Japan’s second largest city, Yokohama is a sprawling metropolis that has a long and storied history. Sitting along the western coast of Tokyo Bay, it began as a tiny fishing village, then served as an important port for foreign trade in the mid 19th century, and currently boasts of many modern structures, such as skyscrapers with picturesque views of the harbor, and historically and culturally significant landmarks, such as well-preserved 19th century districts and one of the largest Chinatown in the world.
What To Do In Yokohama
Yokohama is home to several tourist sites and attractions, making it a popular day trip from Tokyo. On your next visit to Japan, check out the following highly rated Yokohama sightseeing spots:
- Enjoy delicious food in Chinatown.
Situated in the heart of Yokohama, the Yokohama Chinatown is the largest Chinatown in Japan. It has an abundance of eateries, food shops, diners, and restaurants that offer a diverse menu of Chinese dishes. You can easily spend hours in this district, trying some tasty ramen and steamed buns, shopping for souvenirs, and exploring the Kanteibyo temple grounds.
Also, every Chinese New Year, brightly colored lanterns and streamers are everywhere, and there is a parade of people dressed in traditional clothing and various song and dance performances.
- Check out Minato Mirai 21.
A modern and urban harborside district, Minato Mirai 21 is Yokohama’s entertainment district, with a plethora of high-rises, luxury hotels, shopping malls and department stores, and other business establishments.
If you love shopping, you can find a wide selection of local and international brands at the Red Brick Warehouses, Marine & Walk Yokohama, Landmark Plaza, and Queen’s Square. If you are travelling with your kids or you are just a child at heart, you should drop by Cosmo World, which is an amusement park that has a large Ferris Wheel and a variety of other rides and attractions. If you want to enjoy fantastic views of the city, go up the 296-meter tall Landmark Tower’s Sky Garden Observatory.
- Stroll around the Sankeien Garden.
For some nature experience, visit the Sankein Garden, which is a Japanese-style garden with more than a century’s worth of history. First opened to the public in 1906, it boasts of a diverse collection of flowering plants and trees, a central pond, many small rivers, and scenic and quiet walking trails. It also has tea houses, a three-storied pagoda, a preserved former residence of a feudal lord, and the main hall of Tomyoji Temple.
For more information on the Sankein Garden, visit the Sankeien Garden’s official website.
- Make your own special instant cup noodle at Cup Noodles Museum.
If you love ramen, the Cup Noodles Museum is a must-see. Founded by the Nissin Food Company, it offers an interactive experience that gives you the chance to learn about the history of instant cup noodles. It also gives you the opportunity to make your own instant cup noodle recipe — featuring your choice of seasonings, toppings, and flavors.
To know the opening hours, ticket costs, and other information, go to the Cup Noodles Museum official website.
- Fill your stomach with delicious Japanese ramen at Shin-Yokohama Ramen Museum.
If you want more ramen-related activities, head to the Shin-Yokohama Ramen Museum. It has many displays and information on the different types of ramen offered in the different regions of Japan, and has a food court with nine ramen restaurants that specialize in some of the best-tasting Japanese ramen you will ever have.
The Ramen Museum’s official website has information on the menu, opening hours, access, and others.
- Discover the world of Japanese beer at Kirin Beer Factory.
For beer enthusiasts, a visit to Yokohama will not be complete without doing the Kirin Beer Factory Tour. The 80-minute tour takes you through the origins of Japanese beer, the founding of Kirin, and the brewing and bottling processes. At the end, there is a beer tasting session that gives you the chance to taste some of Kirin Beer’s best products and light snacks.
Visit the Kirin Beer Factory official website to reserve a spot in advance and learn more about Kirin.
How To Get Around Yokohama
Yokohama is served by two major train stations — Yokohama Station and Shin-Yokohama Station, and to get to the city’s top tourist spots, you can go just go on foot as many of them are located a few minutes’ walk away.
Alternatively, you can use the two subway lines and the loop bus that serve the city to get to these sites.
For more information on Yokohama’s tourist loop bus and other transportation options, visit the Yokohama Official Visitors’ Guide.
How To Get To Yokohama
There are several train lines that connect Tokyo and Yokohama. Among the options, the fastest is the JR Tokaido Line, which can take you from Tokyo Station to Yokohama Station in just 25 minutes. A one-way ride costs 470 yen.
If you are looking for the cheapest option, a ride on the Tokyu Toyoko Line from Shibuya Station in Tokyo to Yokohama only costs 270 yen, and takes 25 minutes.
If you want the Japanese bullet train experiences, the JR Tokaido Shinkansen line can take you from Tokyo Station to Shin-Yokohama Station in 15 minutes.
Other transportation options available between Tokyo and Yokohama are the:
- JR Yokosuka Line – A one-way ride from Tokyo Station takes about 30 minutes and costs 470 yen.
- JR Shonan Shinjuku Line – A one-way ride from Shinjuku Station takes about 30 minutes and costs 550 yen, and a one-way ride form Shibuya Station takes about 20 minutes and costs 390 yen.
- JR Keihin-Tohoku Line – A one-way ride from Tokyo Station takes about 40 minutes and costs 470 yen.
- Keikyu Keihinkyuko Line – A one-way ride from Shinagawa Station takes about 20 minutes and costs 300 yen.
