Though most cities would be swallowed up by the shadows of Tokyo, Yokohama stands tall as a beautiful and unique seaside experience. Located less than thirty minutes from Tokyo, Yokohama hosts a variety of distinct and memorable districts including Minato Mirai seaside, Yamashita Park, Chinatown, Motomachi shopping street and the historic Yamate district. With a rich history as Japan's largest port to the west there is much to discover in Yokohama.
When exploring Yokohama you will have a completely different experience than Tokyo. Though many of the big city elements exist in Japan's second largest city, Yokohama is more compact than Tokyo with fewer train lines making it a bit easier for tourists to navigate. Unlike Tokyo, you can also navigate many of the major attractions of Yokohama on foot. Walking from Chinatown to Minato Mirai is less than a few kilometers and along the way you could stop at any number of places including Yokohama Stadium (home of the Baystars), Yamashita Park, Osanbashi Pier, Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse, Cupnoodles Museum, Yokohama Cosmo World, Landmark Tower and too many gardens, aquariums and museums to mention! The following contains just a few of the points of interest in Yokohama.
Major points of interest
Chinatown
With over 150 years of history and more than 500 restaurants and shops Yokohama hosts one of the largest Chinatowns in the world. Walk the streets and view temples, tourist shops, and more. Eat in one of many restaurants or enjoy buying something from a street vendor and eating as you walk along.
Cupnoodles Museum
Interactive museum where anyone can come in and create their own ramen. View the history of ramen and let the children play at the CUPNOODLES Park. Prices for each section vary, but most can be accessed for around 300 Japanese Yen. Open from 9:00 to 19:00.
Minato Mirai 21
Minato Mirai is the central hub for business, shopping and tourism. Includes most of the areas major hotels and convention centers in addition to Yokohama Landmark Tower, the second tallest building in Japan. Also includes the Yokohama Museum of Art and the Nippon Maru, a four masted sailing ship/museum permanently docked in the harbor.
Sankeien Garden
These traditional gardens opened in 1906 and contain many historically significant structures and cultural properties of Japan. Sankeien is over 175 thousand square meters and features ponds, streams, winding paths and beautiful architecture. Admission is 500 yen and the gardens are open from 9:00 to 17:00.
Yokohama Craft Beer
Though not a specific point of interest, Yokohama is famous for its craft beer breweries and bars. Yokohama has a rich beer tradition and is home to the first major commercial brewery in Japan (now known as Kirin beer).
Yokohama Cosmo World
Amusement park in the center of Minato Mirai district home to the ferris wheel, prominent feature of Yokohama's skyline. Several rides are available including roller coasters and childrens rides with an average price between 300 and 700 yen. There are three districts for children, adolescent and adults and food stands located throughout.
Yokohama Hakkeijima Sea Paradise
An amusement park with aquarium, shopping mall, hotel, marina and rides. No admission charges and visitors have the option of buying a day pass or paying as you go. Home to East Japan's only display of whale sharks and over 100,000 more aquatic creatures. Perfect for a family trip or date location.
Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse
This historic area opened in 1911 and was once used for port customs. Today the buildings are open to tourists and are an attractive stopping point along the harbor. Warehouse No. 1 is a cultural facility for events, art exhibitions, theatre and music. Warehouse No. 2 house a shopping mall, restaurant arcade and a balcony on the third floor with views over the harbor.
Yokohama Convention and Visitors Bureau
For the most comprehensive collection of articles, photos and videos visit www.yokohamajapan.com. Explore activities, accommodation options and a comprehensive Yokohama events guide. Tourist resources include area maps, latest news, shop information, tour itineraries, weather, promotions, discounts and much more.
