Just half an hour south of Tokyo, many visitors to Japan may assume that Yokohama is nothing more than extension of Japan’s capital, but this large port city has a rich international history that’s seen in its culture and food.
As one of the first ports in Japan to open up to foreign trade in 1859, Yokohama rapidly became an international hub, evident in its abundance of Western architecture and Japan’s largest Chinatown, alongside unmistakeably Japanese traditions. It is well worth a visit from Toyko or for a stay in its own right, offering a great base to explore the surrounding area and places like Kamakura.
So what should you do in Yokohama?
Minato Mirai 21
One of Yokohama’s greatest attractions is its redeveloped shipyard district, Minato Mirai, meaning Harbour of the Future. Notable attractions include the Landmark Tower, which was once Japan’s tallest tower and home to the world’s fastest elevator. It has a great observation deck, offering spectacular night views of the city and the futuristic Minato Mirai district. You
can see Mt Fuji on clear days.
This area has a great deal of shopping districts like Queen’s Square and Landmark Plaza, restaurants and hotels, as well as a theme park (Cosmo World) and the Cosmo World Ferris Wheel, once considered the world’s largest clock. The permanently docked 1930 ship turned museum the Nippon Maru is also nearby, as well as the Cup Noodles Museum where visitors can make their own Cup Noodles, voted Japan’s favourite invention. The Yokohama Museum of Art also isn’t far from here, holding a fantastic selection of modern art as well as works by some of the world’s most renowned artists.
Waterfront
A short walk from the futuristic Minato Mirai 21 district and you’ll notice the Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse, a sign of Yokohama’s history as one of Japan’s first newly opened ports. Built as customs houses in the early 20th century, this complex is now a major attraction, home to an art gallery space, shops and a restaurant arcade. It provides an interesting insight into how Japan was 100 years ago and shows the impact of international trade on the city.
The Marine and Walk restaurant and shopping complex is also nearby, with many good restaurants, as well as Ōsanbashi Pier (a good place to spot international cruise ships), the Hikawa Maru (an ocean liner turned hospital ship that survived the Second World War) and places to catch a water bus tour (the Sea Bass). Yamashita Park and the iconic Yokohama Marine Tower, billed as the world’s tallest lighthouse, are also close by. The Yokohama Archives of History aren’t far from here, which offer an interesting insight into Yokohama’s development.
International Influences
Head for Yokohama’s Chinatown and find yourself in a completely different world, filled with street food and over 300 restaurants. It is Japan’s largest Chinatown and is filled colours, enchanting smells and an exotic atmosphere. Be sure to visit the Yokohama Kanteibyo temple, dedicated to the Chinese god of prosperity. This is a great place to sample Chinese classics. If you can find it, check out the Taiwanese scallion pancakes. They will change your life.
Kanteibyo temple
A short walk from Chinatown and you’ll find Motomachi and Yamate, with a distinct Western influence on its buildings, restaurants and cafes, not to mention a foreign cemetery.
Other Things to See
Travel outside of the centre and you’ll find even more to see, such as Nogeyama Zoo, which is a free-to-enter zoo with a huge number of animals and one of our favourite things to do in Yokohama. The Kirin Beer Village and Ramen Museum aren’t too far from the centre either and show a good insight into two of Yokohama’s most famous exports. Travel a little further and you’ll find the peaceful Sankeien Garden, a beautiful Japanese landscaped gardens and a good place to experience Japanese green tea in stunning surrounds.
All in all, Yokohama is a great place to visit and a good option for a day trip from Tokyo. It’d also make a good option for a base from which to explore Tokyo, while being close to places like Japan’s ancient capital and the Kyoto of the East: Kamakura.
Click here to read about what to eat when in Yokohama.