The Hawaiian gazette. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu, Hawaii]) 1865-1918, 1872-05-01
Japan Correspondence.


Japan has been the scene of many socisl, com
mercial, physical and Constitutional changes
changes that are wonderful IN themselves and
tending to enlist the sympathies and admiration
Of the Western World-siuce 1855, when Yoke
hama was thrown open TO foreign commerce.
This important seaport was at that time small
village, chiefly inhabited by fishermen. KanagaVa,
ia tact. which IS situated on the opposite side Of
the harbor. and about a mile and halt from 0o-
\ kohama. was q place Of more Importance, -
indeed. the port was long known snder that name
and until very recently it was no uncommon
{ thing for ships TO clear from home ports for IA
nacava, instead Of for Yokohama TO which place
/ they were really bound, and where their cargoes
were to be discharged. The traveller to thus port
I in 1872 is acreeably surprised by the existence
OF comparatively large and thriving foreign
settlement, standing at the mouth Of valley
with veriautly-beautifp ana pretiily-wooded hills
on either side, and containing some very dne
buildings for so young place, remembering. too.
that shocks of earthquake OF frequent occur
renee. and might AT any tine hurl TO the ground
heavily-cousiructed premises; and hence it hap
pens that the buildings are often Of rather light
structure, and always. whether the walls are Of
stone or slate, built on wooden frame.
The principal buildings are the British and
American CoDsulates. and few Merchants prem
ises on the Buud. The Bund is fine Espianade
and the edihces forming its inner line or bound
airy, command a magnificent view of the harbor
and shipping. Its length approaches mile, and
it is kept in excellent repair, thus becoming the
best promenade in the town. There are also
some pretty and substantial residences on the
Bluff the suburban section Of Yokohama
which overlooks the settlement proper. and where
the site OF the British Camp was chosen, as also
that OF the Dutch Hospital. The Public Gardens,
too. impart further interest to this riciHa0s.
and the Rsce-courSe is on the sane range Of
hills, but between one and two miles from town.
The streets Of Nokohama-till recently rejecting
some discreiit OF the Municipal Director. as well
as on the japanese authorities whose duty it's.
in accordance with the terms Of the leases Of
land grsniei to foreigners, to make and keep
them il good -orier-are now well made. The
native sections OF Yokohama are entirely distinct
from the foreign the principal native locality is
to the west 10 tie right OF the foreign conces-
sion, looking ashore from the anchorage another
portion. Homura, lying to the left on the further
side Of creek which runs around the settlement.
between the Bluff and the foreign business town
on that side, then crossing the vaIley. running
past that section Of the native town first alluded
to. aDd into the harbor: thus, it viii Be seen,
the creek Rms into the bay a, both extremes Of .
Y okohaEna. and saei7cles the town, the two na-
tive sections lying on eitssr side. This creek Is
now being deepened. widened snd extended
cutting bang carried through the hills 10 Nissis
sippl Bay, a few miles down the barborl where
whar! for native craft i in course Of erection.
When this enteTPrising work Is completed native /
ressels viii be enabled to come up to Yokohama
" the creek. This great improvement and the
ailwsy, which is progressing fairly and viii be
,Pened to Passenge, traffic IN month or two,
impress stranger with favorable opinion OF
be enterprisiug sprit Of the place.
The European population numbers about 1000:
he native probably 10000. and these numbers
re daily increasing-at least as regards the na-
ives. for the Jspaue<e find there is better trade
0 be done ia. Yokohama than II exclusively na-
i've towns and cities.
Some Of the native streets are wide. in good
spair, aud wear cleanly aspect; but Others are /
arrow and dirty. and occasionally ones nasal
rgans are asSailed BY unpleasant odors. jap
nese houses, with few exceptions, are bull, Of
GOD, aud they are for the most part small. |
Rough there are some tolerably large business |
-emises. The shops are open IN front. the :
boring being raised about two feet above the
rect Level. and matted. They are usually kept I
clean. and there Is generally small I
sr4nda above the ground floor to prevent the =
in from beating inside, which also SERVES TO q
ard of the rzys Of the sun. Females are ire
lently seen sitting on their mats inside pa b
entity awaiting N opportunity to dispose Of
cir wares. and purchasers sometimes find that I
e novelty and pleasure of being served by 5
city Nippon dsa9issIsS. with bright glanc4s s
d pleasing contour are somewhat ruinous to 4
cir purses. Il
Yokohama can boast Of several good hotels, t,
e best being prominent! situated OF the Buud. c
lere families are accommodated IN f-st-class Il
re. It contains theatre-not Z very grand +
e, tbs true, bat one which. nevertheless. d
lrcely ever disappOiuts the expectations Of its :,
itors. 1t Is Tot often open. Tor as IN the case 4
Houolulu. the visits Of theatrical troaTes. Il
e those Of sngels, are few and far between: o,
: the members Of an amateur elub. among q
ION are some clever tyres IN drsmstic ART, ina =
sasure supply the place Of professionals
That little community rejo,oes. too. as before
imstei. in the possession Of Public Garden. :,
doubtless The Originators and Supporters Of !.
; scheme Tor its establishment have received :
It need Of praise which tbey merit. 1t is Z
.utifuly situated On the Buff preitily laid out. y
carefully attended to. Horticultural and bor- ="
ul;ural shows are occasionally held. which gen -
lly tske the form Of amusing entertainments. =
he hortaiory success sith whics The enter. y
Sc has met must BE- gratifying to all There =
\ church il the settlement AMI the generosity y
its members has displayed Itself IN the par 3.
.se Of fine organ. which sends its f1H. rich- u
hiding notes swelling upward every Sabbath u'
aiding Rooms and 4 TSh-s-r 80 .,-..-.,3 =: u