Yokohama Foreign General Cemetery

Nestled on the peaceful Bluff of Yokohama, the **Yokohama Foreign General Cemetery** offers families and curious travelers a unique window into Japan’s vibrant international past. Established in 1854 at the request of Commodore Matthew Perry, this cemetery became the final resting place for many foreigners who helped shape the city after Japan opened its doors to the world. As you stroll along shaded paths lined with weathered tombstones, you’ll discover the stories of diplomats, merchants, engineers, and adventurers—each monument a testament to cross-cultural encounters that transformed modern Japan. Highlights include the graves of historical figures such as Charles Lennox Richardson, whose tragic fate sparked the Anglo-Satsuma War, and engineers like Edmund Morrell, who played a key role in Japan’s first railway. The cemetery’s tranquil setting, overlooking the port, invites reflection and exploration. On special open days, visitors can follow a self-guided route with a map, learning about notable individuals and the diverse communities—including a preserved Jewish section—that found a home here. More than just a burial ground, the cemetery is a living museum, where every headstone tells a story of adventure, diplomacy, and the enduring bonds between Japan and the world.