Yokohama

Yokohama, Japan's second largest city, sits on Tokyo Bay just 30 minutes south of Tokyo. This former fishing village has grown into a metropolis of 3.7 million people and serves as a major port. In Yokohama, you can ascend the Landmark Tower for panoramic views, taste authentic Chinese cuisine in the bustling Chinatown, and stroll through the tranquil Sankeien Garden with its historic buildings.

Exploring Minato Mirai 21

Minato Mirai 21 is Yokohama's central business district and waterfront area. The 296-meter Landmark Tower dominates the skyline. Take the elevator to the observation deck on the 69th floor for panoramic views of Yokohama Bay and, on clear days, Mt. Fuji. Next to the tower, you'll find Cosmo World amusement park with its 112.5-meter tall Ferris wheel, one of the world's largest.

Wandering Through Chinatown

Yokohama's Chinatown is the largest in Japan, with over 500 shops and restaurants packed into its narrow streets. As you enter through one of the colorful gates, you'll see streets lined with Chinese-style buildings and decorated with red lanterns. Many restaurants serve xiaolongbao (soup dumplings), and you can buy moon cakes and other Chinese snacks from street vendors.

Relaxing in Sankeien Garden

Sankeien Garden provides a calm retreat from Yokohama's urban landscape. This traditional Japanese garden spans 175,000 square meters and contains several historic buildings relocated from Kyoto and Kamakura. As you walk along the winding paths, you'll pass ponds, bridges, and carefully manicured plants. Visit in spring to see cherry blossoms or in autumn to view the changing colors of the leaves.

Discovering Yokohama's Art Scene

Every three years, Yokohama hosts the Yokohama Triennale, a large-scale art exhibition spread throughout the city. The Yokohama Museum of Art, set to reopen in March 2024 after renovations, houses a collection of modern and contemporary art. You can also explore the Koganecho area under the train tracks, where former red-light district buildings now function as art spaces and studios.

Eating Your Way Through Yokohama

Yokohama has its own style of ramen called Ie-kei, which combines tonkotsu (pork bone) and shoyu (soy sauce) broths. Try a bowl of this hearty soup at Yoshimuraya, one of the originators of this style. For an interactive food experience, visit the Cup Noodles Museum where you can create your own custom instant ramen to take home.

Getting Around Yokohama

You can explore central Yokohama on foot, but public transportation is available for longer distances. The Minato Mirai Line connects major tourist areas, while the municipal subway and JR lines cover other parts of the city. For a view of the city from the water, take the Sea Bass boat service that runs along the waterfront between Yokohama Station and Yamashita Park.