Yokohama — Japan’s second-largest city and Tokyo’s southern neighbor — is a destination in its own right rather than a simple day trip: a port city of international character, architectural layers from the Meiji-era treaty port to contemporary waterfront development, Japan’s largest Chinatown, and a distinctive urban identity shaped by its 160 years as Japan’s primary gateway to the outside world. Its 30-minute accessibility from central Tokyo makes it an excellent addition to any Tokyo-area itinerary.
Getting to Yokohama
- JR Tokaido Line / Shonan-Shinjuku Line: From Tokyo Station (28 min, ¥480), Shibuya (30 min, ¥480), or Shinjuku (32 min, ¥480). Fully covered by JR Pass and Suica.
- Tokyu Toyoko Line: From Shibuya direct to Yokohama (27 min, ¥270). Cheaper and slightly faster from Shibuya than JR.
- Keikyu Line: From Haneda Airport to Yokohama (18 min, ¥340) — best airport connection.
- Minato Mirai Line: Connects Yokohama Station to the waterfront district (Minato Mirai, Chinatown, Yamashita Park) continuing as an extension of the Tokyu Toyoko from Shibuya.
Chinatown (中華街)
Yokohama Chinatown is Japan’s largest — established in 1859 when Yokohama opened as a treaty port and Chinese merchants followed the Western traders. Today approximately 600 Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural businesses occupy a 0.2 sq km area centered on a grid of streets with five decorated gatese (paifang). The food quality ranges from tourist-trap to genuinely excellent; the dim sum specialists and Shanghainese restaurants are the highlights. Street food: pork buns (butaman), mooncakes, xiaolongbao. Most active on weekend afternoons and evenings.
What to Eat in Chinatown
- Butaman (肉まん): Huge steamed pork buns sold from shop fronts — Yokohama-style are larger than standard Japanese convenience store versions. Heichinrou and Manchinro are the famous producers.
- Dim sum (飲茶): Weekend brunch dim sum at established restaurants like Manchinro Honten or Heichinrou; reservation recommended for groups.
- Peking duck: Several restaurants specialize; Kaseiro is considered the finest Chinese restaurant in Yokohama.
- Zaru ramen: Yokohama’s own style, served cold with dipping broth — a local specialty available at ramen shops in and around Chinatown.
Minato Mirai 21
Yokohama’s waterfront redevelopment district — built on former shipyard land from the 1980s onward — is now the city’s modern face: the 296 m Yokohama Landmark Tower, the historic Red Brick Warehouse (Akarenga Souko), the Yokohama Cosmo World amusement park, and Yokohama Museum of Art.
Landmark Tower Sky Garden
Japan’s second-tallest building (296 m) at the time of construction (1993); the 69th-floor Sky Garden observatory (273 m) provides views over the bay, Yokohama port, and on clear days, Mt. Fuji and the Tokyo skyline. Entry ¥1,000; the elevator — one of Japan’s fastest at 45 km/h, reaching the top in 40 seconds — is itself an experience. Open until 10:30 PM; recommended for sunset and night views.
Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse (赤レンガ倉庫)
Two Meiji-era brick warehouses (1911, 1913) converted into a waterfront cultural and shopping complex. The architecture is distinctive and beautifully maintained; the outdoor plaza hosts seasonal markets (winter illumination, summer beer garden, jazz events). The complex houses restaurants, craft shops, and a hall for small events. Free to enter; the view of the warehouse from the harbor promenade is one of Yokohama’s most photogenic.
Yamashita Park & Harbor Views
The long waterfront park along Yokohama Bay connects the Chinatown area to the Minato Mirai waterfront. The Hikawa Maru — a 1929 luxury ocean liner now permanently moored — is open as a museum (¥300). The park promenade offers harbor views, cruise ship sightings, and the Marine Tower (originally a lighthouse, now an observation tower). Easy 20-minute walk from Chinatown or reached by Minato Mirai Line (Motomachi-Chukagai Station).
Yamate (Bluff District)
The hillside Yamate district was the residential area for Yokohama’s foreign community during the Meiji and Taisho eras. Several preserved Western-style mansions and garden villas (Yamate Western Houses) can be visited free of charge — unique examples of early 20th-century Western domestic architecture surviving in Japan. The Yamate area offers a quiet, European-flavored atmosphere contrasting with Chinatown’s vitality below.
Cup Noodles Museum
The interactive museum dedicated to instant ramen — invented by Momofuku Ando in 1958 — is one of Yokohama’s most popular attractions. Visitors can design their own custom Cup Noodle (¥500, 40-min experience) with personalized cup decoration and chosen toppings. The Chicken Ramen Factory workshop (advance booking, ¥600) makes hand-made original chicken ramen from scratch. Entry ¥500; located in Minato Mirai. Crowds peak on weekends — book the hands-on experiences online in advance.
Sankeien Garden (三溪園)
A 17.5-hectare traditional Japanese garden created by silk merchant Hara Tomitaro (1906), incorporating 17 historic buildings transplanted from Kyoto, Kamakura, and Nikko — including a three-story pagoda from Kyoto’s Tomyoji (1457). One of Japan’s finest transplanted historical garden collections and considerably less visited than its quality warrants. Entry ¥900. 20 minutes by bus from JR Negishi Station. Best in plum season (February–March) and autumn foliage.