Originally opened in 1946 and revamped in 2001, Verny Park (ヴェルニー公園) is a French styled garden overlooking Kanagawa’s Yokosuka Port. The park is named after Léonce Verny, a French naval engineer who led the construction of multiple naval facilities in the area in the late 1800s, including Yokosuka Naval Arsenal. Verny made great contributions to Japan’s modernization with his leadership, engineering, and educational skills.
Verny Park is renowned for its stunning rosebeds, which contain over 100 different species. In springtime, the collection of colorful flowers bloom, providing visitors an enchanting scene against the massive Japanese and American naval ships docked in Yokosuka Port. The juxtaposition of the park’s soft landscaping against the war ships’ intimidating forms makes Verny Park a visually intriguing spot. Intoxicating floral scents follow the breeze, weaving through notable sights such as the French style gazebo and fountain, which add to the authentic feel of the park.
Visitors can also stop by the Verny Memorial Museum, which houses information about Verny’s engineering and machinery, as well as the general history of the area. After strolling through the gardens, guests can take a break at Corsaire, the park’s cafe, and enjoy a delicious meal while looking out at the surrounding greenery and sea.