Yokohama travel guide
Yokohama Tourism | Yokohama Guide
You're Going to Love Yokohama
Yokohama is full of surprises; you can stroll along the beautiful harbor in the morning and then explore the quirky Cups Noodle Museum, check out a cutting-edge art show in the evening, and cap off the night at a sizzling jazz club.
Top 5 Reasons to Visit Yokohama
1. Get Out on the Town
From a dining scene with international influences to tasty microbrewery beers, hot jazz clubs, or dance bars, you'll find food and nightlife options to please every taste.
2. Shop Till You Drop
Whatever you're looking for - whether it's electronics, clothing, and other consumer goods - you'll find it in the seemingly endless number of huge modern malls.
3. Enjoy Amusement Parks
You can enjoy dolphins, penguins, and more at Hakkeijima Sea Paradise, or visit the animals at the Nogeyama Zoo. From water parks to spas and more, the city will keep you entertained.
4. Escape Outside
Yokohama is home to many beautiful parks, including the picturesque seaside Yamashita Park where you'll find many street performers.
5. Chinatown
Yokohama is home to the largest Chinatown in the country, with more than 500 shops and restaurants full of bargain shopping and great eats.
What to do in Yokohama
1. Red Brick Warehouse: Where History Collides with Commerce and Culture
The famous Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse brings together commercial and cultural activities in a large red brick building that is a hallmark of history. Situated on the edge of the Tokyo Bay and akin to New York City's Chelsea Market, the Red Brick Warehouse has over 40 shops including oceanfront cafes, restaurants, banquet halls, food stalls, and event venues. The first floor has all the food options your palate could hope for. Once you've gorged, why not get in some cardio by shopping at any of the cute boutiques featuring local and global brands. Once you're done strolling the enclosed alleyways and sniffing out deals, head to the third floor for some slow jazz and a second go-round with a seafood buffet.
2. Minato Mirai: The Harbor of the Future
The distinctive edge of this central urban area makes Minato Mirai an integral part of the skyline of Yokohama. Amongst its plethora of high-rises looms the Landmark Tower, standing at an impressive 972 feet high. Besides this, travelers would do well to visit the area at night, when the Queen's Tower and Cosmo World Ferris Wheel are lit up to the nines. The latter offers stunning views of the harbor and bay. Once you're done, relax with a hot springs bath, head to the amusement park, or take in a couple of exhibits at the museum.
3. Landmark Tower: The View From Way Up Here
On the 69th floor of the Landmark Tower is its Sky Garden, a stunning observatory deck with a 360-degree view of Yokohama as well as the incredible Mt. Fuji, on particularly clear days. The building itself is not just confined to offices - it also houses a five-star hotel and shops, restaurants, and clinics as well as one of the world's fastest elevators.
4. Sankei-en Park: Restored and Revived
The Sankei Hara, as it is locally known, was built by Tomitaro Hara and opened in 1906. Though much of it succumbed to destruction during the Second World War, its donation to the City of Yokohama saw its beautiful revival into the space of serenity it is today. The Sankei-en Park is open to visitors to relax and roam in traditional Japanese-style garden surroundings. Its peaceful ponds, streams, and wide, meandering pathways leading up small bridges and past blossoms with the Three Storied Pagoda in the background makes this a place you'll never want to leave.
5. Shin-Yokohama Rāmen Museum: A Taste of Japan
Only in Japan would you expect to have a museum dedicated entirely to a global Japanese favorite, Ramen. If you've never tried a bowl or are just woefully unaware of its origins and evolution into the national staple it is today, the Shin-Yokohama Rāmen Museum is well worth a visit. Sort of like Caesar's Palace in Las Vegas, the building has an enclosed recreation of 1958 Tokyo in the evening, with branches of major ramen restaurants setting up shop here.
1. Red Brick Warehouse: Where History Collides with Commerce and Culture
The famous Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse brings together commercial and cultural activities in a large red brick building that is a hallmark of history. Situated on the edge of the Tokyo Bay and akin to New York City's Chelsea Market, the Red Brick Warehouse has over 40 shops including oceanfront cafes, restaurants, banquet halls, food stalls, and event venues. The first floor has all the food options your palate could hope for. Once you've gorged, why not get in some cardio by shopping at any of the cute boutiques featuring local and global brands. Once you're done strolling the enclosed alleyways and sniffing out deals, head to the third floor for some slow jazz and a second go-round with a seafood buffet.
2. Minato Mirai: The Harbor of the Future
The distinctive edge of this central urban area makes Minato Mirai an integral part of the skyline of Yokohama. Amongst its plethora of high-rises looms the Landmark Tower, standing at an impressive 972 feet high. Besides this, travelers would do well to visit the area at night, when the Queen's Tower and Cosmo World Ferris Wheel are lit up to the nines. The latter offers stunning views of the harbor and bay. Once you're done, relax with a hot springs bath, head to the amusement park, or take in a couple of exhibits at the museum.
3. Landmark Tower: The View From Way Up Here
On the 69th floor of the Landmark Tower is its Sky Garden, a stunning observatory deck with a 360-degree view of Yokohama as well as the incredible Mt. Fuji, on particularly clear days. The building itself is not just confined to offices - it also houses a five-star hotel and shops, restaurants, and clinics as well as one of the world's fastest elevators.
4. Sankei-en Park: Restored and Revived
The Sankei Hara, as it is locally known, was built by Tomitaro Hara and opened in 1906. Though much of it succumbed to destruction during the Second World War, its donation to the City of Yokohama saw its beautiful revival into the space of serenity it is today. The Sankei-en Park is open to visitors to relax and roam in traditional Japanese-style garden surroundings. Its peaceful ponds, streams, and wide, meandering pathways leading up small bridges and past blossoms with the Three Storied Pagoda in the background makes this a place you'll never want to leave.
5. Shin-Yokohama Rāmen Museum: A Taste of Japan
Only in Japan would you expect to have a museum dedicated entirely to a global Japanese favorite, Ramen. If you've never tried a bowl or are just woefully unaware of its origins and evolution into the national staple it is today, the Shin-Yokohama Rāmen Museum is well worth a visit. Sort of like Caesar's Palace in Las Vegas, the building has an enclosed recreation of 1958 Tokyo in the evening, with branches of major ramen restaurants setting up shop here.
Where to Eat in Yokohama
For classic Japanese cuisine, including the traditional gyu-nabe, a beef dish, try Araiya. Set menus begin at ¥1300. The Charcoal Grill Green serves grilled steak, pork, and prawn, along with a nice selection of wines and craft beer. Main dishes start at ¥1100.
When to visit Yokohama
Yokohama enjoys warm temperatures for much of the year, with daytime highs ranging from 65 to 87 between March and November, when most visitors come to the city.
How to Get to Yokohama
Plane
The closest international airports are located in Tokyo, with the majority of international travelers passing through Narita Airport (NRT), about 60 miles from Yokohama. The Narita Express trains make the trip to Yokohama about every half hour for ¥4,380 one way.
Train
There is extensive daily train service linking Yokohama with Tokyo and the rest of Japan provided by a number of companies, including the Tokyu Toyoko Line and the JR Keihin-Tohoku Line.
Car
The drive from Tokyo to Yokohama takes about a half an hour one way via Route 1. The city connects to the rest of Japan via a network of highways.
Bus
There are many options when it comes to bus connections between Yokohama and Tokyo, Kyoto, Mount Fuji, and other major centers.
Airlines serving Yokohama
Where to stay in Yokohama
Kannai - this district includes the historic waterfront and attractions like the Marine Tower and Osanbashi Pier, the perfect spot to watch the sun set.
Popular Neighborhoods in Yokohama
Minato Mirai 21 - this district of the city has a futuristic aesthetic and offers a wealth of dining and shopping options, including the huge Landmark Plaza/Queen's Square complex.
Yamate and Motomachi - these districts border each other along the hillside, where you'll find great shopping amid wonderful views of the harbor.
Where to stay in popular areas of Yokohama
Most booked hotels in Yokohama
How to Get Around Yokohama
Public Transportation
The city is serviced by two subway lines, the Yokohama Minatomirai or JR East Line, where a day pass costs ¥520, and the Minato Burari or MM21 line, where a day pass is ¥500.
Taxi
Taxis are plentiful in the city, with rates that begin at ¥730, increasing by ¥310 every 0.6 mile.
Car
Parking can be at a premium in the tourist-heavy areas near the waterfront and Chinatown. Rentals from companies like Europcar start at around ¥7,500 per day.
The Cost of Living in Yokohama
Shopping Streets
Along with Minato Mirai 21, the area around Yokohama train station is where you'll find the most shopping choices, including Yodobashi Yokohama, an enormous electronics outlet.
Groceries and Other
The Grocery Market Minatomirai has a great selection of fresh foods at reasonable prices. A quart of milk costs about ¥205, and a dozen eggs about ¥235.