【Complete Guide】From Kokuriko Slope Holy Site Pilgrimage to Park Overlooking the Harbor | Thorough Explanation of Studio Ghibli’s First Official Memorial Spot
Released on July 16, 2011, the Studio Ghibli work “From Up on Poppy Hill.” This second film by director Goro Miyazaki depicts the youth of Umi Matsuzaki, a girl living in the Kokuriko Dormitory, and Shun Kazama, a newspaper club member, set in Yokohama in 1963 (Showa 38). It is a moving masterpiece.
The important setting of the film was “Park Overlooking the Harbor” located in Naka Ward, Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture. This park features Studio Ghibli’s first official film memorial spot, making it a special holy site for fans.
In this article, we will thoroughly introduce the charm of Park Overlooking the Harbor, its connection to the film, access methods, and nearby holy pilgrimage spots—essential information for “From Up on Poppy Hill” fans.
About Park Overlooking the Harbor | Yokohama’s Premier Scenic Spot
Park Overlooking the Harbor is located at 114 Yamamoto-cho, Naka Ward, Yokohama, a hilltop park with a panoramic view of Yokohama Port. Opened in 1962 (Showa 37), this park has been loved by both local residents and tourists as a scenic spot offering views of the harbor as its name suggests.
Park History and Characteristics
The year the park opened, 1962, was just one year before the film’s setting of 1963. It is a precious place where you can still feel the atmosphere of Yokohama in Showa 38 as depicted in the film.
The park has an observation deck from which you can see Yokohama Bay Bridge, Yokohama Port, the Minato Mirai district, and more. On clear days, you can even see as far as the Boso Peninsula. Additionally, the park features cultural facilities such as the Jiro Osaragi Memorial Hall and the Kanagawa Modern Literature Hall, making it a place where you can feel literature and history.
Deep Connection to “From Up on Poppy Hill”
In the film “From Up on Poppy Hill,” the Kokuriko Dormitory where the protagonist Umi Matsuzaki lives is a fictional building, but the area presumed to be its location is precisely this area around the observation deck of Park Overlooking the Harbor, extending to the Jiro Osaragi Memorial Hall and the Kanagawa Modern Literature Hall.
The international signal flags (U and W flags) that Umi raised in the garden every morning carry the meaning “praying for safe navigation at sea,” with the feelings of her father who died in the Korean War embedded within. The stage for this impressive scene is precisely Park Overlooking the Harbor.
Studio Ghibli’s First Official Memorial Spot | International Signal Flags and Panel Installation
In March 2012, to commemorate the release of “From Up on Poppy Hill,” a memorial spot for a film was installed at Park Overlooking the Harbor—the first official one for Studio Ghibli. This was realized through an official partnership between Yokohama City and Studio Ghibli, making it a historic event in the history of Ghibli pilgrimage sites.
International Signal Flag Pole (U and W Flags)
A pole installed near the observation deck displays the same international signal flags that Umi raised every morning in the film. These flags are characterized by their distinctive blue and white, red and white striped patterns, used for communication between ships as universal flags.
The U flag means “you are approaching danger,” and the W flag means “medical assistance is needed,” but the combination of these two flags, U and W, carries the meaning “praying for safe navigation at sea.” For fans who know the film’s story, seeing this flag evokes special emotion.
Commemorative Panel with Director Goro Miyazaki’s Handwriting
Installed alongside the international signal flag pole is a commemorative panel. This panel features Goro Miyazaki’s handwritten signature and illustrations, indicating that it is an officially recognized memorial spot by Studio Ghibli.
The panel includes information about the film and notes that this location is the presumed setting for the Kokuriko Dormitory, allowing first-time visitors to understand the connection to the film. Many fans enjoy taking commemorative photos in front of this panel, and it has become a popular spot frequently seen on social media.
Comparing Film Scenes with Real Landscapes | Walking Through the Presumed Location of Kokuriko Dormitory
When visiting Park Overlooking the Harbor, you can enjoy the experience even more by taking a stroll while imagining the film’s scenes.
Views from the Observation Deck
The landscape of Yokohama Port visible from the Kokuriko Dormitory in the film is modeled directly on the view from the observation deck. The harbor illuminated by morning sun, ships passing, the city skyline in the distance. While the buildings and port conditions have changed since 1963, the atmosphere of the sea, sky, and harbor town remains unchanged today.
Visiting during the early morning hours allows you to overlay the scene of Umi raising signal flags every morning, enabling deeper immersion in the film’s world.
Where Was Kokuriko Dormitory? Identifying the Presumed Location
According to official materials such as “From Up on Poppy Hill Visual Guide,” Kokuriko Dormitory is presumed to have been located around the observation deck of Park Overlooking the Harbor, the Jiro Osaragi Memorial Hall, and the Kanagawa Modern Literature Hall area. Although it is a fictional building in reality, the elevated location overlooking the harbor from this area perfectly aligns with the film’s setting.
Walking through the park and imagining “what if Kokuriko Dormitory were here” is part of the appeal of holy site pilgrimage. The experience of walking up and down slopes while tracing the path that Umi and Shun walked will be an invaluable time for fans.
Access to Park Overlooking the Harbor | Complete Guide to Train, Bus, and Walking Routes
There are multiple ways to access Park Overlooking the Harbor. Understand the characteristics of each route and choose the one that suits you.
Access from Minatomirai Line “Motomachi-Chukagai Station” (Shortest Route)
The most convenient access is from Minatomirai Line “Motomachi-Chukagai Station.”
- Approximately 5 minutes walk from Exit 6 (Americayama Park Exit)
- Exit to ground level by elevator, and immediately reach the park area
- Almost no slopes, the easiest route
This route is especially recommended for those who lack confidence in physical ability or those traveling with small children.
Access from JR Negishi Line and Municipal Subway “Sakuragi-cho Station” and “Kannai Station”
If using JR, you can access by bus or on foot from Sakuragi-cho Station or Kannai Station.
From Sakuragi-cho Station:
- Take Kanagawa Chuo Traffic Bus “Route 11” and get off at “Park Overlooking the Harbor Bus Stop”
- On foot: approximately 20 minutes (walking while sightseeing via Yamashita Park)
From Kannai Station:
- Approximately 20 minutes on foot
- Route via Yamashita Park going up slopes
If you choose the walking route, you can pass through Yamashita Park and the Motomachi area, both of which appear in the film, allowing you to enjoy a pilgrimage-themed walk.
Access by Car and Parking Information
If visiting by car, there is no dedicated parking at the park, but there are several paid parking lots nearby.
- Yamashita Park Parking Lot (approximately 10 minutes walk)
- Coin parking in the Motomachi-Chukagai area
On weekends and during tourist season, it becomes crowded, so using public transportation is recommended.
Holy Sites to Visit Together with Park Overlooking the Harbor | Other “From Up on Poppy Hill” Pilgrimage Spots
After visiting Park Overlooking the Harbor, be sure to explore nearby pilgrimage spots.
Yamata Area | Kokuriko Slope and Yamata Historic Mansions
Yatodo Slope (Model for Kokuriko Slope)
The “Yatodo Slope” right from Exit 5 of Motomachi-Chukagai Station is presumed to be the model for “Kokuriko Slope,” which is also the film’s title. Although there is no actual slope called “Kokuriko Slope”—it is fictional—this Yatodo Slope and the slopes in the Yamata area create the film’s atmosphere.
As you go up the slope, imagine the path Umi took to school every day. The stone-paved walkway retaining the traces of that era and the harbor scenery visible partway up the slope are precisely the world of the film.
Around Yamata Information Center
Throughout the Yamata area, Western-style buildings constructed from the Meiji through early Showa periods are scattered. It is a precious area where you can feel the atmosphere of Yokohama at the time of the film’s 1963 setting.
Place Where Railroad Runs Under a Bridge
In the Yamata area, there is a place where railroad tracks run under a bridge and trains enter a tunnel. This became the model for an impressively depicted scene in the film, and the same landscape can still be seen today.
Motomachi Area | Shopping Street Where Umi and Shun Walked
Motomachi Shopping Street is the model for the scenes in the film where Umi and Shun walk together. Some long-established shops that have continued since 1963 remain, and you can feel the Showa atmosphere.
Walking through the shopping street while imagining the film is also fun. You may discover buildings and signs that retain the traces of that era mentioned in the film.
Yamashita Park | Unchanging Harbor Scenery
Yamashita Park, where Umi and Shun walked, still maintains almost unchanged scenery more than ten years after the film’s release.
- Hikawa Maru (a historic passenger ship docked there)
- Benches overlooking the sea
- The view of Yokohama Port from the park
These were depicted as important backgrounds in the film, and visiting in person vividly brings the film’s scenes back to life. The Showa atmosphere is most felt at Yamashita Park during dusk.
Around Sakuragi-cho Station | Places Retaining Showa’s Traces
The area around Sakuragi-cho Station is also an important region appearing in the film. Although development has progressed since the 1963 setting, parts of the station building and surrounding streetscape still retain Showa-era characteristics.
The film depicts scenes at the station and streetcars running through the area. Although streetcars are no longer in operation, there are places displaying photographic panels from that era.
Isogo Ward | Remaining “From Up on Poppy Hill” Landscapes in Yokohama
Isogo Ward in Yokohama has several locations scattered throughout that serve as models for other scenery appearing in the film. Core fans can deepen their understanding of the film’s world by visiting these locations as well.
Basic Information to Know Before Visiting | Park Overlooking the Harbor
Operating Hours and Admission
- Operating Hours: Always open (24 hours)
- Admission: Free
- Closed Days: None
However, the Jiro Osaragi Memorial Hall and Kanagawa Modern Literature Hall within the park each have their own operating hours and closure days, so please check before visiting.
Recommended Viewing Time
- Park viewing only: 30 minutes to 1 hour
- Including surrounding facilities: 2-3 hours
- Holy site pilgrimage covering the entire Yamata area: Half day to full day
It is recommended to visit with sufficient time available.
Best Season and Visiting Tips
Spring (March-May):
The park has a rose garden, with roses blooming beautifully in spring and autumn. The peak season is mid-May through early June.
Summer (June-August):
Since the film’s setting is early summer (around June), visiting during the same season allows you to feel the film’s atmosphere more deeply. However, heat countermeasures are essential.
Autumn (September-November):
The autumn rose season (mid-October through early November) also offers beautiful scenery. The mild weather makes it ideal for walking.
Winter (December-February):
The clearer air makes the view from the observation deck at its clearest. However, strong winds and cold weather make cold-weather protection necessary.
Photography Tips
Tips for enjoying photography during holy site pilgrimage:
- Early morning hours: If recreating the scene of Umi raising signal flags, early morning is recommended
- Dusk: The sunset over the harbor and the silhouette of the signal flags are beautiful
- In front of the commemorative panel: A classic spot where many fans take photos
- Harbor view from the observation deck: You can photograph in a composition like a scene from the film
Remember to be considerate of other visitors and follow proper etiquette while enjoying photography.
To Enjoy “From Up on Poppy Hill” More Deeply | Background Knowledge of the Work
To make holy site pilgrimage more fulfilling, it is good to deepen your knowledge of the work.
Historical Background of the Film | Yokohama in 1963
The film’s setting of 1963 (Showa 38) was in the midst of Japan’s rapid economic growth period. With the 1964 Tokyo Olympics scheduled for the following year, all of Japan was moving forward with optimism.
Yokohama was no exception, continuing to develop as a port town. The film carefully depicts the atmosphere of Yokohama at that time, where old and new, tradition and innovation coexisted.
Meaning of International Signal Flags | Hopes Embedded in U and W Flags
Let’s look more closely at the international signal flags, an important motif in the film.
International signal flags are universally used flags for visually transmitting information between ships. There are 40 types of flags corresponding to letters and numbers, and combining them can express various meanings.
The combination of U and W flags that Umi raised every morning carries the meaning “praying for safe navigation at sea.” This was embedded with the thought of her father who died in the Korean War and prayers for all seafarers crossing the sea.
Looking up at the same flags installed at Park Overlooking the Harbor allows a deeper understanding of the film’s themes: “inheriting memories” and “moving forward into the future.”
Director Goro Miyazaki’s Intentions
Director Goro Miyazaki depicted in this work “young people facing the past while moving toward the future.” The old building called Kokuriko Dormitory, the issue of preserving the Cartier-Latin cultural club room, and other themes of protecting old things while welcoming a new era run through the entire work.
It is also meaningful that an official memorial spot was installed at Park Overlooking the Harbor—a historic location that opened in 1962—in 2012, which resonates with this work’s themes.
Surrounding Tourism and Dining Information | Enjoying Yokohama Together with Holy Site Pilgrimage
When visiting Park Overlooking the Harbor, enjoy the surrounding tourism and dining as well.
Jiro Osaragi Memorial Hall | A Literary Master Associated with Yokohama
The Jiro Osaragi Memorial Hall within the park is a facility introducing the achievements of author Jiro Osaragi, associated with Yokohama. Known for his masterpiece “The Demon Sword Master,” Osaragi was an author who loved Yokohama.
At the time of the film’s 1963 setting, Osaragi was still alive and active. Learning about literature and Yokohama’s history deepens understanding of the film’s background.
Kanagawa Modern Literature Hall | A Literary Walk
Also within the park, the Kanagawa Modern Literature Hall displays materials from literary figures associated with Kanagawa. Encountering Showa-era literature offers deeper understanding of the film’s historical context.
Yamata Mansion Tours | Western Architecture Full of Foreign Charm
Seven mansions in the Yamata area are open to the public. All are free to enter and allow visitors to feel Yokohama’s history from the Meiji through early Showa periods.
- Bluff 18 Mansion
- Diplomat’s House
- Behrick Hall
- Ellis Man House
- Yamata 234 Mansion
- Yokohama Municipal British House
- Yamata 111 Mansion
While these mansions do not appear directly in the film, they are precious architecture for feeling the atmosphere of 1963 Yokohama.
Enjoying Gourmet Dining in Motomachi and Chinatown
After holy site pilgrimage, enjoying gourmet dining at Motomachi Shopping Street and Chinatown is also recommended.
Motomachi Shopping Street:
- Long-established Western confectionery shops
- Cafés and tea houses (including shops with a Showa-retro atmosphere)
- Bakeries
Chinatown:
- Authentic Chinese cuisine
- Dim sum and dumplings
- Chinese sweets
Long-established shops continuing from the film’s era also exist, so searching for them is enjoyable as well.
Conclusion | Immersing Yourself in the World of “From Up on Poppy Hill” at Park Overlooking the Harbor
Park Overlooking the Harbor is beloved by many people as a holy site for the Studio Ghibli work “From Up on Poppy Hill” and as a premier tourist destination representing Yokohama.
The official memorial spot by Studio Ghibli installed in 2012 is a special place for film fans. The time spent gazing up at the international signal flags fluttering in the wind, contemplating Umi and Shun’s story, will surely become an invaluable experience.
Whether you visit after watching the film or rewatch the film after visiting is up to you. Park Overlooking the Harbor is a place where new discoveries await with each visit.
The beautiful harbor scenery of Yokohama, the historic Yamata townscape, and the world of “From Up on Poppy Hill”—all of these converge at Park Overlooking the Harbor. Please spend a special time on a holy site pilgrimage there.
The message “praying for safe navigation at sea,” unchanged since 1963, reaches us living today as well. When you visit Park Overlooking the Harbor, please be sure to receive that message.
