Yokohama travel guide
Japan's cosmopolitan port city where historic waterfront, Chinatown, and futuristic skylines create endless discoveries.
Yokohama districts
From futuristic waterfronts to historic Chinatown - discover Yokohama's diverse neighborhoods.
Minato Mirai
Minato Mirai represents Japan's vision of the future - a gleaming waterfront district where skyscrapers meet the sea. Landmark Tower's 69th floor observatory offers panoramic views.
Cosmo World amusement park centers around the iconic Cosmo Clock 21 Ferris wheel, spectacular when illuminated at night.
Chinatown
Yokohama Chinatown stands as the largest Chinatown in Japan - over 500 shops and restaurants packed into colorful streets beneath ornate gates.
The main street buzzes with energy as vendors steam pork buns and grill skewered meat.
Yamashita Park & Motomachi
Yamashita Park stretches along Yokohama's waterfront, offering peaceful harbor views and the preserved ocean liner Hikawa Maru.
Adjacent Motomachi developed as the shopping district for foreign residents during Yokohama's treaty port era.
Kannai
Kannai served as Yokohama's original foreign settlement, and historic Western-style buildings from that era still punctuate the modern cityscape.
Yokohama Stadium brings thousands of fans to evening games.
Yamate (Bluff)
Yamate's hillside neighborhood preserves Yokohama's Western heritage through carefully maintained 19th-century mansions, gardens, and churches.
Seven historic Western-style houses open to the public for free.
Noge
Noge preserves the soul of old Yokohama - narrow alleys packed with tiny izakayas, standing bars, and jazz clubs that have welcomed workers since the post-war era.
Over 700 establishments crowd into a remarkably small area.
Top attractions
From interactive museums to historic ships - experiences that define Yokohama.
Cup Noodles Museum
The Cup Noodles Museum celebrates instant ramen's inventor Momofuku Ando with interactive exhibitions that entertain children and adults alike.
The My Cup Noodles Factory lets visitors design personalized cup packaging and choose from 5,460 flavor combinations.
Tip: Reserve My Cup Noodles workshops online
Landmark Tower Sky Garden
The Sky Garden observation deck on Landmark Tower's 69th floor offers panoramic views that define Yokohama's visual identity.
The world's fastest elevator reaches the top in 40 seconds at 45 km/h.
Tip: Visit at sunset for stunning views
Sankeien Garden
Sankeien preserves an extraordinary collection of historic buildings relocated from Kyoto, Kamakura, and other regions to this expansive traditional garden.
The garden's three-story pagoda dates to 1457.
Tip: Cherry blossom season is magical here
Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse
The Red Brick Warehouse transforms Yokohama's early 20th-century customs buildings into vibrant cultural and commercial destinations.
The outdoor plaza hosts seasonal events including Oktoberfest and Christmas markets.
Tip: Christmas market is spectacular
Ramen Museum
The Shin-Yokohama Ramen Museum recreates a 1958 Tokyo streetscape in its basement, housing actual ramen shops from across Japan.
Nine carefully selected shops represent different ramen traditions.
Tip: Mini portions let you sample multiple shops
Hikawa Maru
The Hikawa Maru preserves 1930s luxury ocean travel, permanently moored in Yamashita Park as a floating museum.
First-class cabins and dining rooms showcase the elegance of trans-Pacific travel.
Tip: Audio guide enhances the experience
Hakkeijima Sea Paradise
Hakkeijima Sea Paradise combines one of Japan's largest aquariums with amusement park rides on its own island in Tokyo Bay.
Four aquarium zones house over 120,000 creatures, including dolphins, sea lions, and rare species. Roller coasters and attractions add family appeal.
Tip: Combination tickets offer the best value
Day trips from Yokohama
Use your JR Pass to explore Tokyo and beyond.
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Tokyo
The world's largest metropolitan area offers endless exploration just 25 minutes away by JR.
Many visitors base in Yokohama for lower hotel costs while exploring Tokyo daily.
Kamakura
The ancient samurai capital offers temple-filled hills, a giant bronze Buddha, and seaside atmosphere.
JR Yokosuka Line provides direct connections.
Hakone
Hot springs, Mount Fuji views, and mountain scenery await in this popular resort area.
Note: Odakyu Railway recommended, not covered by JR Pass.
Enoshima
The sacred island offers shrine visits, sea caves, and beachside atmosphere.
Note: Enoden Railway recommended, not covered by JR Pass.
Shopping in Yokohama
From Chinatown treasures to waterfront malls.
Chinatown
Chinese teas, spices, cookware, and specialty foods fill shops throughout the district. Traditional medicine shops and panda-themed souvenirs abound.
Landmark Plaza
The massive complex beneath Landmark Tower houses hundreds of shops, restaurants, and entertainment options with waterfront views.
Red Brick Warehouse
Local crafts, fashion, and specialty goods fill the renovated historic warehouses. Seasonal markets add unique shopping opportunities.
Seasonal highlights
Yokohama offers unique experiences throughout the year.
Spring
Cherry blossoms frame historic buildings at Sankeien and throughout the waterfront. Yokohama's international heritage adds unique hanami atmosphere.
Summer
Summer fireworks light up the harbor with massive displays viewed from waterfront parks and rooftop terraces. Beer gardens open throughout the city.
Autumn
The Red Brick Warehouse hosts popular Oktoberfest celebrations. Fall foliage at Sankeien and comfortable weather invite exploration.
Winter
Winter illuminations transform the waterfront with millions of lights. The Red Brick Warehouse Christmas market offers German-style holiday shopping.
Practical tips
Essential information for navigating Yokohama smoothly.
Transportation
- JR connects to Tokyo in 25 minutes
- Minato Mirai Line links major waterfront attractions
- Get a Minato Burari ticket for unlimited rides
- Walk between Chinatown and Minato Mirai easily
Money
- Japan is still cash-heavy - carry yen
- 7-Eleven ATMs accept international cards
- Chinatown shops often offer tax-free shopping
- Tax-free shopping over ¥5,000
Etiquette
- Remove shoes at temples and traditional venues
- Queue orderly for popular restaurants
- Keep phone calls quiet on trains
- Chinatown is more relaxed than traditional Japan
Connectivity
- Free WiFi at stations and convenience stores
- Consider pocket WiFi for extended stays
- Download offline maps before arriving
- Google Maps works excellently
Navigate Yokohama with your JR Pass
Yokohama sits just 25 minutes from Tokyo Station via the Tokaido Line, making it easily accessible for day trips or extended stays.
Key JR stations in Yokohama
JR Pass Covered
Major hub, all JR lines
JR Negishi Line, Minato Mirai
JR Negishi Line, Chinatown
Shinkansen, Ramen Museum