[2] Buildings at Port of Yokohama and Queen Tower

The main building of Yokohama Customs has been designated as a historic building (modern architecture) by Yokohama City since 2001.

【History】

1859:

Kanagawa Unjosho (checkpoint) (former Yokohama Customs) established

1885:

After renamed and relocated several times, the second generation, wood-framed brick-made building completed

1923:

The second generation building destroyed by the Great Kanto Earthquake

1934:

The third generation, steel-framed, reinforced concrete building completed

1945:

The General Headquarters of Allied Forces (GHQ) condemned the Yokohama Customs building after World War II (until 1953)

2003:

Renovation of the present building completed. Most of the traditional structures in the building had been retained.

Changes in Customs Building

The original office building

The second generation office building

The third generation office building

GHQ condemnation

The 3rd generation building after refurbishment (Current building)

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【Valued building】

The Yokohama Customs building is a typical one of existing governmental buildings in early Showa Period (1926-1989), and designed by the Government Buildings and Local Administration Department of the Ministry of Finance led by architect Muraji SHIMOMOTO. The building has a unique style incorporating a variety of shapes such as Islamic dome-shaped tower design, seldom used in Japan, Western details of entrance and its surroundings, and Japanese-style interior design.

Exterior and Interior of the Building

Dome design (Tower)

Facade

Old office of Director–General of Yokohama Customs

Entrance hall interior

Dome interior

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【Guidance for the building tour】

Yokohama Customs holds a periodic event of opening part of its main building that is well known among citizens as “Queen Tower.” This building is one of “Yokohama Three Towers,” popular spots for tourists, together with “King Tower” of Kanagawa prefectural office building and “Jack Tower” of Yokohama Port Opening Memorial Hall.

We do hope your visit also on the next public open day.