Verny Park: Where French Gardens Meet Japanese Harbor Views

A Living Memorial

In the heart of Yokosuka's bustling waterfront lies Verny Park, an elegant French-style garden that serves as both a peaceful retreat and a testament to international friendship. Named after François Léonce Verny, the French engineer who transformed Yokosuka's maritime industry during the Meiji era, this beautiful space bridges two cultures through the universal language of garden design.

Franҫois Léonce VERNY

Verney Park is named after Léonce Verney, a French engineer who guided the construction of the Yokosuka Arsenal and other modern facilities and helped modernize Japan.

A Rose Lover's Paradise

The park's crown jewel is its magnificent rose garden, where hundreds of carefully tended roses bloom in a spectacular array of colors. From delicate pink to deep crimson, these flowers create a kaleidoscope of color that changes with the seasons. Spring through early summer marks the peak blooming season, when the garden reaches the height of its glory and the air is perfumed with the sweet fragrance of roses.

French Design Meets Japanese Views

At the center of this meticulously planned garden stands a classical fountain, its flowing waters providing a soothing soundtrack to visitors' strolls. The surrounding landscape follows traditional French garden principles, with symmetrical pathways and carefully manicured flowerbeds creating an atmosphere of refined elegance. This European-inspired design offers a striking contrast to the distinctly Japanese vista of Yokosuka Harbor, where naval vessels from both Japan's Self-Defense Force and the U.S. Navy create an ever-changing maritime backdrop.

Evening Enchantment

As day turns to dusk, Verny Park transforms into an enchanted garden. Gentle illumination bathes the fountain and flowerbeds in golden light, while the setting sun paints the harbor in warm hues. This magical hour offers photographers and romantics alike a chance to capture the park's beauty in its most captivating light.

A Place for All Seasons

Whether you're seeking a moment of quiet contemplation, a romantic setting, or a family-friendly destination, Verny Park welcomes all visitors with its blend of natural beauty and historical significance. Each visit offers a new perspective on this unique space where French garden tradition meets Japanese maritime heritage.