Entrance to the Yokohama Yamate Museum of Tennis
Is Japan the birthplace of Tennis? No, but a Yokohama museum’s name might make you think so. What is it all about then?
The Yokohama Yamate Museum of Tennis also known as The Birthplace of Tennis museum was built to commemorate the 120th anniversary of the first tennis club in Japan in 1998. The location of the museum is where the first lawn tennis was played in Japan in. This museum may not be the biggest but for only being the bottom on the floor of a wooden home style building, the museum offers vast displays of historic 19th-century wooden racquets, balls and more.
The park the museum is located next to is designated as a National Place of Scenic Beauty as well as a Modern Industrial Heritage Site. In the spring, the park is known for it’s cherry blossoms or sakura.
What is the most interesting thing at the Birthplace of Tennis Museum?
Stained glass art piece on display
Towards the back of the museum, several framed Ukiyo-e print art pieces may catch your eye, along with a stained glass piece. The Ukiyo-e art features lively park scenes of the influence of the West in Japan. This stained glass piece features two females playing tennis in western-influenced clothing.
The museum also features a poster of a selection of caricatures by illustrator, Charles Wirgram who lived in Yokohama during the Meiji period (late 1800s). He is sometimes thought of as one of the early influences to modern day Japanese Manga, published a satirical magazine known as the Japan Punch, and drew cartoons as a way to relieve the stress of living far away.
Who would enjoy the Yamate Museum of Tennis the most?
Historical rackets, dating back over 100 years ago, are on display at the Museum
The 100 year old rackets on displays and vintage uniforms will be appreciated by tennis players and other sports enthusiasts. While other museums in the world cover the modern sport, only a couple detail the birth of the sport and highlight vintage items, and only one in Japan.
Historical tennis equipment, dating back over 100 years ago, are on display at the Museum
History lovers, especially those interested in the Meiji restoration era will find the depiction of life at the time interesting. The area of the museum is one of the first areas where foreign residents gathered and lived in the area.
As the museum is the size of a small home, the museum’s contents can be browsed within 30 mins. The museum is also about a 10 minute drive from Yokohama port or Cruise Terminal and the Red Brick warehouse.
FAQs
How much are tickets?
The price for this museum is free, making it a perfect museum to add to your itinerary if you are into tennis or the history of sports within Japan.
What are the opening hours?
Hours: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM (Last entry at 4:30 PM)
Closed on the 3rd Monday of each month (or the following day if it is a public holiday) and from December 29 to January 3 (New Year holidays).
Can I play tennis on the courts nearby?
Yes, the artificial turf courts in Yamate Park can be booked through the Yokohama city facility reservation system for 2,200 yen per court for two hours. Please note the time includes set up and clean up and the booking needs to be made in Japanese. For TokudAw customers, we are happy to make arrangements on your behalf.
What food options are nearby for people with dietary restrictions?
Yamate Museum of Tennis does not offer anywhere within the building where visitors can sit and either drink or eat something. They also do not offer any vending machines/ museum shop where you can purchase refreshments. Therefore it is best to either bring your own food and drinks and use to your advantage the beautiful surroundings of the park and find a bench to eat and drink on one of the park benches that are dotted around.
If you are looking for some food recommendations as you would rather sit in a restaurant for food then these are the following that we suggest:
M’s table. A variety of plant-based options including soy-based hamburger, pancakes, and spaghetti.
Yamate Juubankan RESTAURANT & CAFE. This is a cafe based on classic French cuisine with the building and interior being based on Meiji-era within a historic western style building. With a range of options from their weekday/weekend lunch menus to their dinner menus, there is variety of options depending on the time of day you plan to visit. However, although there are a la cart items, not all are restricted diet friendly. Set meal options do not typically allow customizations, which is typical of restaurants in Japan.
Elena Coffee Shop. This is a place that offers a wide range of teas and coffees as well and a range of sandwiches that could fit anyone's interest. Like their tuna salad sandwich or the popular with tourists egg salad sandwich. And if sandwiches aren't what you are after they also do a few different spaghetti options. Those with a vegetarian or a halal diet can find something to eat at this location.
What are the facilities like within the Yamate Museum of Tennis?
Although the museum does not offer restroom facilities directly, they can be found through the park. Offering both male and female restrooms as well as wheelchair accessible restrooms. The museum does offer a simple layout where you can move around the room with no direct route, making it fairly easy for wheelchairs and other visitors to roam around the museum with ease. The museum does allow certificate service animals and with wooden flooring and plenty of room for them to move around the exhibits, they should have no problem with guiding you around.
What type of language support does Yamate Museum of Tennis have?
The museum offers both Japanese on all of their displays as well as English translation for the majority of them. Upon entry, a pamphlet section offers a range of pamphlets about the museum as well as other venues and locations within the surrounding areas. Unfortunately, these pamphlets are mainly printed out in Japanese with little transitions to English or other languages. The museum also does not offer a guided audio tour nor braille support.
Explore Japan with TokudAw.
TokudAw is an expert in chartered experiences across Japan. We specialize in providing journeys tailored to your group’s interest and provide the flexibility to travel at your pace. For cruise guests, we can pick you up at Yokohama’s cruise terminal and facilitate a shore excursion for your day in a private vehicle taking you to areas that are harder to reach, and guided by a local living in Japan. TokudAw offers wheelchair-accessible vehicle options with ramps and secure attachments to ensure your family’s travel and safety. Contact us to plan your travels.