While Yokohama is Japan’s second-largest city, it offers a more relaxed vibe than Tokyo. Along with stunning Mount Fuji views on clear days (especially from landmarks like Yokohama Landmark Tower). Here’s a guide to Yokohama’s top attractions, including how to reach them and where to spot Fuji.
What you need to travel to Yokohama
Hotels & Flight Tickets
Hotels in Yokohama:
Trip.com | Expedia
Discounted Air Tickets:
Trip.com | Expedia
Transportation from Tokyo to Yokohama
By JR Tokaido Line (Most Direct & Frequent)
Route: Tokyo Station → Yokohama Station
Travel Time: 25-30 minutes
Cost: ¥500-¥600 (depending on train type)
How to Board: Follow signs to JR Tokaido Line platforms at Tokyo Station.
Board any train bound for Atami/Odawara (avoid Kodama Shinkansen)
Best For: Quick access to central Yokohama/Minato Mirai area
By Keikyu Line (From Central Tokyo)
Route: Shinagawa Station → Yokohama Station
Travel Time: 20 minutes
Cost: ¥300
How to Board: At Shinagawa Station, use Keikyu Line platforms.
Board trains bound for Yokohama/Haneda Airport.
Best For: Travelers near Shinagawa or heading to Yokohama Chinatown
By Shinkansen (Fastest but Expensive)
Route: Tokyo Station → Shin-Yokohama Station
Travel Time: 15-18 minutes
Cost: ¥1,500 (non-reserved seat)
How to Board: Use JR East ticket machines to purchase Shinkansen tickets.
Board any Hikari/Kodama train (JR Pass does not cover Nozomi).
Best For: Those with JR Pass or going to the Shin-Yokohama area
By Tokyo Metro/Minato Mirai Line (From Western Tokyo)
Route: Shibuya Station → Yokohama Station
Travel Time: 30 minutes
Cost: ¥310
How to Board: At Shibuya Station, take the Tokyu Toyoko Line.
Transfer at Motomachi-Chukagai for Minato Mirai area
Best For: Travelers starting in Shibuya
By Highway Bus (Cheapest Option)
Route: Shinjuku Station → Yokohama Station
Travel Time: 40-50 minutes
Cost: ¥350-¥500
How to Board: Purchase tickets at the Shinjuku Bus Terminal or online.
Board at platform 32 (Keikyu Bus)
Best For: Budget travelers with flexible schedules
Yokohama Chinatown (Largest in Japan)
Yokohama Chinatown is the largest and most vibrant Chinatown in Japan. Its history dates back to the mid-19th century, when Yokohama’s port first opened to foreign trade. Spanning several blocks, this bustling district is home to over 600 shops, restaurants, and food stalls, offering an immersive cultural experience that blends Chinese traditions with Japanese influences.
The area is divided into four colorful gates—East, West, South, and North—each adorned with intricate Chinese architecture and symbolic decorations. The Kanteibyo Temple, dedicated to the Chinese god of business, stands as the spiritual heart of Chinatown, featuring ornate red-and-gold designs and frequent lion dance performances.
Food is the main attraction here, with must-try dishes including xiaolongbao (soup dumplings), Peking duck, and spicy Sichuan cuisine. Don’t miss the street snacks like nikuman (steamed pork buns) and black sesame dorayaki.
Address: Yamashita-cho, Naka Ward, Yokohama.
Opening Hours: Most shops 10:00 – 21:00
How to Get There: 5-minute walk from Motomachi-Chukagai Station (Minato Mirai Line).
Minato Mirai 21 (Futuristic Waterfront)
Minato Mirai 21 (“Harbor of the Future”) is Yokohama’s sleek, modern district built on reclaimed land, offering stunning skyline views and world-class attractions. The area’s centerpiece is the Yokohama Landmark Tower, Japan’s second-tallest building, whose 69th-floor Sky Garden observatory provides panoramic views of Mount Fuji on clear days.
Nearby, the Cosmo Clock 21 Ferris Wheel, once the world’s tallest clock, lights up at night with dazzling LED displays. The Yokohama Museum of Art showcases modern Japanese and Western works, while the InterContinental Hotel’s lobby offers a perfect Fuji-view coffee spot.
For families, Cosmo World amusement park features roller coasters and a carousel, and the Cup Noodles Museum lets visitors design their ramen flavors. At sunset, stroll along the Osanbashi Pier for romantic harbor views.
Address: Minato Mirai, Nishi Ward, Yokohama.
Opening Hours: Varies by attraction (Landmark Tower: 10:00 – 21:00)
How to Get There: 3-minute walk from Minato Mirai Station.
Shin-Yokohama Ramen Museum (For Foodies)
This quirky museum replicates a 1958 Tokyo streetscape, housing nine mini ramen shops representing regional varieties like Hokkaido miso ramen and Kyushu tonkotsu. You can order “mini” bowls to sample multiple styles.
The basement level features retro Japanese arcade games and a vintage candy shop. Time your visit for the museum’s ramen-making workshops (reservations required).
Address: 2-14-21 Shinyokohama, Kohoku Ward.
Opening Hours: 11:00 – 22:00
How to Get There: 5-minute walk from Shin-Yokohama Station (Shinkansen stop).
Sankeien Garden (Traditional Japanese Oasis)
Sankeien is a sprawling 17th-century-style garden that transports visitors to old Japan. Built in 1906 by silk merchant Tomitaro Hara, the garden incorporates historic structures relocated from across Japan, including a three-story pagoda from Kyoto’s Tomyo-ji Temple.
The garden is divided into inner and outer sections: the inner area features tea houses and the Rinshunkaku Villa, a former samurai residence with exquisite gold-leaf interiors. The outer area highlights seasonal beauty: cherry blossoms in April, irises in June, and fiery maples in November.
Traditional tea ceremonies are held monthly in the Teishuken tea house, and the garden’s ponds reflect the changing colors of the trees. It’s a serene escape from the city, especially on weekday mornings when crowds are thin.
Address: 58-1 Honmokusannotani, Naka Ward.
Opening Hours: 09:00 – 17:00 (Closed Dec. 29–31)
How to Get There: Take bus #8/148 from Yokohama Station (25 mins).
Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse (Historic Shopping Hub)
These two historic 1911 warehouses were once customs buildings. Now, it hosts boutique shops, cafes, and event spaces. Warehouse No. 1 specializes in craft goods and Yokohama souvenirs, while No. 2 houses restaurants serving local specialties like Yokohama Navy Curry.
In winter, the plaza transforms into a German-style Christmas market with mulled wine and twinkling lights. Summer brings open-air beer gardens and live music festivals. The adjacent Aka Renga Park is perfect for picnics with harbor views.
Address: 1-1 Shinko, Naka Ward.
Opening Hours: 11:00 – 20:00 (Shops close earlier)
How to Get There: 10-minute walk from Bashamichi Station.
Best Spots with Mount Fuji views
Yokohama Landmark Tower Sky Garden
Tickets for the Sky Garden on the 69th floor
Osanbashi Pier (free, especially at sunrise).
Best Time: Clear winter mornings (Nov–Feb).
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