Verny Park

About

• This park incorporates French garden elements and overlooks the former Yokosuka Ironworks site, whose construction was aided by French engineer Verny, on the opposite bank of the park. Centered around French-style flower beds, the park's gardens showcase approximately 1,300 rose buses of roughly 130 varieties, each grouped by theme. These include roses from Japan and France, as well as varieties associated with Kangawa Prefecture, adding a vibrant melody of color throughout the grounds. The Rose Festival is held during the spring and fall peak rose seasons (May and October), attacting many visitors.

Telework Center: This working space opened in January 2023. Visitors can use it while enjoying views of Yokosuka Port and moored naval vessels.

Verny Commemorative Museum: This museum showcases Verny's achievements and displays actual steam hammers used at the Yokosuka Ironworks: a 3-ton hammer and a 0.5-ton hammer. Interactive exhibits help children learn about “weight, energy, and machinery.” The museum also features video programs explaining industrial history and 3D displays of the Yokosuka Ironworks, among other exhibits.

Yokosuka Modern Heritage Museum Thibaudier Residence: This was the official residence of Jules César Claude Tibodier, Deputy Director of the Yokosuka Ironworks. Built around 1869 (Meiji 2), it was one of the oldest western-style buildings on Honshu until its demolition in 2003 (Heisei 15). The museum displays the relocated roof trusses of the original structure and exhibits detailing the history of the Yokosuka Ironworks, which helped lay the foundation for Japan's modernization.

Travel tip

This park is filled with beautiful roses and monuments from Verny's time in Japan. At one end is the Verny Museum celebrating Frenchman Francious L. Verny's contribution to the industrialization of Japan.