Located just south of Tokyo in Kanagawa prefecture, 横浜 Yokohama is one of Japan’s major cities, and its distinct port town atmosphere and attractions make it one of the country’s most popular destinations. Boasting an impressive Chinatown, multiple ramen museums, and a charming collection of waterfront shops and restaurants, Yokohama is both a fun-filled day trip from Tokyo as well as a delightful destination on its own.
Access
The main railway hub of the area, Yokohama Station (JT05, KK37, TY21), is serviced by a multitude of train lines, including the JR Tokaido Line, Keikyu Main Line, and Tokyu Toyoko Line. The neighboring Shin-Yokohama Station is also accessible via the Tokaido Shinkansen, or bullet train. Yokohama is regarded as a very walkable city, with many of its attractions and bustling neighborhoods being on pleasant strolling routes from one another.
Food and Drink
Ramen: If you love ramen, you’ve come to the right place! Yokohama has its very own signature style of the popular noodle dish. Yokohama-style ramen is a ramen with rich and savory pork-based broth with chewy noodles, often topped with pork belly, egg, and green onions.
Yokohama-style ramen is a hearty noodle dish popular all over Japan, but a must-try when visiting Yokohama. [Photo for illustrative purposes only]
Ramen fans should also be sure to check out the 新横浜ラーメン博物館 Shin-Yokohama Ramen Museum. The museum features an indoor replica of 1950s Tokyo nighttime streets, complete with ramen shops that offer different regional styles of ramen from across Japan. Visitors can taste a variety of ramen dishes and compare different styles, as well as learn about the history and culture of ramen through exhibits and displays.
The Shin-Yokohama Ramen Museum lets visitors sample different regional ramen styles in a recreation of 1950s Japan.
Chinese food: Yokohama has one of the largest Chinatowns in Japan, so there are many Chinese restaurants serving dishes like dim sum, steamed buns, and stir-fried noodles.
Yokohama boasts many delicious Chinese food options, with meat-filled steamed buns being a famous delicacy.
Dining with a view: As a port city, Yokohama has many restaurants with lovely views of the city’s bayside skyline. Try one of the waterfront restaurants in the Minato Mirai area, or perhaps even atop one of the city’s luxury hotels to enjoy both Japanese and international cuisine with a splendid view.
Shopping
横浜赤レンガ倉庫 Yokohama Akarenga Sōko, Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse: These red brick buildings were originally built in the early 20th century as part of the city’s port facilities, but have since been renovated and turned into a Yokohama landmark for fashionable shopping and dining.
The first warehouse features boutique shops selling clothing, accessories, and souvenirs, while the second warehouse houses a selection of restaurants and bars serving local and international cuisine. The portside courtyard just outside is also used for concerts, art exhibitions, and other cultural events throughout the year.
The Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse is a Yokohama landmark with a unique atmosphere for shopping and dining.
Yokohama World Porters: This shopping mall located near Yokohama Station has a wide range of shops, restaurants, and entertainment facilities, with each floor dedicated to a different theme.
Yokohama’s Minato Mirai has many entertainment, dining, and shopping options with a picturesque waterfront atmosphere.
Marine & Walk Yokohama: Marine & Walk Yokohama is an open-air waterfront shopping complex that features boutiques, cafes, and restaurants with views of the bay.
Sightseeing and Attractions
横浜中華街 Yokohama chūkagai, Yokohama Chinatown: Yokohama Chinatown is the largest Chinatown in Japan, and one of Yokohama’s main attractions. It’s known for its bustling streets, colorful Chinese-style gates, and over 200 restaurants and shops that offer a variety of Chinese cuisine and souvenirs. Travelers can sample a great number of both traditional and trendy Chinese food delicacies from food stalls and restaurants, as well as shop souvenirs, such as Chinese tea and other traditional Chinese items.
The Yokohama Chinatown offers a full day’s course of Chinese food, souvenir shopping, and great atmosphere.
CUPNOODLES MUSEUM YOKOHAMA: CUPNOODLES MUSEUM YOKOHAMA is an interactive museum dedicated to the history of instant noodles in Japan, established by Nissin Foods.
The museum has various exhibits that showcase the history of instant noodles, including the original packaging and advertising campaigns. The main highlight of the museum is the “My CUPNOODLES Factory,” where visitors can design and customize their own cups of instant noodles.
In the factory, visitors can choose their own base soup flavor, toppings, and packaging design. After designing the cup and flavor, they can watch their Cup Noodle being packaged and take them home as a souvenir. The museum is very popular with families and children, so make sure to arrive early to guarantee a ticket on the day of your visit!
Customize your own instant ramen cups at the Cup Noodles Museum!
Whether you’re making a day trip of it or leisurely stretching out your stay, Yokohama is a highly recommended stop on the itinerary of anyone traveling in Japan. With many open-air and waterfront shopping and dining attractions, Yokohama provides a unique bay area ambiance not easily found in Tokyo. Explore the area’s many ramen options, large Chinatown, and portside entertainment for a remarkable trip.
