) is Kitano-cho (北野町) district, renowned for its collection of Western-style residences where foreigners lived during the Meiji and Taisho periods. Among these, Uroko no Ie (うろこの家) stands out as a nationally registered tangible cultural property, and is the first to be opened to the public. Its name, literally translating to “House of Scales”, reflects its distinctive exterior covered with 3,000 natural stone slates resembling fish scales.

Inside, the museum features a vast array of European antique furniture and porcelain, Western paintings, and local artwork. You can also enjoy a panoramic view of Kobe Port from the observation gallery.

Kobe Harborland, a symbol of the port city of Kobe. | Photo by Adobe Stock

Located west of the centre of Kobe City, Kobe Harborland (神戸ハーバーランド) stands as a symbol of the city’s modernity. Situated in the bay area, it offers a mix of shopping, dining, and entertainment options. Key attractions include Kobe Harborland umie (神戸ハーバーランドumie), where visitors can shop and dine in an open seaside setting, and Kobe Brick Warehouse (神戸煉瓦倉庫), which offers a panoramic view of Kobe’s cityscape with the majestic Rokko Mountains in the background.

At night, Kobe Harborland transforms into a breathtaking scene with illuminated buildings and pleasure boats, showcasing a unique panorama of this modern port city.

5. Nagasaki Port (長崎港), Nagasaki

Nagasaki Port, the only point of contact with the Western world during Japan’s isolation period. | Photo by PhotoAC

Opened in 1571 following the arrival of the Portuguese, Kyushu’s Nagasaki Port (長崎港) has thrived on international trade since ancient times. It was the only foreign trade port in Japan officially sanctioned by the Shogunate (幕府) for over 200 years during Japan’s period of isolation and was recognized as one of the seven most important ports of that era. During the Edo Period, the Dutch trading post was established on Dejima (出島), a man-made island commissioned by the Tokugawa Shogunate, serving as Japan’s sole point of contact with the West.

The Former Glover House in Glover Garden is the oldest Western-style building in Japan. | Photo by PhotoAC

Later on, foreign settlements were established in Nagasaki’s Higashiyamate (東山手) and Minamiyamate (南山手) districts, arranged in tiers of high-class, medium-class, and low-class land, starting from the coastal area, with remnants of this intercultural past still visible throughout the city today. 

Situated on a hill in Minamiyamate District overlooking Nagasaki Port, Glover Garden (グラバー園) stands as one of Nagasaki’s premier attractions. It showcases six well-preserved Western-style buildings from the Meiji Period, notably the Former Glover House (旧グラバー住宅), which has been designated as an important cultural property by the nation, and is recognised as the oldest Western-style building in Japan, contributing significantly to the historical and cultural ambiance of the area.

A charming seaside commercial facility, Dejima Wharf offers an enchanting night view of the man-made island with its gorgeous illuminations. | Photo by PhotoAC 

Originally an artificial island designed to isolate Portuguese influences and restrict the spread of Christianity during the Edo Period, Dejima later became home to the Dutch Trading Post, and a pivotal hub for European trade. Today, you can explore the site of the Former Dutch Trading Post (出島和蘭商館跡), and immerse yourself in the atmosphere of bygone trading days. 

You can also relax and enjoy the scenic views at Dejima Wharf (出島ワーフ), a charming seaside commercial facility. Sip on coffee while gazing out at the sea or take a leisurely stroll in the refreshing sea breeze. 

Explore the remnants of Nagasaki’s vibrant past from the early 19th century, as you watch the rich maritime history of this gorgeous port city unfold before your very eyes. 

Embracing History and Modernity with Japan’s Maritime Gems

Uncover Japan’s rich maritime heritage and witness the fusion of history and modernity in these historical international port cities. | Photo by PhotoAC

From the bustling trade routes that shaped their early development to the preservation of historical districts and iconic landmarks, these historical port cities each hold a unique tapestry of history, culture, and modernity woven through their maritime heritage. As they continue to evolve and thrive, these port cities remain timeless symbols of Japan’s cultural diversity and prosperous past, as they continue to captivate visitors with their enduring charm and legacy.