三浦按針の胸像
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Anjin Memorial Park

3.9
·21 reviews·Itō, Japan

Anjin Memorial Park honors William Adams, the first Englishman in Japan, and marks where Japan's first Western-style ships were built.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Spring mornings

Pleasant weather for exploring

CrowdLow
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三浦按針の胸像

Anjin Memorial Park

Best Time

Spring mornings

Pleasant weather for exploring

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Anjin Memorial Park honors William Adams, the first Englishman in Japan, and marks where Japan's first Western-style ships were built.

3.9
(21 reviews)

"A memorial to an incredible man with a great story, marking Japan's first Western-style shipbuilding."

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TIP

Learn about William Adams

Research Miura Anjin's story before visiting for a richer experience. He was a fascinating historical figure! :book:

Combine with Ito Exploration

This park is in Ito, a great base for exploring Japan's history and coastal beauty. :camerawithflash:

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Miura Anjin Monument

Miura Anjin Monument

A monument honoring William Adams, the first Englishman to visit Japan and a key figure in shipbuilding.

San Vena Ventura Statue

San Vena Ventura Statue

A bronze statue of the sailing ship San Vena Ventura, built here and sailed across the Pacific.

Bust of Miura Anjin

Bust of Miura Anjin

A detailed bust of William Adams, offering a closer look at the historical figure.

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Understand the History

Anjin Memorial Park commemorates William Adams (Miura Anjin), the first Englishman in Japan. Learn about his pivotal role in shipbuilding and diplomacy with Tokugawa Ieyasu. It's a key spot for history buffs interested in Japan's early Western interactions.

Location and Significance

This park marks the site where Japan's first Western-style sailing ships were built. It's a testament to Miura Anjin's legacy and Ito's historical importance in maritime development. The park features monuments and a statue of the San Vena Ventura.

Best Times

When
Spring mornings
Why
Pleasant weather for exploring
Crowd
Low
When
Autumn afternoons
Why
Crisp air and fall colors
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Were traveling to Japan for the first time

Learn about William Adams

Research Miura Anjin's story before visiting for a richer experience. He was a fascinating historical figure! :book:

Combine with Ito Exploration

This park is in Ito, a great base for exploring Japan's history and coastal beauty. :camerawithflash:

Appreciate the Ship's Journey

Imagine the San Vena Ventura sailing across the Pacific from Ito 400 years ago. Truly inspiring! :ship:

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Tips

from all over the internet

Learn about William Adams

Research Miura Anjin's story before visiting for a richer experience. He was a fascinating historical figure! :book:

Combine with Ito Exploration

This park is in Ito, a great base for exploring Japan's history and coastal beauty. :camerawithflash:

Appreciate the Ship's Journey

Imagine the San Vena Ventura sailing across the Pacific from Ito 400 years ago. Truly inspiring! :ship:

What Travellers Say

3.9
(21 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise Anjin Memorial Park for its historical significance, particularly its commemoration of William Adams and Japan's first Western-style shipbuilding. The park offers a tangible connection to a unique period of international exchange. While it's a relatively small site, its historical value is highly appreciated by those interested in Japan's maritime past.

"Anjin-sama (William Adams) mural in Ito.
If you happen to watch Shogun or is interested about Japan's history and Iyasu story. You should visit Ito. ✨"

Arlene Magalso

"Memorial to an incredible man with a great story"

Adam Cowell

"William Adams (Miura Anjin), the first Englishman to visit Japan, spent 20 years in Japan. He worked for the Netherlands, Britain, and Japan, maintaining his pride as an impartial internationalist and leading a turbulent life. 😄👏
This is the place where Japan's first two Western-style sailing ships were built. ✨"

居酒屋右京

What People Like

Historical significance
Commemoration of William Adams
Shipbuilding history

What People Dislike

Small size

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Anjin Memorial Park is located in Ito City, Shizuoka Prefecture. From Tokyo, you can take the JR Ito Line to Ito Station, which is about a 10-minute walk from the park. If you're coming from other parts of Japan, consider Shinkansen to Atami and then transfer to the Ito Line. :bullettrain:

Yes, Anjin Memorial Park is accessible by car. There is parking available, though it might be limited during peak seasons. It's advisable to check local parking availability beforehand. :car:

The most convenient way to reach Ito from Tokyo is via the JR Ito Line. The journey takes approximately 2.5 to 3 hours. If you're coming from Osaka or Kyoto, take the Shinkansen to Atami Station and then transfer to the Ito Line. :train2:

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Anjin Memorial Park is generally free to enter. It's a public park dedicated to commemorating Miura Anjin and the shipbuilding history of Ito. :ticket:

As a public park, Anjin Memorial Park is typically open year-round during daylight hours. There are no strict opening or closing times, allowing visitors to explore at their leisure. :clock:

Yes, you can visit Anjin Memorial Park at any time during daylight hours. It's an outdoor space, so access is generally unrestricted. :sunflower:

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

At Anjin Memorial Park, you can see a monument commemorating the site of Japan's first Western-style sailing ship construction, a monument honoring Miura Anjin's achievements, a bust of Miura Anjin, and a bronze statue of the sailing ship San Vena Ventura. :statueofliberty:

Absolutely! The park is dedicated to William Adams (Miura Anjin), the first Englishman in Japan, and the construction of Japan's first Western-style ships. It's a must-visit for anyone interested in Japan's early international relations and maritime history. :scroll:

A visit to Anjin Memorial Park can take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour, depending on your interest in the historical context. It's a relatively compact site, perfect for a brief but insightful stop. :stopwatch:

Anjin Memorial Park primarily features monuments and statues. While there aren't interactive exhibits in the modern sense, the historical significance of the site itself provides a deeply engaging experience for visitors. :thought_balloon:

📸 📸 Photography

The bronze statue of the San Vena Ventura sailing ship is a popular subject for photos, especially with the ocean or sky as a backdrop. The bust of Miura Anjin and the main monument also offer great historical photo opportunities. :camerawithflash:

While the focus is historical, the park's location near the coast can offer pleasant scenic views, particularly during sunrise or sunset. The statues themselves are also visually striking. :mountain_sunrise:

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Anjin Memorial Park offers a unique historical lesson that can be engaging for older children interested in stories of adventure and exploration. While there are no playgrounds, the statues of the ship and the historical figures can spark imagination. Encourage kids to learn about William Adams, the 'blue-eyed samurai,' and his incredible journey to Japan. It's a good spot for a brief, educational stop during a family trip to Ito. :child:

📚 History Buffs

For those fascinated by Japan's history, particularly its early interactions with the West, Anjin Memorial Park is a must-visit. It directly commemorates William Adams (Miura Anjin), a pivotal figure in shipbuilding and diplomacy during the Edo period. The park provides a tangible connection to the construction of Japan's first Western-style ships and the historical context of that era. :old_key:

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Legacy of Miura Anjin (William Adams)

Miura Anjin, known to the West as William Adams, was an English navigator who became the first foreigner to be granted samurai status in Japan. He arrived in 1600 and quickly gained the trust of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the future Shogun. Adams' expertise in shipbuilding and navigation was invaluable to Ieyasu, leading to the construction of Japan's first Western-style sailing ships at Ito.

His influence extended beyond shipbuilding; he also served as a diplomatic advisor, helping to establish trade relations with European powers. Adams' life in Japan was a remarkable blend of cultural adaptation and international diplomacy, making him a pivotal figure in Japan's early engagement with the West. The park stands as a tribute to his extraordinary journey and contributions. Reddit

The story of William Adams is a fascinating intersection of East and West, highlighting a period of significant change in Japanese history.

Shipbuilding at Ito: The San Vena Ventura

Anjin Memorial Park specifically commemorates the construction of Japan's first Western-style sailing ships. The most notable of these was the San Vena Ventura, a vessel built under the guidance of William Adams. This ship was not just a feat of engineering for its time but also a symbol of Japan's burgeoning maritime capabilities and its opening to global trade.

The bronze statue at the park depicts the San Vena Ventura, a reminder of the actual ship that sailed across the Pacific Ocean to Mexico. This historical voyage underscores the ambition and skill involved in its construction. The park’s location at the mouth of the Matsukawa River in Ito is where this groundbreaking shipbuilding took place, connecting the present-day visitor to a significant moment in Japanese maritime history. Reddit

Historical Context



Tokugawa Ieyasu's decision to employ a British navigator like Adams was strategic. It allowed Japan to develop its own shipbuilding technology, reducing reliance on foreign vessels and enabling exploration and trade. The construction of these ships marked a turning point, paving the way for Japan's future naval development.

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