Yokohama Nishi Ward

Description

Along straightly 1.1 kilo meters from JR Sakuragicho Station to Takashima-cho intersection, there are many concrete pillars supporting the former Toyoko Line elevated railroad. It looks like a castle wall protecting the new city of Minatomirai.
The railroad where JR Negishi Line and part of freight line currently run was constructed by Kaemon Takashima, a wealthy merchant in the early Meiji period. He reclaimed the sea which was called Sodegaura and constructed the land for the railroad line from Nogeura to Aoki-cho coast. The construction project was completed in 135 sunny days as stated in the contract. The project is said to be a difficult one required 3,000 workers.
In September 1872, Japan’s first railroad line was opened from Yokohama Stop (located near today’s JR Sakuragicho Station) to Shimbashi Station. People at the time must have been surprised to see a steam locomotive running with smoke coming out of the train.
In 1918, the railroad was elevated and in 1932, cargo ships were sold and transferred and the Toyoko Line opened. After the opening of Minatomirai Line, some parts of Toyoko Line railroads were abandoned. The defunct old Toyoko Line elevated railroad is now turned into a short promenade from Sakuragicho Station to Momiji-zaka slope.

Title, picture and writing by Taro Suzuki
※This is a sketch and writing published in Yokohama Public Relation Nishi ward edition since June 2013. Please be noted that there’s a possibility that information in the article may be changed.

(Published in April 2022)