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Nippon-Maru at Minato Mirai

Located on the western coast of Tokyo Bay directly south of Tokyo, Yokohama (横浜) is the second largest city in Japan and one of the cities most used to seeing foreigners.

Understand

Yokohama was the first port opened up to foreign trade after the opening of Japan in 1854. At the forefront of the Meiji restoration, the first train line in Japan connected Tokyo and Yokohama. However, Yokohama was devastated by the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923 and again by the firebombings of World War II, and never really regained its prominence. It remains a maritime city to this day and retains an international flavor.

Get in

Yokohama is located only half an hour away from Tokyo, and effectively forms a part of the giant conurbation.

By plane

Yokohama does not have its own airport. You can reach Yokohama from Tokyo's two main airports.

Some Narita Express trains from Narita Airport go through to Yokohama (1½ hours, ¥4380). Limousine Buses run frequently from Narita to the Yokohama City Air Terminal (YCAT) (2-3 hours, ¥3500). The cheapest access from Narita Airport involves a Keisei train. The Keisei Main Line train, with one across-the-platform transfer at Aoto, will cost ¥1450 to Yokohama. The Sky Access line train will cost ¥1630. Most Sky Access trains run to Keisei Ueno, but there are a handful each day which run through to Yokohama (and beyond; generally to Kanazawa-Bunko) on the Keikyu Main Line.

From Haneda Airport, take the Keikyu Line's Airport Express (エアポート急行) to Yokohama station in 30-35 minutes for ¥470. Note that the Airport Express has several variants: If the train's destination is Shin-Zushi (新逗子) or Kanazawa-Bunko (金沢文庫), then you can stay on the train for the entire trip. If the train goes to another destination, it's likely to continue on into Tokyo so you will need to change at Keikyu-Kamata station to the next main line limited express train going in the other direction.

By train

The overwhelming majority of visitors to Yokohama arrive from Tokyo by train. A multitude of train lines connect the two cities at roughly equal prices, but some of the more convenient options are:

  • Tokyu Toyoko Line (東急東横線) from Shibuya to Yokohama Station. A trip from Shibuya to Yokohama takes as little as 26 minutes on the fastest service; at a cost of ¥260 this is the cheapest trip from metro Tokyo. Chinatown, the terminus of the MM21 line, is another 10 minutes away (Motomachi-Chukagai, ¥460). Up to eight kyūkō (急行) and tokkyū (特急) trains per hour.

Note, however, that the Toyoko Line station in Shibuya is now located deep underground, due to its connection with the Tokyo Metro Fukutoshin Line subway. On a positive note, this allows trains to continue north to Shinjuku, Ikebukuro and into Saitama.

  • JR Shonan Shinjuku Line (湘南新宿ライン) from Ōmiya, Urawa, Akabane, Ikebukuro, Shinjuku, Shibuya, Ebisu and Ōsaki. This was the first line that connected the western part of the Tokyo metropolis to Yokohama, and now competes with the Fukutoshin and Toyoko lines. Roughly four trains per hour, reaching Yokohama from Shinjuku in as little as 30 minutes at a cost of ¥540.
  • JR Tokaido Main Line (東海道線) from Tokyo and Shinagawa stations (both on the Yamanote Line). Departs every 10 minutes; more trains during rush hour. About 25 minutes from Tokyo to Yokohama. Note that Commuter Rapid Service (通勤快速) and Shonan Liner (湘南ライナー) trains do not stop at Yokohama Station.
  • JR Yokosuka Line (横須賀線): A less-convenient alternative from Tokyo Station and Shinagawa. However, it is the route of choice if coming from stations east of Tokyo on the Sobu Rapid line, such as Tsudanuma and Chiba, as most of these trains continue onto the Yokosuka line. About 30 minutes from Tokyo to Yokohama; about 75 minutes from Chiba (¥1050). Departs every 15 minutes or so from Tokyo; more trains during rush hour.
  • JR Keihin Tohoku Line (京浜東北線) from Nippori, Ueno, Akihabara, Tokyo, and Shinagawa Stations. This train stops at more stations in Yokohama than the Yokosuka Line, including Sakuragicho (桜木町), which is within walking distance of Chinatown. It is also a convenient route from stations north of Tokyo in Saitama prefecture. About 35 minutes from Tokyo Station to Yokohama Station. Departs every 5 minutes from Tokyo; more trains during rush hour.

On the Tokaido, Yokosuka and Keihin Tohoku lines, the trip from Tokyo Station costs ¥450, and from Shinagawa, ¥280.

  • Keihin Kyuko Main Line (京浜急行線), or Keikyu for short, from Shinagawa and Haneda Airport. Most trains from the Toei Asakusa subway line continue onto the Keikyu line. Departs every 10 minutes from Shinagawa at a cost of ¥290 (more trains during rush hour), with the fastest train reaching Yokohama in only 18 minutes. Note that Keikyu WING (京急ウィング) trains, which run on weekday evenings, do not stop at Yokohama.
  • Sotetsu Line (相鉄線） from Ebina to Yokohama (30 minutes by express, ¥300) and from Shonan-dai to Yokohama (30 minutes by express, ¥340). A useful connection from the western Tokyo suburbs on the Odakyu Line. This train will go direct to Shibuya in 2019.

Shinkansen trains go to Shin-Yokohama station instead, a few stations away from the main Yokohama station. The two stations are connected via the JR Yokohama line (15 minutes via direct service, ¥160) and the Yokohama Subway Blue Line (10 minutes, ¥230). Alternatively, take the Shinkansen to Shinagawa and change to the Tokaido, Yokosuka or Keihin Tohoku lines. If your final destination is Chinatown or the harbor area, taking one of the non-Shinkansen trains listed above is likely to be faster.

Minato-Mirai Line

The Minato Mirai Line (みなとみらい線), opened in 2004, is a direct extension of the Tokyu Toyoko Line. Connection with the lines is at Yokohama Station, and the line itself has five stations: Shin-Takashimacho (新高島町), Minatomirai (みなとみらい), Bashamichi (馬車道), Nihon Ōdori (日本大通り), and Motomachi-Chūkagai (元町・中華街), terminating at the posh Motomachi shopping street and the second largest Chinatown in the world. The line’s stations itself are worth seeing, especially Minato-Mirai Station itself, where you are able to see straight up to the very spacious entrance hall (7 floors in all) of the Yokohama Landmark Tower, the tallest building in Japan.

Bashamichi Station is with artifact bricks and hosts the remains of the first western style bank of Yokohama. Note also that Bashamichi (literal translation: horse carriage street) was the first street in Japan to have gas fired street lightings, which were re-installed lately. Bashamichi Station is surrounded by historical buildings, built only a century ago, but for Japanese standards are a true catapulting into westernization. Thus all buildings remaining (partially rebuilt after the heavy bombings of WWII) are protected as “historical – cultural national treasure.”

Nihon-Ōdori Station is similar to Bashamichi Station. Nihon-Ōdori (meaning Japan Avenue) is a two lane-two way avenue, which back then separated the living quarters of the foreign delegation and Japanese. The line runs parallel to the Keihin-Tohoku Line, but due to its massive expenses in keeping the designer-class stations running, the fares are rather pricey but definitely worthwhile. The line runs through the very historical parts of Yokohama, when Japan opened up towards the Western civilization. Many history-related museums of Yokohama are dotted along the line, and to attract further tourists, the line offers a one-day unlimited ride ticket (¥450 for adults, 1/2 price for children).

Get around

View of Yokohama skyline and passenger port

Yokohama is not a very automobile-friendly place, especially for foreigners. Public transit and walking works best. The Naka Ward office provides a map of Yokohama in English.

By train

The Minato Mirai 21 subway line from Yokohama station down the harborfront to Chinatown is the best method of accessing the main tourist haunts. The main subway line is useful primarily for transfers between central Yokohama and the Shinkansen station. JR Negishi Line (根岸線) is also available for Chinatown and Minato Mirai Area. All Negishi Line Trains with the blue line are direct service via the Keihin-Tohoku Line. For suburban areas, Yokohama has a subway and extensive commuter rail lines that crisscross the city from every direction and to all neighboring cities.

Yokohama Subway (横浜市営地下鉄) This train has two types: the "blue line" and the "green line". The former is from Azamino to Shonandai. The latter is from Hiyoshi to Nakayama. Using this train, you can get around Yokohama easily.

By bus

Akai Kutsu Bus is a sight seeing bus around Minatomirai, Chinatown and Motomachi. It runs every 20-30 minutes and looks like an old red bus. A ticket costs ¥100, and a 1 day pass costs ¥300

By boat

A "sea bus" operates between JR Yokohama station (east exit), Minato Mirai and Yamashita Park, and is one of the nicest ways to get around on a sunny day. The fare is ¥340-700 depending on the distance.

By human power

Velo taxis are widely available within the harbor area, while rickshaws make their rounds within Chinatown.

On foot

Central Yokohama is comparatively compact and the Chinatown/Yamashita Park area is best explored on foot.

See

Chinatown in Yokohama
  • 1 Chinatown (中華街 Chūkagai), MM21 Motomachi-Chukagai Station. Yokohama's Chinatown is the largest in Japan and dates back to the Opening of Japan in 1859. These days it's unabashedly touristy, but there are plenty of Chinese grocery stores and places to buy a cheap cheongsam dress or jade knick-knacks. 
Bay Stars Stadium
  • 2 Bay Stars Stadium. Located in Naka ward. A short walk from Chinatown or Kannai station, this is probably one of the most fun places to watch a baseball game in Japan. Known as the Bay Stars Stadium, the Yokohama Baseball Team of the Central League, the Stadium itself was built on the remains of the Cricket Ballpark of the last century for the British delegation. The Bay Stars Stadium is an open roof stadium with natural grass, very rare in Japan, which prefers to man-made grass to save on costs, and the entertainment boasted throughout the games is trying hard, and doing a good job, by Japanese terms, in trying to have each game hosted at the "home ground" to be as American as possible. 
  • 3 Nissan Stadium (Located in Shin-Yokohama). This is one of the biggest soccer stadiums in Japan. The final match of the 2002 FIFA WORLD CUP was held here. This is a home ground of J league soccer teams, Yokohama F. Marinos and Yokohama FC. There are also facilities such as soccer fields, skateboard parks and basketball courts are available for free to the public. 
  • 4 Marine Tower. The largest onland lighthouse in the world. It is in Naka ward. Was closed to the public through 2009 due to change of ownership and renovation. 
  • 5 Hikawa Maru (氷川丸). This passenger liner made 238 voyages across the Pacific to Seattle and Vancouver between 1930 and 1960, and served as a hospital ship during World War II. Now, we can enter and go around. It opens at 10 a.m. and closes at 5 p.m. It’s closed on Mondays. An admission fee is different depending on ages. 300 yen is general fee. Over 65-year-old people’s is 200 yen. And elementary schoolchildren’s, junior high school students’ and high school students’ are 100 yen. Moreover, this place is also used for location, for example, movie “Moonlight Serenade” which is filmed in 1997 or NHK drama “Haru e Natsu” in 2005. 
  • Sky Walk. An observation platform attached to the Bay Bridge. To get there, take a bus in front of JR Sakuragicho station. If you cannot find the correct bus, ask for help from the Tourist information center located right in front of the station. However, the bus trip takes quite a while and there is nothing more to see than the view of Minato Mirai from afar. 
Landmark Tower
  • 6 Landmark Tower, MM21 Minato Mirai Station (Minato Mirai 21 district). Was the tallest building in Japan until the construction of the Tokyo Sky Tree. The observation platform on the top 69F provides good views (admission ¥1000). The elevators are said to be the fastest in Japan. For a classier experience, try the cocktail lounge on the 70F (drinks ¥1000+ each) or eat dinner on the 68th (see below). 
  • 7 Sankei-en Park. (三渓園). 35 min by bus from Yokohama Stn. SE of Naka Ward, this is a traditional style of park and known as Teien (lit. "set park"). Opened in 1906, this large park (17,5000 ft²) has many Japanese traditional buildings, 13 of which have been designated as national heritages. 
  • Yamate (山手). This is the neighbourhood where foreigners settled and still settle. You can make a pleasant walk from the Italian garden near Ishikawa-cho station to the French park near Motomachi Chukagai station. The walk will take you along some nice houses that were previously owned by rich foreigners. Nowadays, these houses can be visited freely. A nice cake shop can be found here as well. The foreigner cemetery is also along this route and houses a small museum with some pictures of the Motomachi shopping street in the old days and some more cartoons showing how the Japanese saw foreigners. 
  • 8 Yamashita Park (山下公園). You can see the whole port of Yokohama and there's a lot of greenery. A short walk from Motomachi-Chinatown Stn (元町・中華街駅), JR Ishikawa-cho station (JR石川駅), JR Kannnai station (JR関内駅). 
  • Street Performance. There are many street performers, especially in Yamashita Park and Granmall Park (middle of Landmark Tower and Queens Square in Sakuragicho) every weekend. Above all, fire performance is so dynamic. 
  • 9 Ōsanbashi Pier (大さん橋). It is the main international pier at the Port of Yokohama, Naka Ward. The rooftop garden is open to public and is very beautiful, especially during sunset. 
  • 10 Kishine Park (岸根公園) (Metro Kishine Koen Stn). A large park 9 min away from Yokohama Stn, this is strictly for the locals most of the year, but very popular during cherry blossom season. 
  • Kanagawa Budokan (神奈川県立武道館) (near Kishine Park). Kendo (Japanese fencing), judo and archery tournaments. 
  • 11 Kamoike Park (鴨池公園) (Tsuzuki). True to the name, "Duck Lake Park" has a large lake, with ducks during the day and fireflies often visible at night in the rainy season. 
  • 12 Yokohama Arena (横浜アリーナ) (Shin-Yokohama. 5 min walk from Shin-Yokohama Stn). This is the biggest arena in Japan. Many famous musicians have concerts there. If you want to go to those concerts, you need to buy the tickets in advance. There are also flea markets here sometimes. In this case, you don't need any tickets or admission. Check the official website for the detailed schedule 
  • River Karasuyama (烏山川) (in Shin-yokohama. 10 minutes walk from Shin-Yokohama station). This is a narrow river, but cherry trees are along both side of the river. In spring, the cherry trees are in full bloom and very beautiful. Also, there are lawn and benches here, so you can relax on the benches in a good weather. 
  • Hideyo Noguchi Memorial Park (野口記念公園), Nagahama 114-4 (15 min from Nokendai Stn). 9AM-5PM daily. The laboratory of bacteriologist Hideyo Noguchi, who discovered the bacteria that causes syphilis and worked on yellow fever vaccines, and whose face adorns the ¥1000 note. The original building was destroyed in the Great Kanto Earthquake, and the present structure dates from 1997. Free. 
  • 13 Moroka Kumano Shrine (師岡熊野神社), ☏ +81 45-531-0150. Okurayama area. Take Tokyu-Toyoko Line from Yokohama Stn, about 10 min. Then, 7 min walk from Okurayama Stn. This is a famous shrine in Yokohama. Its god is a bird which has three legs. This bird seems like the symbol of the soccer teams of Japan. Therefore, as well as many soccer fans, even Japanese soccer players visit here and pray for the victory of their team. Of course, many other people pay the first visit of the year every year. 
  • 14 Shōmyō Temple (称名寺) (Take the 13 Yokohama Keikyu bus from Kanazawa-bunko Stn (Keihin Kyukou Main Line) get off at Shomyo-ji Temple bus stop). It is a temple built by Hojo Sanetoki in 1258. It has developed into Kamakura Period. It is specified for the historic site in Japan. There is a beautiful garden. A lot of cherry blossoms bloom in spring. Moreover, precincts are illuminated at fireworks of summer and the New Year and it is very beautiful. 
  • 15 Yokohama History Museum (横浜市歴史博物館), Kanagawa-ken, Yokohama-shi, Tuzuki-ku, Nakagawachuou 1-18-1, ☏ +81 045-912-7777. 9AM-5PM. This museum introduces Yokohama's history from Primary period to Modern period. Next to the museum, there are excavations of Yayoi period 
  • 16 Anniversaire Hills Yokohama (アニヴェルセル ヒルズ横浜), 4-1, Chigasaki-chuo, Tsuduki-ku, Yokohama-shi (It is about 3 min from Center-Minami Stn), ☏ +81 045-949-0888. It is a hall for wedding ceremonies. It is on the street. See wedding ceremonies and bless the bride and groom with not only their family or friends but also people who happen to be passing by. When you visit there at night, you can see illuminations. 
  • 17 Keiō University (慶應義塾大学, Keiō Gijuku Daigaku). It is known for its campus's towering maidenhair trees, turning a lovely yellow in the fall. 
    • Old Hiyoshidai underground trenches (旧日吉台地下壕), ☏ +81 045-562-0443. These are historical places in Keio University. There were Japanese Naval command posts during WWII. Naval commander ordered to attack the special attack corps (特攻隊), ground warfare in Okinawa, Yamato battleship and so on. There are many rooms. The University allows visits once per month. 
  • Sugiyama shrine (杉山神社). There is a shrine in Sugeta (菅田) of Kamoi. Its name is Sugiyama shrine. It is Japanese traditinal building. It is sacred to a god in there. People pay homege and throw in a coin at there. Those behaviors are Japanese customs. And also, people can buy talisman and draw a fortune ship. 
  • Ohkurayama memorial hall. It's a beautiful hall.Sometimes, it holds concerts with the locals. And the pictures or ikebana are displayed at this hall. I recommend you to go there in March. There is a also park. And you can see a lot of Japanese apricots. They are so beautiful, so they are worth seeing. 
  • Kikuna Sakurayama Park. It's a small park. It is called "Carbon yama" by the locals. There are so many trees all along the streets. If you go to there in spring, you can see beautiful double-flowered cherry trees. They are called "yae-zakura" in Japanese. Their color is deep pink. Yae-zakura is powerful rather than fine. People do "Ohanami" in there. Ohanami means that people enjoy seeing cherry blossoms, eating food and drinking sake. 
  • Kikuna shrine. There is Kikuna shrine. A shrine is that the gods of Shintoism are enshrined. Shintoism is Japanese peculiar religion. In January, people do Hatsumode. Hatsumode refers to the first New Year's visit to a shrine or a temple. The locals visit to Kikuna shrine and pray for their happiness on January 1st, 2nd or 3rd. 
  • Negishi shinrin Park. This is a large rural park. There is a horse museum in the park. You can ride horses on third Sunday par month from 1PM You can also give horses carrots every Saturday 1:30PM to 1:45PM It is close on Monday, First of April, 28th December to 4th January 
  • Horse museum, 1-3 Negishi dai naka-ku, ☏ 045-662-7581, fax: 045-662-7713. Open 10AM to 4:30PM (you need to enter by 4PM) An admission fee is 100yen for adult, 30yen for elementary, junior high, high school student. You can get 50% discount if you come here more than 20 people. 

Do

Cosmo Clock 21
  • Yokohama Cosmo World. Across the water from Minato Mirai 21, is a small amusement park which boasts the Cosmo Clock 21, a 112.5 m Ferris wheel which doubles as "the world's largest clock" (the 60 arms double as second hands). The park also has two roller coasters, a log flume ride and several other attractions. Free but rides ¥500-700 each. 
  • Manyou Club. Is near the Yokohama Cosmo World in Minato Mirai 21. It is a spa resort. There are many kinds of baths to try while making the rounds. At night, you can see the lights of Yokohama from a foot bath on the roof. You can enjoy and relax all day, because there are beauty salons, massages, and restaurants in this urban resort. ¥2620 (24/7). 
  • Hakkeijima Seaparadise. Get off at Seaside line "Hakkeijima" station. It is large amusement park with an aquarium, various attractions and the shops. The aqua museum has exhibited the living thing in 500 kind 100,000 seas. There is an area "Dolphin Fantasy" that exhibits the dolphin. You can see the dolphin from 360°. It holds the show of the dolphin and the dog. You can see a white dolphin. You can touch some animals like penguins. 
  • Anpanman museum. Located in Minato Mirai 21 area. You can go there from Minatomirai line "Shintakashima" station or Yokohama subway line "Takashimacho" station. (Anpanman is an animation character from TV.) Children can play with many tools and of course Anpanman. You can buy a real anpan and many goods in the gift shop. 
  • Zoo Nogeyama. Noge area, and 15 min from JR Sakuragi-cho Stn or Yokohama subway line on foot or you can use a city bus from Sakuragi-cho Stn. There are 100 kinds of animals in it including reptiles, birds, and mammals, and there is a petting zoo for small animals like rabbits, guinea pigs, and mice. 9AM-4:30PM. Free. 
  • ROUND 1 (ラウンドワン). M-F 10AM-5AM, Sa 9AM-5AM, Su 8AM-5AM. This is amusement park. You can bowl, sing Karaoke, and play billiards and darts in here. 15 min on foot from Yokohama Stn (west gate). 
  • Nissan Water Park. Shin-Yokohama. 12 min walk from Shin-Yokohama Stn, and 7 min walk from Kozukue Stn. This is an indoor pool inside Nissan Stadium. It has two parts; the indoor pool and the indoor hot-water pool. Even if you don't have enough swimming things, you can borrow swimwears, swimcaps, goggles, floats and towels at ¥100-300. Nissan Water Park is located indoor and you can borrow anything, so you can enjoy swimming and being relaxed at anytime in any kinds of weather all year. M-Sa 9AM-9PM, Su 9AM-5PM (& holidays). ¥500 for an hour, beyond ¥200 per 30 minutes. (Under 13-year-old, half price.) 
  • Yokohama National Pool, Tsuzuki-ku, Kitayamada 7-3-1, ☏ +81 045-592-0453. Swimming pools and gyms. They are used global games and personal users. 
  • Hiyoshi park, Kouhoku-ku, Hiyoshi 2-31. There is a fountain, playground equipment, and a big grass square. There are many beautiful Japanese apricot trees in spring. Its flowers are white and pink. You can enjoy ball games there too. 
  • The Bon dancing festival (盆踊り). The Bon dancing festival' is held in Kamoi during the summer. It is a Japanese traditional festival. People wear 'yukata'(浴衣) which is Japanese traditional cloth. There are many booths. So, you can eat traditional foods. And also, People enjoy doing 'the Bon dancing'. 
  • Karaoke Box (カラオケ). There is a karaoke box near the Kamoi station. Karaoke means people can sing songs in the room. It started in Japan because it was invented by Japanese. Therefore, it's Japanese culture. Some peoople can enjoy it. Some people can sing a variety of songs in there. Lately, there are many services in there. It has a high popularity among the young and the old. 
  • Kikuna Pond Park. You can see lotus and ducks in there. It is so comfortable place, so I recommend you to walk around this pond. In summer, there is pool. It has pool for children, 25meters pool and running water pool. It is so fun.
  • In autumn, Kikuna shrine holds a festival. There are various kinds of stalls. Some people buy fried noodle, others buy candies, and so on. The floats pass across the road. And the Bon dance is held too. Bon is the Buddihist festival for paying respect to the spirits of ancestors. Bon dance is held during this term and people dance to sounds of Japanese drum or Japanese music. When the festival or Bon dance is held, many people wear yukata. It is a Japanese cloth like a kimono. 
  • Mammoth Pool, 14-1 hara-machi isogo-ku. This swimming pool is really popular especially for children because we can enjoy two types of pools. One of them is a normal pool and the other one is a river pool. The layout of the two pools is very special. The river pool stretches around the mammoth pool. The fee is 800yen for adult, 200yen for children. (3 year old to junior high school student) 

Buy

  • Minato Mirai 21 (みなとみらい２１). A futuristic city district built entirely on reclaimed land. Accessible primarily through Minato Mirai Stn (みなとみらい駅), but also frequently accessed via Sakuragicho Stn (桜木町駅). Lots of shopping options spread out within it, including: 
  • 1 Landmark Plaza / Queen's Square. Giant complex starting from within the Landmark Tower, through to the Pan Pacific Hotel. If you like high-end shopping, then this is the place to check out. Also home to one of the five Pokémon Centers in Japan, wildly popular with kids. 
  • 2 Pacifico Yokohama (パシフィコ横浜). Cafes, restaurants, shops and hotel. Sometimes concerts are held here. 
  • 3 Yokohama Jackmall / Gento (横浜ジャックモール・ゲント). Right outside Shin-Takashima Station (新高島駅), two small connected open-air malls. Family oriented big-box retailers, game centers, movie theater. (updated Jul 2015)
  • 4 Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse "Aka Renga Souko" (横浜赤レンガ倉庫). At the fringe of the MM21 area near Bashamichi Station (馬車道駅) Historic port building dating to 1907, recently restored and now home to many boutiques, fashionista or otherwise. 
  • 5 Yokohama World Porters (横浜ワールドポーターズ). Near Cosmo World and Bashamichi Station (馬車道駅) Many shops and restaurants, slightly less expensive shopping mall experience perhaps catering to the tweens, teens and twenty-somethings you see walking around. 

Yokohama Station Area (横浜駅前)

  • 6 Diamond Underground Shopping Arcade (ダイアモンド地下街). This maze-like shopping arcade is located at the west exit of Yokohama station. There are some restaurants, supermarkets, boutiques, bookstores and so on in here. These shops are inexpensive. But depending on shops, this arcade can be a little complicated; so take care and "Don't lose your way". 
  • Kiyouken (崎陽軒). A most famous shop of shuumai (焼売)"Chinese steam meat dumpling". This is good souvenir and not so expensive at 6 for ¥250, 15 for ¥550, 30 for ¥1100. You can get central gate (中央口)of Yokohama station (between Keihinkyukou line and keihintohoku line). 
  • Yodobashi Yokohama (ヨドバシ横浜). West Exit Forget Akihabara, this gigantic "denki-ya-san" branch is more than suffice for all your electronics needs. Also has a selection of duty free items. Be sure to sign up for a point card; you'll receive a percentage in points depending on the purchase (usually 13%), which can then be applied same as cash on future purchases at any Yodobashi nationwide. 
  • Yokohama Bay Quarter (横浜ベイクォーター). 7-min walk from East Exit, across the river from Sogo, steps away from Sea Bus stop Up-market stores set in a pet-friendly, open-air and often breezy atmosphere with great views of the waterfront! Food options are on the gourmet side. 
  • Yokohama Vivre. (横浜ビブレ) West Exit Japanese fashion at its best (or worst, depending on your take) for 20- and 30-somethings. Think Shibuya 109 and Parco. There are food courts at GFloor. 
  • Motomachi. (元町) is a small but fashionable shopping district located near Chinatown. Get off at Minato Mirai line "Motomachi-Chinatown" station or JR line "Ishikawacho" station. 
  • Mitsui Outlet Park (三井アウトレットパーク). An outlet shopping mall located in Kanazawahakkei bay area. You get off at Sea side line "Torihama" Stn. It looks like small bay side town. There are about 220 shops. For example, Adidas, Nike, COACH, EDWIN and many other popular brands. 
  • Lalaport Yokohama (ららぽーと横浜). The largest shopping mall in Kanagawa, located in Kamoi. You get off at Yokohama line "Kamoi". There are about 370 shops, cinemas and restaurants. 
  • Isezaki Mall Shopping Street (イセザキモール). Accessible via Kannai Station (関内駅) Great for the adventurous few who don't want to break the bank shopping at Minato Mirai. Anchored by Matsuzakaya department store, with countless mom and pop stores dotting the area. Lively by day, but be wary at night as the area tends to get a bit seedy. 
  • Sagami (さが美), 236-0042 Kanagawa Prefecture. Sagami is a kimono specialty store. The kimono is very expensive. However, you can buy the kimono at popular prices in this shop. The kimono set (kimono and belt) is about 10,000 yen. You can rent the kimono. Japanese often put on the kimono at the New Year and a ceremony. At fireworks of summer, they puts on the yukata. Yukata is informal summer kimono. 
  • Cubic Plaza Shin-yokohama (キュービックプラザ新横浜), ☏ +81 45-478-2722. This is a station building at Shin-yokohama Station. There are many types of shops in it. There are 25 restaurants and 9 cafes, and other shops. For example, many shops for clothes, shoes, accessories and bags. Also, a bookstore, some household goods stores, even a bearty-treatment clinic are here. Of course, you can just go shopping or having meals anytime, but it is convenient for passengers for Shinkansen to buy lunchboxes or souvenirs quickly. 
  • Minato Mirai 109（みなとみらい109）. This is a building which has Japanese fashionable things. Just imagine a little Shibuya 109. Also, Starbucks is in here. 
  • Colette・Mare（コレットマーレ）. This is a big mall which opened March 2010. Many shops, restaurants, bars, theater, lifestyle things and etc. are in. It takes only a minute to go here from Sakuragicho Stn of JR line. 

Other (その他)

  • Shiba Fishing Port (柴漁港 Shiba Gyoko) (3 min from Umi-no-koen Shibaguchi Stn, Kanazawa Seaside Line). Fishing port where the catch from Tokyo Bay and nearby is landed, with local specialities including conger (anago), lobster (ise-ebi) and sea bass (tai). 1:30PM onwards on Sundays and public holidays only. 

Eat

Budget

  • Shitateya (仕立屋) (1 min from Futamatagawa Stn). Tiny local seafood eatery. Try the deep-fried oysters (kaki furai). 
  • Le Sucre (ル・シュクル), Nokendai 1-9 (8 min from Nokendai Stn). Pseudo-French bakery well known for its cheesecakes. 
  • Azteca (アステカ) (next to Nokendai Stn). 10AM-10PM. Curry, coffee and cakes. Live music on Saturday nights. 
  • Italian Bar BASIL (バジル), Castle Sakuragi 1F, Noge-cho 2-81, Naka-ku (5 min walk from Sakuragicho Stn Noge exit; across from the Cheruru Shopping Center). Though a stand-bar by nature, a great place to take in a nicely paced meal if you can get a seat! Lots of choices at reasonable prices (izakaya-style portions) but focuses on a few ingredients, making for a refreshing take on the all-too-common Italian fare in Japan. Recommendations: any antipasto and risotto, complemented with sangria or wine of the day. 
  • Kua'Aina (2 locations: 4F Bay Quarter Shopping Center (Yokohama Stn E Exit) and Akarenga Shopping Center (5 min walk from Bashamichi Stn)). Hawaiian-style burgers! If you're craving something a step above McDonald's or Wendy's, this is the place. Big menu with both standard and gourmet burgers, as well as some American-style sandwiches. Set menus ¥980 and up. 
  • Tori Dori (鳥どり), Kanzaki Building 1F, Noge-cho 2-59, Naka-ku (Down the street from the Cheruru Shopping Center). Cheap and good yakitori and other izakaya fare, as well as reasonably priced drink specials on weeknights (around ¥200) and all-you-can-drink (¥600) available for 4 or more people (a rarity for yakitori restaurants). No English menu, however knowledge of yakitori lingo should suffice. 
  • Shabu-Shabu Buffet Syabu-Yo (しゃぶしゃぶブッフェ しゃぶ葉). 1F World Porters Shopping Center (Minato Mirai area) While most all-you-can-eat shabu-shabu restaurants will typically serve pork, this one serves pork and beef for ¥2079. Vegetables, desserts, and a full range of drinks are set out buffet-style while staff keeps the meat coming. Has a very Japanese atmosphere (music, decor) without being over-the-top, perfect for value-seeking tourists! 
  • Tinun. (ティーヌン) 6F Cial (Yokohama Station West Exit) Classier version of the local Thai restaurant chain, but with the same reasonable prices. Stir-fried noodles are a must. 
  • Edaminami Parisienne, Edaminami 5-7-3, Tsuzuki-ku, ☏ +81 045-941-7106. Bakery shop famous for its curry doughnuts. 9AM-7PM daily. 
  • Yokohama Kurikoan (横浜くりこ庵). Famous for their version of taiyaki, a Japanese pastry usually made with red bean paste, but here they use chestnut paste (kuriko-an) instead. 
  • Meiji-Santeore (明治サンテオレ), ☏ +81 45-785-1534. There are famous for "coroquette burger", using potato inside instead of beef. Major Leager Daisuke Matsuzaka ate here in his school days. 
  • Bunnosuke Chaya. (文の助茶屋), Cubic Plaza Shinyokohama 10F, located beside Shinyokohama Stn. The main shop is located in Kyoto. This is the only shop in Kanto area. You can enjoy the Kyoto sweets even in Yokohama! There are many kinds of Kyoto sweets menu (about ¥400-1000). Also, there are some light meals like soba(most are around ¥1000). Especially, its warabi-mochi (わらび餅) (bracken-starch dumpling) is wonderful. As putting it in your mouth, it melts away with rich flavor of soybean flour. It has a moderate sweet taste, so everyone regardless of age or sex can enjoy it. 11AM-8PM. 
  • Konaraku (こな楽), 4-7 Omaru, Tsuduki-ku, ☏ 045-942-2626. It is about 10 min from Center-Minami Stn. You can eat special Japanese pancake, okonomiyaki. You can eat unique food, like monjayaki. 
  • Rasuta (らすた), Kouhoku-ku, Hiyoshihon-cho 1-5-41 (3 min from Hiyoshi Stn), ☏ +81 045-565-1608. 11:30AM-1:30AM. Chinese noodle (ra-men ラーメン) restaurant. Thick noodle and delicious tonkotsu (とんこつ) soup.　¥800. 
  • Linden Baum (リンデンバウム), Kouhoku-ku, Shimoda-cho 4-7-5 (15 min from Hiyoshi Stn by bus), ☏ +81 045-562-3928. 9:30AM-8PM. It is famous for sweet baumkuchens, cakes, and especially roll cakes. 
  • Maruya (マルヤ), Kokuhoku-ku, Hiyoshihon-cho 1-19-2 (1 min from Hiyoshi Stn), ☏ +81 045-563-8108. 7:30AM-6PM, closed M. Foods: Futomaki(太巻 450yen), it is a thick sushi roll with eggs, cucumber, kanpyo (かんぴょう dried gourd shavings), and so on. Inari-zushi (いなり寿司 ¥60), it is a kind of sushi wrapping with abura-age (油揚げ　deep-fried bean curd). sweets: Dango (だんご　¥60), these are dumplings with bean paste, kinako (soybean flour), and so on. Strawberry daifuku (イチゴ大福 ¥150), it is a soft rice cake stuffed with been jam and a strawberry. Some worker buy the food for their lunch or breakfast before go to their office. If you pass the front of Maruya early morning, you can feel nice smell of cooking rice. 
  • Shin-Sekai, Kohoku ward, Kikuna 6-1-8, ☏ 045-433-6626. It is a stall. It is near Kikuna station. They sells Taiyaki. Taiyaki is confectionery. Put bean paste into dough like pancakes. Bean paste called "Anko" in Japanese. Taiyaki's shape is a bream. It tastes sweet. 130~170yen. 

Mid-range

Recreation of Old Tokyo, in the basement of the Ramen Museum
  • For Chinese food, head to Chinatown (中華街 Chūkagai), which has over 200 Chinese restaurants. Snacks are sold on the streets, but most restaurants in the area are quite expensive (expect to pay ¥1500 for a decent lunch) and the food has been toned down to suit the Japanese palate. One of the most popular foods in Chinatown is Nikuman (肉まん nikuman), or bread filled with pork and vegetables, which are sold by dozens of stores and vendors. Chinatown is the terminus of the Minato Mirai 21 line.
  • Yokohama Daihanten (横浜大飯店), 154 Yamashitachou Naka-ku, 6 min from Ishikawachou Stn and 10 min from Motomachi Cyukagai Stn, +81 045-641-0001, 11AM-9:30PM (until 8:10PM/last order 8:50PM), stand 10AM-9:30PM. It is all you can eat style Chinese food spot with no time limit. You can eat food after your orders so you can eat freshly cooked food. It has 4 floors, B1 to 3F. ¥2480, 9-12 years ¥1480, 4-8 years ¥1029.
  • Shinyokohama Ramen Museum (新横浜ラーメン博物館 Shin-Yokohama rāmen hakubutsukan). Shin-Yokohama 2-14-21. Paradise for noodle lovers, but not just because of the (Japanese-only) exhibits of the history of instant ramen noodles: the centerpiece here is the basement, which contains a recreation of 1950s-era Tokyo done in incredible detail, complete with operating branches of 10 famous ramen joints. Expect to queue and pay at least ¥1000 for a bowl, but if you really love your noodles, it's worth it. 5 min walk from Shin-Yokohama Stn (on the #1 subway line). 11AM-11PM daily, ¥300. 
  • Chano-ma. In Aka-renga park in Minato-Mirai. There is a large floor about 60 cm up where you can lie down with blankets and some pillows like a living room. 
  • Tachibana. Located near Higashihakuraku station in Kanagawa ward in Yokohama city. Wanko-soba restaurant, which is Japanese noodles served in small bowls to have eating competition at restaurant. 
  • Manchin-Ro. Located near Yoshimoto Baby Aquarium. It is best to take the Keihin Tohoku Line and get off at the Ishikawa Stn, 5 min walk. It not only supplies delicious food, but is also really very cheap. You only need ¥1500 for you to get full. During lunch time it is run as a kind of self-service restaurant, but you do not need to get food by yourself. You can just order the food you want from the menu, and they will serve you the finished product. 
  • Daidai-ya, ☏ +81 045-228-5035. Su-Th 11AM-13PM, 5PM-11PM, F Sa 5PM-11PM. (橙家) Queen's Square 'at!'2nd 4F-5F, 1 min from Minato-Mirai Stn. This restaurant serves creative dishes, mixing Japanese and Western foods. In addition to the tasty dishes and drinks, the view is very beautiful at night. You can see the illumination of Cosmo World. Especially, Cosmo Clock(a Ferris wheel) is wonderful. By the window, there are some seats for couples. So, this place is good for dates! Reservations are recommended for these seats. Lunch ¥1000, dinner ¥4000. 
  • Sun road, Kohoku ward, Kikuna 6-1-11, ☏ 045-431-2576. 11:30AM~3PM, 5PM~9:30PM. It is a small Western-style restaurant. It is very near to Kikuna Station. It is a not famous restaurant, but the food is very delicious. Especially, I recommend you "Syogayaki". It is ginger-flavored slices of grilled pork. And the owner who is also a cook is very frank. You can eat delicious food and spend happy time.The restaurant is closed on Tuesday. about 1,000~3,000yen. 
  • Nagomi, Kohoku ward, Kikuna 6-21-10, ☏ 045-431-7539. 11:30AM~2PM, 5PM~8PM. It is a very small restaurant. They serve delicious tempura. Tempura is deep-fried seafood or vegetables. They cook seasonal seafood and vegetables. They fry tempura in front of us. It is so delicious. If you go to there, you should eat "Ten-Don". "Ten" means tempura. "Don" means "Donburi", it is the kinds of food. Put something on the rice in the bowl, this is "Donburi". So, put tempura and salty-sweet sauce on the rice. This is a Ten-Don. It tastes so good. This restaurant is closed on Sunday, holidays, and 4th Monday. Lunch.about 600yen~1,400yen Dinner.about 1,000yen~3,000yen. 
  • Tonkatsu Sakurai. The name is a fried pork but there are some more dished. Open every day at 11AM to 9:30PM It has Japanese style food and some mixed Japanese and Weston dishes. No English is spoken. The prices is about 1500yen～. You can eat as much salad and bowl of rice as you want. 

Splurge

  • Landmark Tower. Has Japanese, Chinese and French restaurants on the 68th floor, where you can enjoy excellent food and unparalleled views of Yokohama and Tokyo. But the luxury doesn't come cheap: dinner at any of these restaurants is around ¥10,000. 
  • Seryna. (瀬里奈) Between Kannai and Bashamichi Stations, in front of Golds Gym Steaks served Japanese teppanyaki-style, but set inside of a turn-of-the-century Western atmosphere. Sweeping views of Bashamichi's historic buildings and MM21. Lunch starting at ¥2000 with dinner jumping to around ¥12,000. 35th Anniversary coupons available on website. 

Drink

  • All 500yen bar GIMME!GIMME!GIMME!, 1-45 Noge-cho, Naka-ku,231-0064. Even around Sakuragi-cho, one of Japan’s most expensive areas, a “Gimme! Gimme! Gimme!” has appeared with a low-priced “all 500 yen” menu. Each bar has its own character in Yokohama, especially in the downtown area in Sakuragi-cho that is called “Noge”. But, without a doubt, the best part of “Gimme! Gimme! Gimme!” is its affordable price. 
  • Summer brings the beer gardens : both Luminè Department Store (near Yokohama Stn) and the Star Hotel sport the rooftop variety, or there's a real garden next to Yamate Jubankan.
  • Benny's Place, Ishikawacho 1-25 Mitsubo Bldg 2F (just off the big intersection in Motomachi), ☏ +81 045-671-0818. American-style sports bar complete with baseball memorabilia, cable TV, darts, and a friendly owner who'll gladly tell you about his days in the U.S. Navy at "Yah-kohska". And the biggest hamburgers served this side of the Pacific. 
  • Downbeat, Miyamoto Bldg 2F 1-43 Hanabusacho, Naku-ku 231-0052 Sakuragicho. Another jazz bar, but this one features an extensive record collection, a "record menu" and a foreigner friendly staff. Request a song out of the menu and the owner will put it in the queue. 
  • HOGS HEAD, Naka-ku Tokiwa-cho 6-77, No 2 Hiyoshi Bldg 1F (中区常盤町6-77第2日吉ビル１F), ☏ +81 045 641-4746. If you like the Windjammer, you will like this Irsh/American-themed bar too. Very Japanese, they tried it to perfection. The pub is trying hard to look as Irish/American as can be and is doing a very good job. The bartenders know over 200 cocktails and the “financial damage” per drink hovers around ¥1000. Basic food, pasta, pizza and snacks are also available. Unique about the bar is its size, which can be classed as rather large in the area of Bashamichi, Kannai, where small, tiny sized bars are common. There is no live band, but the music jamming out of the speaker systems throughout the bar is Jazz and the bar itself is very quiet and emphasis is placed on enjoying your drink. Reservations for large groups. 
  • LOGOS, Ishikawacho 4-168 Sekiuti Real Estate Building 2, B1F. One of Yokohama's hottest, and oldest, hip hop clubs. DJ's spinning R&B, reggae, and hip-hop. Special events throughout the month. Check out the website for directions and listings. 
  • Oriental Café, 2-16-4 Minamisaiwai, Nishi-ku. A small sized diner which plays continuously house music and the interior décor is in line with the music it plays. For an easy night out and on budget, rather attractive with its unique décor, its simple menu and plain but basic selection of beers, cocktails and wines. +81 045 311-4640. Access, Yokohama Stn, 10-15 min walk along the Shintama River, diagonally across the “Hamabowl” Bowling hall. 
  • Palm Bar And Cafe (Digital Bar) (Hodogaya Eki East Gate, 4 min from Yokohama Stn on the Yokosuka Line), ☏ +81 45-712-0227. M-Sa 7PM-2AM. A small trendy bar with a full array of top shelf liquors and daily drink specials from ¥420 makes it an inexpensive watering hole. English music selections with a large screen TV plus free internet makes it a great place to relax after work. ¥500 beer, ¥900 pasta. 
  • The Tavern, 2-14 Minami Saiwai cho, Nishi Ku (From Yokohama Stn, head left until you come to Daiei supermarket/Tokyu Hands department store - it's under McDonald's), ☏ +81 45 322-9727. This, the first British pub/restaurant in Yokohama, has been open over 20 years and is the regular watering-hole for expats and foreign business travelers who come back to Yokohama regularly. About 70% of the clientele is Japanese, and is single-lady friendly! When you enter, it's like walking into a pub in England, and the large selection of food and imported draught beers help keep the one of the busiest night-spots in central Yokohama. Fish & chips is highly recommended. 
  • Windjammer, Toraku Bldg 1F, Yamashita-cho, Naka-ku, ☏ +81 045-662 3966. Su-Th 5:30PM-1AM, F Sa 6PM-2AM. A classy jazz bar on the edges of Chinatown run by an American expat who loves to put on a show for his customers. Bands play downstairs most nights and there's a large screen for those on the second floor showing the action below. The decor is decadent and there's a chocolate fountain with fruit for dipping. Music cover ¥500, drinks from ¥800. 

Sleep

Budget

  • Yokohama Hostel Village, ☏ +81-45-663-3696. SanWa Bldg 1F, 3-11-2 Matsukage-cho, Naka-ku. 5 min walk from Ishikawa-cho JR Stn. Inexpensive accommodations. Single ¥3000. Recently added small LB apartments ¥4300, no deposit is needed and you get your own kitchen and bathroom. 
  • Guest House Kanalian, ☏ +81-45-313-6442. 16-5 Daimachi, Kanagawa-ku. 7 min walk from Yokohama Station West Exit. Beautiful handmade wooden house, really impressive and the host Lee is extremely hospital. Expect to chat over some beers with him. Dormitory Rooms 1 night // 2000yen per person 1 Week // 13000yen per person. 

Mid-range

  • Hotel Associa Shin-yokohama, ☏ +81 045-475-0011. 2-100-45 Shin-yokohama, Kohoku-ku, Shin-Yokohama Stn. This is on the upper floors of Cubic Plaza Shin-yokohama. This hotel is connected to Shin-yokohama Stn, so there are some rooms which you can see the Shinkansen coming and going all the time. Also, the furnishings of those rooms are associated with Shinkansen. The moderate twins are from ¥18,000. 
  • Hotel Monterey Yokohama. Is in Yamashita Park and it has view of Minatomirai and Bay Bridge. 6-1 Yamashita-cho, Naka-ku. 3 min from Motomachi-Cyukagai Stn. 3 min walk to Chinatown and doll house (Ningyou-no-ie). Standard doubles from ¥5300. 
  • Shin-Yokohama Prince Hotel, ☏ +81 45-471-1111. 3-4 Shin Yokohama, Kohoko-ku. In the cylindrical skyscraper right outside Shin-Yokohama Stn, where the Shinkansen (新幹線) calls). A rather quiet corner of Yokohama, it is well connected by the Yokohama Line (横浜線), or the municipal subway (市営地下鉄) and various municipal city buses (市営バス). 10 min away it is an ideal place to stay with mediocre quality whilst saving money. The Prince Hotel is one of the largest chains of hotels in Japan, run by the behemoth company Seibu. Foreigners registering as Prince Club members on the hotel website enjoy additional reductions, but only if you register and apply prior to arriving in the country. ¥11,000-¥19,000, depending on room class and number of people. 
  • Toyoko Inn Yokohama Sakuragi-cho, ☏ +81 45-671-1045 5. Honcho 6-55, Naka-ku min walk from Sakuragicho Stn) Their slogan is "Offering peace of mind at a reasonable price" which is more often than not true. Perhaps a slightly less fancy Japanese version of Holiday Inn. Numerous locations throughout Yokohama aside from this one. Singles ¥6800, doubles/twins from ¥8800 (max 2 guests). 
  • Washington Hotel, ☏ +81 45-243-7111. 5-33 Choja-machi, Naka-ku. A serviceable but quite pricey middle of the road hotel with air conditioning and high speed internet in every room. Close to JR station and easy walking distance to Chinatown. Single ¥9200, double ¥16,300. 
  • Yokohama International Seamen's Hall, ☏ +81 45-681-2141. 8-4 Yamashita-cho, Naka-ku. Nautical theme that caters to men in the merchant marines. The rooms are very large, clean, and comfortable. 1 block away from the Motomachi-Chinatown Stn and 2 blocks away from the gates of Chinatown. Internet free (20mbps down, 1.5mbps up). Singles ¥7455. 

Splurge

The three main hotels in the Minato Mirai area are the ultimate in local luxury, and occasionally offer their rooms on sale at bargain prices.

  • InterContinental Grand Yokohama. One of the most recognizable features in the Yokohama skyline – it's the sail-shaped building near the Landmark Tower. Singles for ¥35,000, doubles for ¥43,000. 
  • Pan Pacific. In Minato Mirai, operated by Tokyu Hotels. Singles/Twin from 22,000 yen. Book online for good deals.. 
  • Yokohama Royal Park Hotel (http://www.yrph.com/en/). Takes up the mid-section of the Landmark Tower. Singles for ¥31,500, doubles for ¥36,750 Good Early Booking deals available on Japanese website.. 

Go next

Routes through Yokohama
Nagoya ← Odawara ←  W  E  → Shinagawa → Tokyo
Shizuoka ← Kamakura ←  W  E  → Kawasaki → Tokyo
Shizuoka ← Atsugi ←  W  E  → Kawasaki → Tokyo


This city travel guide to Yokohama is a usable article. It has information on how to get there and on restaurants and hotels. An adventurous person could use this article, but please feel free to improve it by editing the page.
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