The park's landmark grandstand was designed by architect J.H. Morgan, a prominent figure in Yokohama's early 20th-century urban development.
The site hosted the first public horse race in Japan under the Japan Racing Association's predecessors during the Meiji era.
During World War II, the racecourse facilities were requisitioned for military use and later served as a U.S. military housing complex until the 1980s.
The park contains an extensive grove of cherry trees, particularly Yamazakura and Somei Yoshino varieties, making it a local focal point for Hanami.
The onsite Horse Museum houses a collection of thousands of artifacts, including Ukiyo-e prints depicting historical horse racing.
The grandstand remains structurally unstable, leading to it being fenced off to prevent public access for safety reasons.
Negishi Forest Park occupies the site of the former Negishi Racecourse, established in 1866 as Japan's first Western-style horse racing venue. The park preserves the dilapidated, historically significant grandstand ruins, which serve as a visual centerpiece amidst expansive green lawns. It is widely recognized for its high concentration of cherry blossom trees that bloom across the hilly terrain each spring. The grounds feature a dedicated horse museum, the Negishi Horse Museum, which documents the history of equestrian sports in Japan. Situated on elevated ground, the park offers panoramic views over Yokohama and the surrounding residential districts. The area remains an active recreational space, hosting large grass fields frequently used for picnics and family gatherings. Visitors can observe the contrast between the modern park maintenance and the preserved concrete structures of the 1930s-era grandstand. The site is a prominent municipal facility managed by the Yokohama Greenery Association.
The elevated grassy hill providing a wide-angle view of the historic grandstand ruins against the sky.
Bring a picnic blanket as the large grassy slopes are the primary seating areas.
Check the park's official website before visiting to see if the Horse Museum has any rotating exhibitions.
Walk the perimeter trails to see the best angles of the historic grandstand, which is best viewed from the park’s higher elevations.
Attempting to climb or access the fenced-off grandstand ruins, which are strictly off-limits.
The Horse Museum is closed on Mondays and during the end-of-year holiday period.
Carry out all personal trash as there are limited public bins; keep pets on a leash in designated areas.
