Things To Do
in Yokohama
Yokohama, Japan, is a vibrant port city located just south of Tokyo, known for its stunning Minato Mirai waterfront area that blends futuristic architecture with entertainment and shopping. It is home to the historic Yamashita Park, the beautiful Sankei-en Garden, and the iconic Yokohama Marine Tower, offering visitors a unique blend of natural beauty and modern conveniences.
As Japan's second-largest city, Yokohama boasts a rich cultural scene, including the Chinatown district, which is one of the largest in the world, offering an array of authentic culinary delights and cultural festivals.
- "Arigatou" - Thank you
- "Sumimasen" - Excuse me / I'm sorry
- "Konnichiwa" - Hello / Good afternoon
- "Eigo o hanasemasu ka?" - Do you speak English?
- "Oishii" - Delicious
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $50 - $150
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $10 - $30
- ☕ Coffee: $3 - $6
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $1 - $3
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $30 - $80
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $30 - $100
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day at the iconic Yokohama Landmark Tower. Enjoy the view from the observation deck and take some great photos.
Visit the Cup Noodles Museum in the afternoon. Create your own cup noodle and learn about the history of this beloved food.
Spend your evening at the Yokohama Chinatown. Savor some authentic Chinese dishes and explore the vibrant streets.
Visit the Sankeien Garden to enjoy the tranquil landscapes and historical buildings. Take a leisurely stroll among beautiful seasonal flowers.
Explore the Yokohama Museum of Art. Appreciate both modern and classic Japanese art pieces on display.
Head to the Minato Mirai area for shopping and dinner. Enjoy a meal at a restaurant with views of the waterfront.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Beautiful waterfront and marina areas, such as Minato Mirai.
- Rich cultural heritage with museums, parks, and historical sites like Yokohama Chinatown.
- Numerous dining options, offering both local Japanese cuisine and international flavors.
- Well-developed public transportation system, making it easy to navigate the city.
- Vibrant art and music scene with various festivals and events throughout the year.
- High cost of living, particularly in terms of housing and real estate.
- Traffic congestion can be an issue, especially during peak hours.
- Natural disaster risks, including earthquakes and typhoons.
- Air pollution concerns due to industrial areas.
- Limited English proficiency among some residents may be challenging for non-Japanese speakers.
Best Activities in Yokohama
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Enjoy the amusement park with exciting rides and attractions, including the iconic Cosmo Clock 21 Ferris wheel.
Explore the historical warehouse complex with shops, restaurants, and occasional outdoor events by the waterfront.
Discover the vibrant Chinatown district with its bustling atmosphere, traditional architecture, and a wide array of dining options.
Stroll along the scenic waterfront promenade, visit the Yokohama Landmark Tower, and enjoy the beautiful views of the city skyline and the bay.
Tours
Uncover the best of Yokohama with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Yokohama
Visit one of these nice places.
A waterfront area offering stunning views of Yokohama's skyline, landmarks, and harbor, including the iconic Cosmo Clock 21 ferris wheel.
An iconic skyscraper with an observation deck providing panoramic views of the city and beyond.
A beautiful Japanese garden featuring seasonal landscapes and traditional architecture, perfect for serene and picturesque photo opportunities.
Food in Yokohama
Yokohama Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A uniquely Yokohama style of ramen known for its rich, pork-and-soy-sauce-based broth, thick noodles, and toppings like spinach, nori, and roasted pork slices. Try at Yoshimura-ya Ramen in Yokohama Chinatown.
Must-Try!
Steamed dumplings filled with pork, shrimp, and other seasonings, often served as a popular dim sum dish. Sample at Bashamichi Gyoza Stadium.
Grilled pacific saury served on rice, a local favorite during the autumn season. Enjoy at a seafood Izakaya along Yokohama's waterfront.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Yokohama better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A bustling shopping street offering numerous food stalls selling yakitori, takoyaki, and other classic street foods, perfect for a lively culinary adventure.
Visit to create your own custom Cup Noodles and explore the history of instant ramen. The museum also features a tasting room with unique noodle dishes from around the world.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
It is customary to remove your shoes before entering someone's home, traditional inns, and some restaurants in Yokohama. Be mindful of this cultural norm and follow suit to show respect.
When meeting someone in Yokohama, a slight bow is a common gesture of respect. The depth of the bow can vary depending on the formality of the situation and the status of the individuals involved.
In crowded public places like trains or buses, it's important to be aware of personal space. It's considered respectful to avoid unnecessary physical contact and maintain a reasonable distance from others.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Yokohama with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Yokohama
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not a common practice in Yokohama, Japan. It is generally not expected or required in restaurants, hotels, or other service industries.
In Yokohama, Japan, cash is the most commonly used form of payment. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in larger establishments, but it's always a good idea to carry some cash for smaller vendors and local shops.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Yokohama.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Best time to visit Yokohama with cherry blossoms in full bloom and pleasant weather.
Warm weather with various festivals, including the Yokohama Sparkling Twilight fireworks and the Pikachu Outbreak event.
Mild weather and beautiful autumn foliage, ideal for strolling around parks and gardens.
Cool weather with the Yokohama Winter Illumination creating a dazzling display of lights.
Yokohama at Night
Hiking in Yokohama
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A scenic trail leading to Kongō-ji Temple, offering lush greenery and beautiful views of the surrounding area.
A historical garden with various walking paths that showcase traditional Japanese architecture and beautiful landscapes.
A coastal trail that runs along Zushi Beach, perfect for a leisurely hike with ocean views and sunset sceneries.
Just a short train ride from Yokohama, this mountain offers various trails with different difficulty levels and stunning views.
A park with hiking paths leading to Shimoda Castle ruins, providing a mix of nature and history.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Yokohama through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Yokohama by plane.
Tokyo Haneda Airport is one of the two primary airports serving Tokyo, located about 14 km from Yokohama. It is a major domestic hub and an international gateway.
Narita International Airport is located about 70 km from Yokohama. It serves as a major international airport for the Greater Tokyo Area and handles numerous international flights.
Kansai International Airport is located approximately 500 km from Yokohama, near Osaka. It serves as a major international hub in western Japan.
Central Japan International Airport, also known as Chubu Centrair International Airport, is situated about 350 km from Yokohama, serving the Nagoya area with a range of international flights.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The primary demographic group in Yokohama, comprising the vast majority of the population.
One of the largest minority groups in Yokohama, with a significant presence in the city's Chinatown.
A notable demographic group with historical ties to the region, including both permanent residents and newer immigrants.
A growing community in Yokohama, with many working in various sectors of the economy.
Including Vietnamese, Indonesian, and Thai populations that have increased in recent years.
Includes individuals from countries such as the United States, Canada, and European nations, established in Yokohama for work.
Comprising individuals from countries like India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, contributing to the cultural diversity.
The Soul of Yokohama
Discover the essence of Yokohama through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Baseball is immensely popular in Yokohama, home to the Yokohama DeNA BayStars, a professional team in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB).
Soccer is a major sport in Yokohama, with the Yokohama F. Marinos, a J1 League team, and strong local support for the sport.
Basketball has a growing fan base in Yokohama, particularly with the presence of the Yokohama B-Corsairs in the B.League.
Rugby enjoys a solid following in Yokohama, especially during major tournaments and with local clubs and schools.
Tennis is a popular recreational sport in Yokohama, supported by local courts and events throughout the year.
Running events and marathons are popular in Yokohama, highlighting the city's beautiful waterfront and parks.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Yokohama.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While traditional Japanese cuisine heavily features seafood and meat, many restaurants in Yokohama offer vegetarian and vegan-friendly dishes like vegetable tempura, tofu-based meals, and vegan ramen.
Though it can be challenging, gluten-free options are becoming more available in Yokohama. Look for restaurants serving rice-based dishes and inquire about gluten-free soy sauce.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Yokohama with these cultural adventures.
