A Tour of the Port City: Exciting Things to See in Yokohama
Since opening up its port to the world more than 150 years ago, Yokohama has come a long way from being a major trade and commerce hub of Japan.
A perfect blend of antiquity and modernity, the cityscape of Yokohama is a sight to behold.
The place has something for everyone, from historic landmarks to serene gardens, from trailblazing museums to intrepid amusement parks.
Among other things, Yokohama is the second-largest city in Japan and home to a myriad of things to see.
Thinking about which Yokohama tourist attractions you should include in your itinerary?
We've got your back.
Here are the top 10 things to see in Yokohama:
Yokohama Chinatown
Populated by Chinese traders who migrated upon the opening of the port in 1859, Yokohama's Chinatown is one of the largest in the world.
Walk through the majestic Zenrinmon Gate, stroll down the bustling street, admire the traditional architecture, shop for souvenirs, and feast at one of the many authentic Chinese restaurants.
Shatenki, Jogenro, Keikaro, Saikoushinkan, Manchinro, and Keitokuchin are some of the best-reviewed dining spots.
If you're an anime fan, stop at Ichiraku for the sake of nostalgia.
The eatery, which shares its name with the iconic ramen shop from Naruto, is famous for dim sum, seafood, and soups.
Address: Yamashitacho, Naka Ward, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan (map)
How to Go: You can take a train to the closest stations, Motomachi-Chukagai (Minatomirai Line) or Ishikawacho (JR Negishi Line), both of which are 5 to 10-minute walks away from the gate.
Yokohama Cosmo World
Yokohama Cosmo World is a fascinating 3D amusement park in the heart of Yokohama's illuminated waterfront business district, Minatomirai.
Its top highlight is the 112.5-metre-tall Cosmo Clock 21 Ferris Wheel, which offers a 15-minute ride per ticket with stunning views of the city's harbour.
4 of the 60 gondolas have glass walls, floors, and roofs, making you feel like you're floating in the air.
Also, enjoy the Vanish Diving Rollercoaster or the Cliff Drop Waterslide for more adrenaline rush.
Address: 2 Chome-8-1 Shinko, Naka Ward, Yokohama, Kanagawa 231-0001, Japan (map)
How to Go: A 2-minute-walk from Minatomirai Station and about 10 minutes on foot from Sakuragicho Station (JR Negishi Line/Municipal Subway)
Hours: Open daily, 11am to 8 (shuts down at 9pm on some days, depending on their official calendar)
Cup Noodle Museum
Yokohama's Cup Noodle Museum is a tribute to Momofuku Ando, the founder of Nissin Foods and inventor of cup noodles.
Sometimes locally referred to as Yokohama Nissin Museum, it houses memoirs of his life and the milestone invention.
However, the chief highlight is the hands-on experience of making your very own cup noodles from scratch.
Knead, cook, season, and add soup and toppings of your choice to create your original version.
Pro tip: Visit the fourth floor for house-special ramen dishes and international desserts.
Address: 2 Chome-3-4 Shinko, Naka Ward, Yokohama, Kanagawa 231-0001, Japan (map)
How to Go: 8 minutes away on foot from Minatomirai Station and Bashamichi Station.
Hours: Mon to Sun, 10am to 6pm. Closed on Tues
Kanazawa Zoological Gardens
Yokohama's Kanazawa Zoo, maintained by Yokohama's municipality, is home to a wide variety of animals worldwide.
Divided into four continents and six zones, the zoo is home to a large number of animals, such as Indian elephants, Indian rhinos, grey kangaroos, bighorn sheep, okapi, capybara, koala, giraffe, gibbons, select species of birds and reptiles and various Japanese native creatures like geckos and tree frogs.
Address: 5 Chome-15-1 Kamariyahigashi, Kanazawa Ward, Yokohama, Kanagawa 236-0042, Japan (map)
How to Go: From Keihin Kyuko Kanazawa Bunko Station West Exit, take the Keikyu Bus bound for Nomura Housing Center and get off at Natsuyama Sakaue or take the Kanazawa Zoo-bound bus (weekends) and get off at the last stop.
Hours: Tue to Sun, 9:30am to 4:30pm. Closed on Mon
Yokohama Port Museum - Nippon Maru
Nippon Maru, a former merchant marine training ship now permanently docked at the port, has been set up as the Yokohama Port Museum, fully decked in 29 sails.
Here, you can tour the insides of an authentic Japanese ship, learn about Yokohama's history as a port city, and listen to the life stories of retired seamen.
Address: 2 Chome-1-1 Minatomirai, Nishi Ward, Yokohama, Kanagawa 220-0012, Japan (map)
How to Go: A 5-minute walk from JR Sakuragicho Station on the Minatomirai Line.
Hours: Tue to Sun, 10am to 5pm. Closed on Mon
Yokohama History Museum
Yokohama History Museum houses collections from the city dating back 30,000 years.
The permanent exhibition has six booths covering eras from prehistoric to modern.
Adjacent to the museum is an Otsuka/Saikachido Relics Park, where ancient pit dwellings, a loop moat, and a necropolis of the Yayoi Era are preserved.
Also, visit Tsuzuki Private House Garden, where the old mansion of the Nagasawa Family from the Tokugawa Era is reconstructed.
Address: 1 Chome-18-1 Nakagawachuo, Tsuzuki Ward, Yokohama, Kanagawa 224-0003, Japan (map)
How to Go: A 5-minute walk from Centre Kita Station on Yokohama Municipal Line.
Hours: Tues to Sun, 9am to 5pm. Closed on Mon
Sky Garden atop Yokohama Landmark Tower
Want to capture a scintillating view of the city before you leave?
Think no more than the 69th-floor Sky Garden Observatory in the Yokohama Landmark Tower at a height of 273-metres.
Catch a panoramic city vista and even a glimpse of Mount Fuji on clear days.
The tower also houses luxury hotels, restaurants, retail outlets of high-end brands, and other entertainment facilities.
Address: 2 Chome-2-1 Minatomirai, Nishi Ward, Yokohama, Kanagawa 220-0012, Japan (map)
How to Go: A 5 minute walk from Sakuragicho Station (JR Keihin-Tohoku, JR Negishi, and JR Yokohama Lines; and Yokohama City Subway's Blue Line). Take the elevated walkway that leads directly to the building from the station.
Hours: Open daily, 7am to 10pm
Yokohama Silk Museum
Established in March 1959 to mark the centenary of Yokohama Port, the museum celebrates the timeless significance of silk as a textile in Japanese culture.
The various products created in each era, from the evolution of silk manufacturing to the historical milestones of the silk industry, are displayed in the museum.
You can also participate in the silk weaving process and try your hand at the machines with permission.
Address: 1 Silk Center 2F, Yamashitacho, Naka Ward, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 231-0023, Japan (map)
How to Go: A 3-minute walk from Exit 4 of Nihon Odori Station on the Minatomirai Line.
Hours: Tue to Sun, 9:30am to 5pm. Closed on Mon
Anpanman Museum
Are you worried that your kid will get bored with all your grown-up attractions and not enjoy the trip?
With Yokohama's Anpanman Museum tickets, take them on a joyride into the world of this kind, ever-smiling, red-garbed superhero.
You'll find exclusive Anpanman merch on the first floor.
On the third, the world of Anpanman comes alive with live shows, displays, and play zones.
Address: 6 Chome-2-9 Minatomirai, Nishi Ward, Yokohama, Kanagawa 220-0012, Japan (map)
How to Go: A 3-minute walk from Takashima Station (Minatomirai Line) and a 13-minute walk from Yokohama Station East Exit.
Hours: Mon to Fri: 10am to 6pm. Sat & Sun: 9:30am to 6pm
Yokohama Marine Tower
Want to let your hair down at the end of the day after a long sightseeing tour?
It doesn't necessarily have to be somewhere dull. Climb to the top of the 106-metre-tall Yokohama Marine Tower in Yamashita Park and view the city from the two Yokohama observation decks on the 29th and 30th floors.
On your way down, stop at The Terrace restaurant for a luxury dine-in experience.
Not in the mood for a full meal? Visit Eggs'n Things Cafe on the first floor for a laid-back brunch or a sip of a cocktail.
Address: 4-1 Yamashitachō, Naka Ward, Yokohama, Kanagawa 231-0023, Japan (map)
How to Go: A 2-minute walk away from Motomachi-Chukagai Station on Minatomirai Line.
Hours: Open daily, 10am to 10pm
Here Are More Fab Ways to Explore Yokohama!
What makes an already exciting vacation even better? Tailor-made packages that make your trip smooth as butter!
Tokyu Line One-Day Pass
Trains are a great means of transport in any Japanese city, including Yokohama. A one-day pass gives you unlimited access to all Tokyu trains for 24 hours on the day for which the ticket is purchased.
Yokohama Hakkeijima Sea Paradise
Leave the city behind to visit the manmade island of Hakkeijima and explore the Yokohama Hakkeijima Sea Paradise. This pay-as-you-go theme park has a hotel, shopping mall, marina, amusement park, and many other smaller outlets.
A one-day pass will give you free access to all the attractions. Feel free to explore the Yokohama Aqua Museum, try your hands at fishing and cooking, and witness incredible dolphin performances all with a single ticket.
Savour the Best of Yokohama
We hope you check off all the attractions on this list and then a few more on your trip to Yokohama.
While you're at it, save some time to walk around the city, eat at its best joints, and take in the local culture through the city's fabric.
Commonly Asked Questions
Is Yokohama safe for solo travellers?
Yes, Yokohama is a safe place for solo travellers, backpackers and solo female travellers.
Is Yokohama cheaper than Tokyo?
The average daily cost per person in Yokohama is around JPY 17,000-21,000, while in Tokyo it is JPY 26,000-30,000. It varies depending on your lodging, itinerary, and food choices.
Is there a bullet train in Yokohama?
There are multiple high-speed bullet trains on the Tokaido Shinkansen line from Tokyo, Osaka, and other cities to Yokohama. Nozomi is the fastest one, taking only 18 minutes.
Can you see Mount Fuji from Yokohama?
Mount Fuji can be seen in the distance from Yokohama; it is seen more clearly on a day with a clear sky.
Which food is famous in Yokohama?
You can try the popular sanma-men ramen, gyu-nabe (beef hotpot), soup dumplings, Edomae sushi, and geppei (mooncake).