Off the beaten path in Yokohama: The Foreign General Cemetery and a stroll through Motomachi

Since it's Obon season in Japan, a time when many families visit ancestral graves and remember those who came before them, I thought I'd share one of the more unusual places I've enjoyed visiting in Yokohama.

Most people head to Yokohama for the waterfront, Chinatown, or the shops and restaurants. But tucked away on a hillside overlooking the harbor is the Yokohama Foreign General Cemetery, one of the most interesting pieces of international history you'll find in Japan.

Copyright photo: https://www.yokohamajapan.com/

The cemetery dates back to 1854, when Commodore Perry returned to Japan with a fleet of warships to negotiate the opening of the country. During the voyage, a U.S. Marine aboard the USS Mississippi died following an accident. Perry requested a piece of land overlooking the port where the Marine could be buried, and that small plot eventually grew into what became the Yokohama Foreign General Cemetery.

Today, it serves as the final resting place for thousands of foreign residents who lived and worked in Japan over the years. Walking through it feels a bit like stepping into a different chapter of Japanese history. The gravestones tell the stories of merchants, diplomats, sailors, missionaries, and entrepreneurs who helped shape Yokohama into one of Japan's first international cities.

What I always found striking is how peaceful it is. You're just minutes from the city, but it feels worlds away from the crowds.

And if you're making the trip, I'd highly recommend combining it with a stroll through nearby Motomachi.

I always loved hanging out there when I lived in Japan. It has a very European shopping street vibe that feels quite different from many Japanese shopping districts. The area originally developed to serve the foreign community living nearby, and that international influence is still part of its character today. There are great bakeries, cafés, specialty food shops, and boutiques, and it's one of those places where it's easy to lose track of time wandering around.

For me, that's what makes this such a great afternoon outing. You get a fascinating slice of history, beautiful views over Yokohama, and then a relaxing walk through one of my favorite neighborhoods in Japan.

Sometimes the best places to visit aren't the ones at the top of every guidebook. They're the places that quietly tell a story. The Yokohama Foreign General Cemetery is one of those places.