top things to do in yokohama japan
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Introduction : Top Things to Do in Yokohama, Japan
Hey there, fellow travelers! Looking to explore Japan beyond the usual Tokyo hustle? Let me tell you about Yokohama – Japan’s often overlooked second-largest city that’s literally bursting with amazing experiences. Just a quick 30-minute train ride from Tokyo, this vibrant port city offers a perfect blend of traditional Japanese culture, international influences, and modern attractions that’ll make your visit unforgettable.
I’ve spent quite a bit of time wandering Yokohama’s streets, and trust me, this place has a completely different vibe from Tokyo. More relaxed, spacious, and with that perfect mix of Japanese tradition and Western influences that makes it uniquely captivating. Ready to discover what makes Yokohama so special? Let’s dive right in!
1. Explore Yokohama Chinatown (Chūkagai)
Did you know that Yokohama is home to Japan’s largest Chinatown? This vibrant district is an absolute feast for the senses – literally! The moment you pass through one of the colorful gates, you’re hit with amazing aromas from countless food stalls and restaurants.
Walking through Yokohama Chinatown feels like embarking on a mini adventure. The narrow streets are lined with over 500 shops and restaurants, all packed into an area you can cover on foot. I always head straight for the street food – those steaming nikuman (meat buns) are to die for! And don’t even get me started on the xiaolongbao (soup dumplings) – I could honestly eat them all day.
Beyond just stuffing your face (which, let’s be real, is a perfectly valid way to spend your time here), check out Kantei-byō, the striking Chinese temple dedicated to the Chinese god of good business and prosperity. The vibrant red and gold architecture makes for some amazing photos, especially if you visit during Chinese New Year when the whole neighborhood comes alive with dragon dances and festivities.
Pro tip: Come hungry, but pace yourself! There are so many delicious things to try, you’ll want to save room for multiple snack stops.
2. Stroll Along Yokohama Bay (Minato Mirai 21)
Ever wondered what a perfectly planned waterfront district looks like? Minato Mirai 21 is your answer! This ultramodern area along Yokohama Bay is where the city really shines – especially at night when the buildings light up the waterfront.
The name “Minato Mirai” means “harbor of the future,” and when you see the futuristic skyline, you’ll understand why. The district is anchored by the iconic Landmark Tower (once Japan’s tallest building) and the distinctive Cosmo Clock 21 – a massive Ferris wheel that doubles as the world’s largest clock.
I love coming here just before sunset to watch the city transform as darkness falls. Start at Rinko Park for great skyline views, then walk along the waterfront promenade as the buildings begin to illuminate. There’s something magical about seeing the reflection of all those lights dancing on the water’s surface.
The Red Brick Warehouse (Akarenga) is another must-visit spot in this area – these restored early 20th-century customs buildings now house trendy shops, restaurants, and event spaces. During Christmas, they set up a magical German-style market here that’ll make you forget you’re in Japan!
3. Visit Cup Noodles Museum
OK, I know what you’re thinking – a museum dedicated to instant noodles? Really? But trust me on this one, the Cup Noodles Museum is way more fun than it sounds!
This quirky museum celebrates the invention of instant noodles by Momofuku Ando in 1958, an innovation that quite literally changed quick meals forever. The museum isn’t just informative – it’s interactive and surprisingly entertaining.
My favorite part? The “My Cup Noodles Factory” where you can design your own custom cup, choose your favorite flavor combination from among 12 soup bases and 20 toppings, and take home your very own personalized cup noodles creation. It’s basically the Build-A-Bear of the noodle world, and it’s ridiculously satisfying!
There’s also the “Chicken Ramen Factory” where you can make noodles from scratch (advance reservations required), and a fascinating display of instant noodles from around the world. Did you ever imagine there were so many varieties? I certainly didn’t!
Whether you’re traveling with kids or just young at heart, this place is a surprisingly good time. And yes, there’s plenty of noodles to eat on-site too!
4. Relax in Sankeien Garden
Need a break from the urban landscape? Sankeien Garden offers the perfect escape. This traditional Japanese garden spans a generous 175,000 square meters and showcases historic buildings collected from all over Japan.
Created by silk merchant Sankei Hara in 1906, the garden is a beautiful blend of carefully landscaped nature and impressive architecture. As you wander the winding paths, you’ll discover ponds, streams, and seasonal flowers alongside historic buildings including a three-story pagoda from Kyoto and several buildings designated as Important Cultural Properties.
I visited during fall once, and the autumn colors reflecting in the ponds were absolutely breathtaking. Spring is equally magical when cherry blossoms and azaleas bloom throughout the grounds. Honestly, each season brings its own charm to Sankeien.
What I love most about this place is how it lets you step back in time and experience traditional Japan at a relaxed pace. It’s like a little oasis of calm just a short distance from the bustling city center.
5. Discover Marine Life at Yokohama Hakkeijima Sea Paradise
Ever wanted to see what happens when Japan creates an aquarium? They go all out and build an entire marine-themed island resort! Hakkeijima Sea Paradise is part aquarium, part amusement park, and completely awesome.
Located on its own island in Tokyo Bay, this complex houses the Aqua Museum with thousands of marine creatures, the Dolphin Fantasy building where you can walk through underwater tunnels as dolphins swim overhead, and the Fureai Lagoon where you can actually touch and feed some of the animals.
If you’re looking for thrills, hit up the Pleasure Land amusement park section, which has some wild rides that literally hang over the ocean. The Blue Fall, a 107-meter free-fall ride, had me questioning all my life choices on the way up, but the views were worth it… I think? 🙂
What makes Sea Paradise special is how it combines entertainment with education. You can easily spend a full day here, especially if you’re traveling with family. Just a heads-up though – it’s a bit of a trip from central Yokohama, so plan accordingly!
6. Experience Ramen at Shin-Yokohama Ramen Museum
Japan’s food museums are next level, and the Ramen Museum takes the concept to delicious heights. This isn’t just a museum – it’s a full-on ramen theme park with a nostalgic twist!
The basement levels are designed to look like Tokyo streets from 1958 (the year instant noodles were invented), complete with vintage storefronts, traditional-style vending machines, and even artificially dimmed lighting to create that evening atmosphere.
But the real stars are the nine ramen shops representing different regional styles from across Japan. Each shop serves small-sized portions so you can try multiple varieties – genius, right? From the rich, pork-based tonkotsu of Kyushu to the salty, seafood-inspired ramen of Hokkaido, it’s a ramen lover’s dream come true.
I still remember my first visit when I happily waddled out after trying four different bowls. Was it too much? Probably. Do I regret it? Not even a little bit!
7. Shop and Dine in Motomachi
If you’re looking for a sophisticated shopping experience with a dash of history, Motomachi Shopping Street is your spot. This elegant shopping district dates back to when Yokohama first opened to foreign trade in the 1850s, making it one of Japan’s first areas to embrace Western influences.
Today, the 500-meter-long street is lined with boutiques, cafes, and patisseries that blend Japanese and European aesthetics. The area has a distinctly upscale yet relaxed vibe that’s perfect for a leisurely afternoon.
What I love about Motomachi is how it feels distinctly different from Tokyo’s shopping districts. The pace is slower, the shops are more unique, and you can actually enjoy browsing without being swept along by crowds. The side streets are particularly charming, with hidden cafes serving some seriously good coffee and pastries.
Don’t miss checking out the Western-style houses in the adjacent Yamate district while you’re in the area – they’re a fascinating glimpse into how foreign residents lived during Japan’s opening to the West.
8. Take in the Views from Yokohama Landmark Tower
Want the best view in town? Head to Yokohama Landmark Tower and zoom up to the Sky Garden observatory on the 69th floor. The elevator that takes you there is one of the fastest in Japan, reaching speeds of 750 meters per minute – your ears might actually pop on the way up!
Once at the top, you’re treated to a spectacular 360-degree panorama of Yokohama, Tokyo Bay, and on clear days, even Mt. Fuji in the distance. The nighttime view is especially stunning when the city lights create a twinkling carpet below you.
IMO, sunset is the perfect time to visit – you get to see the city in daylight, during sunset, and after dark as the lights come on. Triple the views for the price of one ticket? Yes, please!
The tower also houses the Yokohama Royal Park Hotel and the Landmark Plaza shopping mall, so you can easily make a whole evening of it with dinner and some retail therapy after enjoying the views.
9. Visit the Yokohama Museum of Art
Art lovers, don’t skip the Yokohama Museum of Art in the Minato Mirai district. This spacious, modern museum houses an impressive collection of modern and contemporary art with a special focus on artists connected to Yokohama and works that relate to the port city’s history as a gateway to international exchange.
What sets this museum apart is its airy, light-filled architecture and the way it contextualizes art within Yokohama’s unique position in Japanese history. The museum regularly hosts special exhibitions featuring both Japanese and international artists.
Even if you’re not usually a museum person, the building itself is worth checking out for its impressive grand hall and the pleasant museum café that overlooks a reflecting pool.
10. Ride the Cosmo Clock 21 Ferris Wheel
Remember that giant Ferris wheel I mentioned earlier? The Cosmo Clock 21 deserves its own spot on this list because it’s not just any Ferris wheel – at 112.5 meters tall with a 100-meter diameter wheel, it’s a Yokohama icon and was once the tallest Ferris wheel in the world.
The name comes from the massive digital clock displayed on its facade, which is actually the world’s largest clock. A complete rotation takes about 15 minutes, giving you plenty of time to soak in the spectacular views of Yokohama Bay and the city skyline.
The wheel is especially magical after dark when it’s illuminated in different colors, sometimes changing for special events or seasons. I still remember riding it during a summer festival when the whole wheel lit up in a rainbow of colors synchronized to music – absolutely magical!
Located in the Cosmo World amusement park area of Minato Mirai, you can make it part of a fun evening exploring the waterfront attractions.
Final Thoughts
Yokohama offers such a refreshing alternative to the more tourist-packed areas of Japan. Its unique blend of traditional Japanese elements with international influences creates an atmosphere you won’t find anywhere else in the country.
What I love most about Yokohama is how manageable it feels – the major attractions are well-connected, the pace is slightly more relaxed than Tokyo, and you can actually take your time to enjoy each experience without feeling rushed.
Whether you’re making it a day trip from Tokyo or staying for a few days (which I highly recommend), Yokohama rewards visitors with beautiful waterfront views, unique museums, outstanding food experiences, and glimpses into Japan’s fascinating history of international exchange.
Have you been to Yokohama before? What was your favorite spot? Or if you’re planning a trip, which of these attractions are you most excited to visit? Whatever you choose, I’m sure you’ll fall in love with this wonderful port city just like I did!
