In 1868, just as Japan was being opened up to foreign trade, a small group of English merchants formed Japan's first cricket team, calling it the Yokohama Cricket Club. Located where the Yokohama Stadium now stands, the club flourished. It was eventually moved to its present location in 1912. Some years later, following a merger with the Union Club, the name was changed to the Yokohama Country & Athletic Club.

Throughout the years, YC&AC has continued to expand and is now a full scale sports club boasting almost 40 nationalities amongst its members and offering one of the most extensive sports and leisure complexes to be found in Japan.