A Chinese quarter, a modern waterfront, European concessions… the port city of Yokohama, capital of Kanagawa Prefecture, fully embraces its cosmopolitan character. In just over a century and a half, this former fishing village located 40 km south of Tokyo has grown into a sprawling metropolis, now ranked as Japan's second-largest urban agglomeration.

History

Originally, Yokohama was little more than a simple fishing village nestled on Tama Hill. From 1635 to 1867, the isolationist policies of the Tokugawa Shogunate prevented maritime trade between Japan and the outside world, with the exception of ships from China and the Netherlands. In 1859, the empire signed the "Treaty of Commerce and Navigation" with the United States, which spurred the emergence of Yokohama and its harbor.

Yokohama suffered the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923 and American air raids during World War II, but each time it managed to rebuild.

What to See and Do in Yokohama?

Chinatown (Chukagai)

Yokohama is home to Japan's largest Chinatown, Chukagai, a vibrant and colorful destination. This lively district offers genuine immersion in Chinese culture, with hundreds of shops and restaurants to explore. Visitors can savor specialties such as nikuman, a steamed bun filled with meat, or indulge in delicacies like Peking duck.

Yokohama's Chinatown is also famous for its magnificent temples. Among these, the Kanteibyo Temple, dedicated to the god of prosperity, is the most renowned. Streets are often decorated with lanterns and paper dragons, creating a magical atmosphere, especially at night.

Landmark Tower

Japan's second-tallest building at 296 meters, Landmark Tower is unmissable during your visit to Yokohama. It is the city's most iconic structure. Its ultra-fast elevator will whisk you to the 69th floor in seconds, where the Sky Garden observation deck awaits. It offers breathtaking views of the city, Tokyo Bay and, on clear days, Mount Fuji. Located in the modern Minato Mirai district, the tower houses offices, a luxury hotel, shops and restaurants, combining exceptional urban experiences with panoramic vistas.

The Shinyokohama Ramen Museum

The Shinyokohama Ramen Museum is the world's only museum dedicated to ramen. On the first floor, you'll discover a gallery tracing the history of ramen in Japan, emphasizing the success of instant noodles and presenting the different varieties of noodles, broths and toppings used across the country, along with their manufacturing process.

In the basement, a full-scale replica of Shitamachi streets from 1950s Tokyo recreates the ambiance of the era when ramen was gaining popularity. Nine restaurants offering regional ramens, with mini-portion options to sample several varieties, await your discovery.

Yamate and Motomachi

Yamate and Motomachi are two historic neighborhoods of Yokohama. They stand as witnesses to Western influence in Japan following the end of isolationism. Yamate, once a residence for Westerners, is now a hillside district with charming parks like Harbor View. You'll find period buildings open to the public and furnished in their original style. Just below, Motomachi shopping street now features upscale boutiques and cafés.

Sankeien Garden

Sankeien is a magnificent traditional Japanese garden designed in 1906 by a wealthy silk merchant. It is known for its historic buildings, pagodas and tea houses, which have been relocated here from across Japan. Its peaceful landscapes make it an ideal place for relaxation and cultural discovery.

Yokohama International Passenger Terminal

The Yokohama International Passenger Terminal is a modern 400-meter-long pier situated between Minato Mirai and Yamashita Park. Renovated in 2002, it stands out for its innovative design, featuring walkways and green spaces imitating waves. It's an excellent spot for a stroll and enjoys superb views of Yokohama. It hosts international cruises while offering shops and restaurants.

Yamashita Park

Yamashita Park, created in 1923, stretches along Yokohama's waterfront. Composed largely of green space, it's also a pleasant place for a walk. Within it sits the Hikawa Maru, a luxury ocean liner launched in 1930 and retired in 1960. The Japanese imperial family and Charlie Chaplin have traveled aboard her. The ship, with its 1930s interiors, is now a museum.

Another attraction near Yamashita Park is the Yokohama Marine Tower, a 106-meter-high lighthouse providing 360-degree panoramic views of the surrounding area.

Nippon Maru and the Yokohama Port Museum

The Nippon Maru is a historic training ship moored in Yokohama. It is now transformed into a museum. Nearby stands the Yokohama Port Museum, which offers a fascinating exploration of Yokohama's port history and Japan's maritime evolution.

Other interesting sites to visit in Yokohama:

• Zoorasia Zoo with its diverse animal species (red pandas, Japanese black bears, tanuki, Tibetan macaques…);
• The Cosmo World amusement park and its iconic Ferris wheel;
• Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse and its shops;
• Hakkeijima Aquarium with 50,000 sardines.
• The Cup Noodles Museum, an interactive and entertaining museum showcasing the history of instant noodles.

Numerous local and regional train lines serve Yokohama Station. Shin-Yokohama Station also contributes to the city's rail network, welcoming Shinkansen bullet trains, subways and JR local Yokohama lines.

Among the options available to reach Yokohama are:

• The Tokyo Toyoko subway line departing from Shibuya Station. The journey takes 30 minutes.
• The Minato Mirai line, an extension of the Tokyo Toyoko line, passing through Shin-Takashimacho, Minatomirai, Bashamichi, Nihon Odori and Motomachi-Chukagai stations.
• The JR Ueno-Tokyo line with the main Tokaido line from Tokyo, Ueno or Shinagawa stations.
• The JR Shonan Shinjuku line departing from Shinjuku, Shibuya, Osaki, Ebisu or Ikebukuro.
• The main JR Tokaido line if you're at Shinagawa or Tokyo.
• The JR Yokosuka line from Tokyo or Shinagawa stations.
• The JR Keihin-Tohoku line departing from Tokyo, Akihabara, Nippori, Ueno or Shinagawa stations.
• The main Keihin Kyuko line from Shinagawa or Haneda Airport.
• The Sotetsu line connecting Yokohama to Ebina and Shonan-dai.

Driving in Yokohama is not very convenient. Public transport is more recommended:

• From Yokohama Station, you can take the Minato Mirai subway line to reach the harbor and Chinatown. The Negishi line trains also serve the Chinese district and Minato Mirai area.
• The Akai Kutsu tourist bus, recognizable by its red color, traverses the Chinatown, Minato Mirai and Motomachi neighborhoods.
• The Sea Bass shuttle connects JR Yokohama Station (east exit) to Yamashita Park, passing through Minato Mirai.
• Rickshaws are available within Chinatown.

Certainly, some areas can be covered on foot, such as the city center which is quite compact, Chinatown or Yamashita Park.