Though it is only a 30-minute practice experience south of central Tokyo, Yokohama (横浜) has an interesting taste and historical past all its personal.  Yokohama was the place the primary international buying and selling port, Chinatown, English-language newspaper, beer manufacturing unit and railway station have been established within the nation. This cosmopolitan previous lives on at the moment in its inventive arts and jazz scene, microbreweries and the modern transformed red-brick warehouses of Minato Mirai. 

Worldwide eating, clothes boutiques and artwork studios have a powerful presence in Yokohama, whereas a world-class immediate ramen museum, large robotic, and practice assortment mirror a unusual facet. But drifting by Yokohama’s bayside parks, there may be nonetheless a way that it is a seaside city that compels guests and residents to maneuver at their very own leisurely tempo. 

Locals are more likely to cite the uncrowded, walkable streets or neighborhood environment as the primary draw, however for guests it is seemingly considered one of these prime 10 issues to do.

Commercial

1. Discover the painted gates in Japan’s largest Chinatown 

The largest Chinatown in Japan just isn’t in Tokyo however in Yokohama, having been established as a Treaty Port in 1859. Right now there are over 10 blocks full of 600 specialty outlets and eating places, some down intriguing alleyways. There are 10 fantastically painted gates dotted all through, with the primary Zenrinmon Gate standing tall on the west entrance of the primary pedestrianized strip. Make it a enjoyable problem to snap a photograph at each! 

The spotlight of Chinatown, although, is the Kanteibyo temple (often known as Yokohama Kuan Ti Miao), devoted to Guan Yu, the Taoist god of battle, wealth and retailers. After the austerity of Japanese shrines, this one screams opulence and energy with endless, intricate designs elbowing for consideration. 

Planning tip: Contained in the temple, be sure you admire the detailed roof dioramas and beautiful ceiling.

2. Get pleasure from a 360-degree view of town at Landmark Tower Sky Backyard 

For unparalleled views of Yokohama, head to the Landmark Tower, the place you’ll be able to take town’s quickest elevator as much as the 69th ground in simply 40 seconds. On the prime, the Landmark Tower Sky Backyard gives town’s highest statement deck, the place you’ll be able to get pleasure from a surprising 360-degree panoramic view stretching all the best way to Tokyo and, on clear days, even Mt. Fuji.

The statement deck additionally includes a enjoyable cafe the place you’ll be able to get pleasure from a cup of tea or a lightweight snack whereas soaking within the breathtaking surroundings. The view is particularly magical at sundown or after darkish when town is fantastically illuminated. 

3. Unleash your inside youngster at Cup Noodles Museum

Yokohama has a playful but modern facet that appeals to younger hearts. Even in case you have by no means contemplated noodle historical past, there is sufficient to hold all people smiling at Cup Noodles Museum. It’s an ode to the 1956 invention of immediate ramen by Momofuku Ando. 

Graphic-design lovers can ogle over the packaging of just about each Cup Noodle created throughout the many years in a gleaming show match for high fashion. Rooms with a number of hidden viewing factors and a childlike kookiness will hold youngsters amused whereas designing your individual Cup Noodle packaging and elements. The higher degree has hawker stands to check out immediate ramen in worldwide noodle soup dishes.

Detour: Wish to delve deeper into Japan’s noodle historical past? Lower than 2 miles away is the immersive Shin-Yokohama Ramen Museum the place you can provide conventional noodle making a go! 

4. Stroll by futuristic Minato Mirai 

For year-round, old-world Japan leisure, head south to Minato Mirai. Nogecho is a collection of backstreets the place miniscule bars, eateries and jazz joints congregate underneath inexperienced awnings. Vacationers and English-speakers are scarce right here, whereas the decor is usually heavy on ’70s wooden panelling. Foreigners are nonetheless welcome; although for jazz golf equipment to dress up for, head south of Bashamichi Station.  

Commercial

Planning tip: Even simply passing by Nogecho is a captivating peek on the Yokohama, and Japan, of yesteryear.

5. Style Yokohama’s greatest craft beers 

Kampai! Yokohama is awash with microbreweries and bars that make for entertaining ingesting, day or evening. The linchpin within the ingesting scene is Yokohama Oktoberfest, held throughout two weeks in early October at Akarenga Sōkō, serving over 100 beers at transformed red-brick warehouses by the bay. 

In mid-April and mid-September, the Nice Japan Beer Competition Yokohama showcases 200 craft beers from all around the nation. It’s standing room solely as folks pack into Osanbashi Corridor at Yokohama Port. At different occasions, you’ll be able to reserve a tour of Kirin Brewery Yokohama Manufacturing facility.

Outdoors of the occasions, strive craft beer on the Bashamichi Taproom, identified for its Japan pale ale (JPA) and smoky stouts; Beer Bar Moon Beams, for craft beers and vinyls; and Revo Brewing for stouts, JPA and views throughout Minato Mirai. 

6.  Stroll the Yokohama waterfront

Yokohama’s waterfront is the right spot for a stroll, with beautiful views, full of life promenades, and loads of enjoyable sights to take a look at alongside the best way. Begin in Mirato Minai 21 on the Yokohama Museum of Art, with its geometrical stonework facade. Subsequent, observe the water to the magnificent white sails of the Nippon Maru Sailing Ship, a retired coaching vessel for naval cadets. Proceed east on the wood bridge of Kisha-michi Promenade. 

As soon as throughout, pause for snacks and buying on the boutique Aka-renga Sōkō, often known as the Pink Brick Warehouse. These two historic red-brick buildings, as soon as serving because the Customs Inspection Home for Yokohama’s Twenties transport actions, have been remodeled right into a vibrant mixture of distinctive outlets, eating places, and occasion areas. Close by, discover Marine & Stroll, an open-air mall providing worldwide delicacies, fashionable clothes, and occasions just like the Greenroom Competition, a well-liked music and humanities celebration.

High off your stroll by crossing the bridge south, admiring the harbor’s boats at Zou-no-hana Park, the place you’ll be able to keep to look at the sundown.

7. See the sights from the Cosmo World Ferris wheel

Spend a day with buddies or household at Cosmo World, a compact but entertaining amusement park that includes the long-lasting Cosmo Clock 21 Ferris wheel, a landmark that gives breathtaking views of the world.

For adrenaline junkies, don’t miss the thrilling “Vanish” rollercoaster, that includes a novel diving drop by an underwater tunnel and passing by a pool. In the event you’re visiting with household, there are many kid-friendly sights, together with treasure hunts, carnival video games, and a traditional merry-go-round. When starvation strikes, seize a fast chunk at Cosmo Court docket, the place you’ll discover sizzling canines, fries, crepes, and ice cream, or strive one thing enjoyable and quirky at Bear Castella, providing bear-shaped castella desserts. 

8. Swing to the beat of Yokohama Jazz 

Yokohama has a wealthy and vibrant jazz scene that pulses all through town. One of many highlights is the annual October Yokohama Jazz Promenade, Japan’s largest jazz competition, which takes place within the metropolis the place jazz first arrived. The competition attracts over 100,000 folks and options greater than 2000 jazz artists throughout 50 venues across the port city.

For a style of on a regular basis jazz, head to Bar Bar Bar, one of many oldest and largest jazz golf equipment in Yokohama with 40 years of historical past. Musicians like Wynton Marsalis and Salena Jones have carried out right here. At Ben Tenuto, you’ll be greeted by a cute robotic known as “Ben-chan.” The spot is informal however has an excellent piano soundscape, good meals and an affordable cowl cost. 

Or, when you’re searching for a comfortable, lounge-like expertise, step into Jazz Bar Venus, a laid-back venue the place small combos, like vocal and piano duets, carry out each evening. The workers are younger aspiring abilities themselves, and the pleasant environment makes it simple to fulfill locals.

9. Discover the world close to historic Nihon-ōdōri 

Historic Nihon-ōdōri is a big avenue in Yokohama, identified for its mix of Western and Japanese architectural influences. For a stable sightseeing stroll, begin at Yokohama Customs Museum, notable for its mosque-like dome crowning the tower. It was nicknamed “Queen” by sailors of the time, whereas close by Kanagawa Prefectural Government Office was known as “King” after poker playing cards. 

Subsequent, from its artwork deco east entranceway, cross reverse to the Yokohama Archives of History, which was initially the British Consulate. Afterward, stroll by Yokohama Port Opening Sq. with its trendy mirrored sculptures and see the all-white Kyokai Yokohama Kaigan Church, the primary Protestant church in Japan. 

Proceed north to the harbor and climb the steps onto Yamashita Rinkō Line Promenade, a raised scenic walkway with views of the trendy Ōsanbashi pier. Stroll east by Yamashita-kōen, having fun with recent air and harbor views, till you attain NYK Hikawa Maru moored reverse, a luxurious liner 

Planning tip: Sea Bass ferries return to Yokohama Station.

10. Strive Yokohama specialties like gyū-nabe (sizzling pot)  

For a novel eating expertise, go to Araiya, a museum-like wood restaurant close to the port, the place you’ll be able to get pleasure from native gyū-nabe (sizzling pot) that includes premium wagyū (Japanese beef). Or, strive a brand new tackle ramen at Yoshimuraya, the place the long-lasting Yokohama iekei fashion – combining wealthy pork and soy broth with chewy noodles – was first created. 

For a style of 100% Yokohama fusion, head to Solar Aloha Minato Mirai, a Hawaiian restaurant serving comforting hayashi rice (beef stew with French roots). Within the temper for one thing quirky? Cease by Resort New Grand for naporitan, a post-WWII ketchup and udon-like spaghetti mashup.

This text was tailored from Lonely Planet’s Japan guidebook, printed in March 2024.