Yokohama

Written by Alexander Kopp, Sandra Frank, Sophie King
19/08/2025
Stunning view of Yokohama's skyline featuring Landmark Tower and a Ferris wheel at dusk.
Alix Lee, Pexels

Yokohama, a significant port city near Tokyo, offers a dynamic blend of modern urban landscapes, rich historical districts, and scenic waterfront views. Visitors are drawn to its diverse attractions, ranging from the lively streets of Japan's largest Chinatown to the futuristic architecture of Minato Mirai 21 and the serene beauty of traditional Japanese gardens.

Opportunities for socializing exist in various vibrant districts. Yokohama Chinatown provides a bustling environment filled with diverse dining experiences. The Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse, a hub for shopping and dining, frequently hosts events that attract crowds. Additionally, the Noge district offers a local bar-hopping scene, while the Minato Mirai 21 area provides a lively atmosphere with its entertainment options and waterfront dining.

Top 6 Things to do in Yokohama

Yokohama offers a diverse range of experiences, from historical gardens and vibrant cultural districts to modern waterfront attractions and interactive museums.

1. Explore Minato Mirai 21 and the Landmark Tower Sky Garden

Minato Mirai 21 is Yokohama's futuristic waterfront district, characterized by towering skyscrapers, expansive shopping complexes, and leisure facilities. Visitors can ascend to the Sky Garden observation deck on the 69th floor of the Landmark Tower, one of Japan's tallest buildings, for panoramic views of Yokohama Bay and the city skyline. This area seamlessly blends urban charm with scenic harbor views. The nearby Cosmo World amusement park, with its iconic Cosmo Clock 21 Ferris wheel, offers various rides for all ages.

Cost: Landmark Tower Sky Garden: 1,000 JPY (adults). Cosmo World: Entry is free, individual rides cost 300-900 JPY each.

Transport: Minato Mirai is easily accessible. From Yokohama Station, take the Minato Mirai Line to Minato Mirai Station (3 minutes, 200 JPY) or the JR Negishi Line to Sakuragicho Station (3 minutes, 150 JPY). The Yokohama Air Cabin urban ropeway connects Sakuragicho Station with the Minato Mirai Shinko district (1,000 JPY one-way, 1,800 JPY round-trip).

2. Wander through Yokohama Chinatown

As Japan's largest Chinatown, this lively district is a vibrant hub of Chinese culture and cuisine. Visitors can explore its bustling streets, adorned with colorful gates and intricate temples. It is highly recommended to sample various street foods, such as steamed buns, dim sum, and other snacks available from numerous stalls. Many restaurants offer 'tabehodai' (all-you-can-eat) options, providing a comprehensive culinary experience. The area is particularly enchanting when lit up at night.

Cost: Food costs vary, with all-you-can-eat options typically ranging from 1,500 to 2,000 JPY. Street food snacks generally cost a few hundred JPY.

Transport: Yokohama Chinatown is near JR Ishikawacho Station or Motomachi-Chinatown Station via the Minato Mirai Line. From Yokohama Station, take the Minato Mirai Line to Motomachi-Chukagai Station (approx. 7 minutes, 230 JPY) or JR Negishi Line to Ishikawacho Station (approx. 5 minutes, 150 JPY).

3. Visit Sankeien Garden

Sankeien is a sprawling Japanese-style garden that showcases traditional landscapes and historic buildings relocated from various parts of Japan. Visitors can stroll along winding pathways, admire ponds, streams, and tea houses, and appreciate seasonal beauty like cherry blossoms, wisteria, and autumn foliage. Ten of the structures within the garden are designated as Important Cultural Properties, offering a glimpse into Japan's architectural heritage.

Cost: Admission is 900 JPY for adults.

Transport: From Yokohama Station, take bus number 8 or 148 from the east exit to Sankeien-Iriguchi (30-35 minutes, 220 JPY one-way). Alternatively, take the JR Negishi Line to Negishi Station (about 10 minutes from Yokohama Station), then a city bus (lines 58, 99, or 101) to Honmoku Sankeien-mae bus stop (about 10 minutes, 220 JPY). A taxi from central Yokohama to the garden gate costs around 3,000 JPY.

4. Create your own cup noodles at the CupNoodles Museum

This interactive museum provides an engaging journey through the history of instant noodles, pioneered by Momofuku Ando. Visitors can learn about the invention of cup noodles and even create their own custom cup noodle package by choosing soup flavors and toppings in the 'My Cup Noodle Factory' workshop. For a more in-depth experience, the 'Chicken Ramen Factory' allows participants to make instant ramen from scratch.

Cost: Admission is 500 JPY for adults (university students and older). 'My Cup Noodle Factory' is an additional 500 JPY per meal. 'Chicken Ramen Factory' is 600 JPY for elementary school students and 1,000 JPY for junior high school students and older.

Transport: The museum is an 8-minute walk from Minatomirai Station or Bashamichi Station on the Minato Mirai Line. It is a 12-minute walk from Sakuragi-cho Station on the JR or Yokohama Municipal Subway. From Yokohama Station, take the Minatomirai Line to Minatomirai Station (3 minutes, 200 JPY). The Akaikutsu Loop Bus connects Sakuragicho Station with the museum area for 220 JPY per ride.

5. Experience the Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse

These historic red brick buildings, once bonded warehouses, have been revitalized into a cultural and commercial complex. The warehouses now host a variety of unique shops, offering fashion, home decor, and artisan crafts. They also serve as a venue for numerous events and festivals throughout the year, including Christmas markets and Oktoberfest, providing a lively atmosphere with scenic bay views.

Cost: There is no admission fee to enter the Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse.

Transport: The nearest subway stations are Bashamichi Station and Nihon Odori Station (both about a 10-minute walk). From Yokohama Station, take the Minato Mirai Line to Nihon-ōdōri Station (5 minutes, 120-170 JPY). The Yokohama Air Cabin provides a direct link from Sakuragicho Station to Unga Park Station, a short walk from the warehouses (1,000 JPY one-way). The Akaikutsu Loop Bus also connects Sakuragicho Station to the Red Brick Warehouses for 220 JPY per ride.

6. Walk along Osanbashi Pier

Osanbashi International Passenger Terminal, also known as Osanbashi Pier, is a uniquely designed pier that welcomes international cruise ships. Its distinctive architecture features broad wooden decks and grassy areas that mimic rolling waves, making it an appealing spot for a leisurely stroll. The pier offers unobstructed, breathtaking views of the Minato Mirai skyline, especially at sunset or night, and the Yokohama Bay Bridge.

Cost: Entry to Osanbashi Pier is free.

Transport: The pier is a 5-minute walk from Nihon-Odori Station on the Minato Mirai Line (6 minutes, 230 JPY from Yokohama Station) or a 15-minute walk from Kannai Station on the JR Negishi Line (5 minutes, 150 JPY from Yokohama Station). The Akaikutsu Loop Bus stops directly in front of the terminal (Osanbashi Kyakusen Terminal bus stop), costing 220 JPY per ride or 600 JPY for a day pass.

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