(Edward L Holland arrives at Godzilla’s footprint at Tatarahama Beach Kannonzaki Japan )
Take a small trip back to the giant world of the first-generation Godzilla at the Tatarahama Observation Platform, rededicated by Toho Studios and the Kanagawa Prefecture Yokosuka Civil Engineering Office at Kannonzaki on April 25.
Yokosuka Naval Base is where the late, great Godzilla suit actor Haruo Nakajima trained during World War II. Yokosuka City is home to the Godzilla Slide at Kurihama Flower World and also the point where “Shodai Gojira” (First Generation Godzilla) sets foot on the mainland in his 1954 debut.
Godzilla’s footprint, located along the Uraga Channel of Tokyo Bay is not far from the Yokosuka Museum of Art, around the corner from the Kannonzaki Lighthouse and adjacent to the Kannonzaki Nature Museum with a bayside restaurant, serving local food and drinks. Way back in 1958, a then Tyrannosaur-like slide was constructed by Shigeo Kimura, president of the Kannonzaki Tourist Association for kids to enjoy at Tatarahama Beach. Before the area was even a prefectural park, it affectionately became known as the Godzilla slide.
Shodai Godzilla Footprint Park at Tatarahama Beach Kannonzaki Japan. (Photo by Edward L Holland )
In 1973, sea air withered away at the popular, concrete slide and the attraction was destroyed.
A one-tenth scaled footprint of Godzilla remained there for years, which led the Yokosuka Chamber of Commerce and Industry Youth Division in 1995 to fuel their own Godzilla major slide revival, completed in 1999 at Kurihama.
The puny impression of Godzilla’s footprint at Tatarahama was taken away this past April and now closely matches the grandeur of the 50-meter-high, 20,000 metric ton movie star from the 1954 epic.
Looking Towards Yokohama at Tatarahama Beach Kannonzaki Japan. (Photo by Edward L Holland )
Looking towards Kurihama at Tatarahama Beach Kannonzaki Japan. (Photo by Edward L Holland )
The footprint authorized and supervised by the Godzilla Room of Toho Co., designed and constructed by Toho Visual Art Co. is a low-rise bench in the shape of the King of Monster’s foot and four toes. The location is complimented by adjoining seats to take a break and enjoy ocean breezes above the monumental shoreline.
Kannonzaki Park’s official website and an onsite marker describe the project as a movement and opportunity “to express our gratitude to Godzilla, who has been loved in this area for so many years. We also installed a monument of Godzilla’s footprint to commemorate the 70th anniversary of Godzilla’s birth.”
Godzilla Ceremonial Marker Kannonzaki Japan (Photo by Edward L Holland )
It is appropriate that the locale which first housed a Godzilla slide, entertained countless children and families is now an official, permanent Godzilla area for generations of kaiju maniacs to treasure.
Safety Analyst and unabashed collector, Helmi Abdat from Melbourne, Australia visited the park prior to the reformation said, “It was a really nice experience to be at the spot where Godzilla first landed. The waves and location were so serene. I cannot wait to see the renovated, iconic place for tourists and Godzilla fans alike.”
Whether it’s a stroll along the Kannonzaki shore, or a deeper dive into Godzilla historic culture, the observation platform is a convenient day trip from Tokyo, reachable by train, bus, taxi, or automobile via the Yokohama Yokosuka expressway.
Take a kaiju load off this summer and imagine the first-gen king as he headed northeastward towards Tokyo on his first sojourn of destruction, just one of the multitudes of things to see and do in Yokosuka, the birthplace of the Empire of Japan.
Things to know
Location: Kannonzaki Park, 4-1262 Kamoi, Yokosuka, Kanagawa Prefecture
Hours: Park building hours vary, but public park area open 24 hrs.
Phone: 046-843-8316
Admission: Free for park. Other facilities like Kannonzaki Nature Museum and lighthouse have entrance fees.
GODZILLA TM & © TOHO CO., LTD.
Edward L. Holland is a US military veteran, civil servant, English language school manager, correspondent for Stripes Japan, and co-founder of Monster Attack Team, the largest English tokusatsu magazine to date, formerly published by Famous Monsters of Filmland. Follow him on Instagram @edwardlholland.
