Yokohama
Yokohama, one of Japan’s most vibrant cities, is filled with incredible attractions that promise a memorable experience. Start your journey at the Minato Mirai 21, a stunning waterfront area featuring iconic landmarks, shopping malls, and scenic views. Don’t miss the Yokohama Chinatown, the largest in Japan, offering authentic Chinese food and cultural vibes. The Cup Noodles Museum is perfect for families and food lovers, where you can learn about instant noodles’ history. For a tranquil escape, visit the Sankeien Garden, a traditional Japanese landscape garden with historic buildings.
The Yokohama Landmark Tower provides breathtaking city views from its observation deck. These top places in Yokohama showcase a blend of modernity, history, and culture, making it a must-visit destination for every traveler.
Minato Mirai 21
Description
Minato Mirai 21 is a waterfront area that is the heart of Yokohama’s modern attractions. It features shopping malls, restaurants, an amusement park, and stunning views of the bay. The area lights up beautifully at night, making it a perfect spot for a romantic walk or family outing.
Historical Significance
Minato Mirai 21 was developed in the 1980s as a futuristic business and entertainment district. It represents Yokohama’s growth into a global city.
Location
2-3 Minatomirai, Nishi Ward, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan.
Traveling
Easily accessible via Minato Mirai Station or Sakuragicho Station.
Nearby Eateries
- Bills Yokohama: Famous for fluffy pancakes. Website
- Queen’s Square Restaurants: Offers a wide variety of cuisines. Website
Cost
Free to explore the area; costs depend on attractions like Cosmo World.
Yokohama Chinatown
Description
Yokohama Chinatown is the largest Chinatown in Japan. It is a bustling area filled with Chinese restaurants, shops, and temples. Visitors can enjoy authentic Chinese cuisine, street food, and a festive atmosphere.
Historical Significance
Chinatown was established in the 19th century when Yokohama became a key international port. It reflects the deep cultural ties between Japan and China.
Location
Yamashitacho, Naka Ward, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan.
Traveling
A short walk from Motomachi-Chukagai Station.
Nearby Eateries
- Heichinrou: A famous Chinese restaurant. Website
- Bairan: Known for its steamed buns and dim sum.
Cost
Free to visit; meals range from ¥500 to ¥3,000.
Cup Noodles Museum
Description
The Cup Noodles Museum is a fun, interactive museum that tells the story of instant noodles. Visitors can learn about its inventor, Momofuku Ando, and even create their custom cup noodles to take home.
Historical Significance
The museum celebrates the invention of instant noodles in 1958, a product that revolutionized the food industry worldwide.
Location
2-3-4 Shinko, Naka Ward, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan.
Traveling
A 10-minute walk from Minato Mirai Station.
Nearby Eateries
- World Noodles Road (inside the museum): Offers noodles from different countries.
- Yokohama World Porters: A shopping mall with various dining options.
Cost
¥500 for adults, free for children under 12. Custom cup noodles cost ¥400.
Sankeien Garden
Description
Sankeien Garden is a traditional Japanese garden featuring historic buildings, koi ponds, and beautiful seasonal flowers. It’s a peaceful escape from the city, perfect for enjoying nature and photography.
Historical Significance
The garden was created in 1906 by a wealthy silk trader, Hara Sankei, and features historic buildings brought from Kyoto and Kamakura.
Location
58 Honmokusannotani, Naka Ward, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan.
Traveling
Take a bus from Yokohama Station to Honmoku Sankeien-mae.
Nearby Eateries
- Sankeien Tea House: Offers traditional Japanese tea and sweets.
- Honmoku Café: A cozy spot nearby for coffee and snacks.
Cost
¥700 for adults, ¥200 for children.
Yokohama Landmark Tower
Description
Standing at 296 meters, the Yokohama Landmark Tower is the second-tallest building in Japan. It offers breathtaking views from the Sky Garden observatory, especially during sunset.
Historical Significance
Completed in 1993, the tower symbolizes Yokohama’s modernization and growth as a major international city.
Location
2-2-1 Minatomirai, Nishi Ward, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan.
Traveling
A 5-minute walk from Minato Mirai Station.
Nearby Eateries
- Royal Park Hotel Restaurants (inside the tower): Offers fine dining options. Website
- Landmark Plaza: Features many casual dining spots.
Cost
¥1,000 for Sky Garden entry.
Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse
Description
The Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse is a cultural and shopping complex housed in two historic brick buildings. It features unique shops, restaurants, and seasonal events like Christmas markets.
Historical Significance
Built in the early 1900s, the warehouses were used for customs inspection. Today, they are a preserved piece of Yokohama’s maritime history.
Location
1-1 Shinko, Naka Ward, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan.
Traveling
A 15-minute walk from Bashamichi Station.
Nearby Eateries
- Bills Red Brick Warehouse: Serves modern Australian cuisine. Website
- Motion Blue Yokohama: A jazz club and restaurant.
Cost
Free to enter, but shopping and dining costs vary.
Osanbashi Pier
Description
Osanbashi Pier is Yokohama’s main international passenger terminal, but it’s also a fantastic place to enjoy views of the harbor, city skyline, and Mount Fuji on clear days.
Historical Significance
The pier has been a key part of Yokohama’s maritime activities since the early 1900s. Its modern design was completed in 2002.
Location
1-1 Kaigandori, Naka Ward, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan.
Traveling
A short walk from Nihon-Odori Station.
Nearby Eateries
- Hammerhead: A nearby dining and shopping complex.
- Cafe Tosca: Located in the Yokohama Bay Hotel.
Cost
Free.
Yokohama Cosmo World
Description
Yokohama Cosmo World is a small amusement park featuring the giant Cosmo Clock 21 Ferris wheel. It’s a great spot for families with attractions for all ages.
Historical Significance
The Ferris wheel was once the world’s tallest, built in 1989, and remains a symbol of Yokohama’s fun and modern vibe.
Location
2-8-1 Shinko, Naka Ward, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan.
Traveling
A short walk from Minato Mirai Station.
Nearby Eateries
- World Porters Food Court: A variety of affordable options.
- Cosmo Café: Light snacks and drinks within the park.
Cost
Free entry; rides cost ¥300 to ¥800 each.
Yamashita Park
Description
Yamashita Park is a beautiful seaside park with lovely flowerbeds, fountains, and great views of the bay. It’s a relaxing place to walk, have a picnic, or take photos.
Historical Significance
Opened in 1930, the park was built as part of the city’s reconstruction after the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923.
Location
279 Yamashitacho, Naka Ward, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan.
Traveling
A 3-minute walk from Motomachi-Chukagai Station.
Nearby Eateries
- Marine & Walk Yokohama: Trendy cafes and restaurants. Website
- Yamashita Café: A casual spot for coffee and snacks.
Cost
Free.
Nogeyama Zoo
Description
Nogeyama Zoo is a free-entry zoo housing over 100 species, including red pandas, lions, and penguins. It’s a family-friendly attraction with a petting area for kids.
Historical Significance
Opened in 1951, Nogeyama Zoo is Yokohama’s first zoo and remains a favorite among locals.
Location
63-10 Oimatsucho, Nishi Ward, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan.
Traveling
A 10-minute walk from Hinodecho Station.
Nearby Eateries
- Nogeyama Café: Simple meals and snacks near the zoo.
- Café de CRIE: A chain café offering light refreshments.
Cost
Free.
