Tokyo Day Trip #2: Yokohama
- Ondrey
- Apr 13, 2023
- 6 min read
I spent as much time in Yokohama as I did Tokyo. That being said, if you have the time to spend more than a day, I highly recommend it. Yokohama is the second largest city in Japan and is one of the oldest port cities to open up to Western culture. They were the first in Japan to have a railway, connecting Yokohama to Tokyo.
Now days you can take any number of railways to get to Yokohama from Tokyo ranging about 45 minutes to an hour. Though the Yokohama stations is a sight to see, if you are spending just the day, I suggest making sure you route yourself to either the Sakuragicho station or Kannai Station which service the Negishi line or Blue Subway line for a more central starting point.
YOKOHAMA PORTSIDE AREA
THINGS TO DO
Yokohama Train Station - The largest train station in Yokohama which also connects to several underground malls, including the Porta Underground Shopping Center.
SOGO Museaum of Art - Located inside the 6th floor of the SOGO shopping mall. It was considered the first Museaum in Japan and hold varying exhibitions of the time and culture.
Nissan Global Headquarters Gallery - On the first floor of this automakers financial building is a history of the automaker's beginnings including the start of what is now known as the Nissan Z.
Hara Model Railway Museaum - Japan is the ultimate playground for any train enthusiasts but this Museaum hosts Japanese, Eruopean and American models, and the best part is the admittance is free!
WHERE TO EAT
Quater Bay - This channel side shopping district has plenty of dining options, all very unique. Several restaurants have outside seating with views of the port.
MINATO MIRAI 21 CENTRAL DISTRICT
FUN FACT: The Landmark Tower held the fastest elevators in the world until 2004 with speeds of 45 km/h or 28mph. These elevators can bring you from the 2nd floor to the 69th floor in 40 seconds.
THINGS TO DO
Nippon Maru - This ship was launched in 1930 as a navigation training ship until 1984. Since that time, it has been anchored, preserved and converted into the Yokohama Port Museum, explaining over 150 years of history since the port was opened.
Yokohama Museum of Art - This museum hosts several exhibitions throughout the year, portraying both Japanese and Western artists alike. In 2018 I had the pleasure of seeing the Claude Monet exhibit. Unfortunately, the museum will be closed until March 2024 for renovations.
Landmark Tower - This skyscraper was the tallest building in Japan until 2014. It is positioned right next to the Yokohama Museum of Art and houses approximately 170 shops, restaurants and even a 5-star hotel. On the 69th floor you can visit the Skygarden, an observation deck that shows a 360-degree view of the entire city and on clear days a chance at seeing Mt. fuji.
Queens Square Yokohama - This complex is located directly above the Minatomirai station. It holds various events on the weekends, along with plenty of shopping and restaurants for you to peruse.
Mitsubishi Minatomirai Industrial Museum - This museum is for the science and technology enthusiast. It offers cutting-edge technology and dynamic interactive displays for any one of its themed zones, including a real rocket engine and replica deep sea submersible.
WHERE TO EAT
Kanouya - A traditional Japanese Izakaya Bar featuring a great shabu-shabu, or go with their all-you-can-drink full course meal.
Landmark Tower - the Dock Yard Garden "Mirai Yokocho" has lively dining and entertainment in the afternoons and evenings.
Queens Square - Is full of restaurant choices, some with amazing views of the bay.
MINATO MIRAI 21 SHINKO AREA
FUN FACT: Minato Mirai means "future port" and is a beach shoreline town with spectacular nighttime views.
THINGS TO DO
Cosmoworld - This free admission urban style amusement park is home to one of the world's largest Ferris wheels. There are about 30 other additional rides and attractions on the grounds and is all age friendly.
World Porters - Located next to Cosmoworld is a large multistory mall with plenty of unique shops and restaurants, including the little Hawaiian Town.
Red Brick Warehouse - Known in Japanese as Aka-Renga Soko was formally the customs inspection house of Yokohama Bay's shipping activities in the early 1920's. These buildings have been converted into one of Yokohama's most popular family and date spots. They sport seasonal events such as October Beer Fest, a skating rink in the winter and concerts during the summer.
CupNoodles Museum - This child center museum is designed to stir creativity and curiosity in the young mind.
WHERE TO EAT
Gyunabe Araiya - This long-established "gyunabe" restaurant has been loved by people for over 120 years. Their "gyunabe" is carefully selected domestic Japanese black beef and vegetables cooked in their secret warishita stock.
Bills - Boasts to have the "world's best breakfast" and sits inside the red brick warehouse with a three seasons room to enjoy the bay view.
YAMASHITA
WHAT TO DO
Osanbashi Pier - The pier was originally built in 1894 but was reconstructed in 2002 as a passenger ship terminal. This 400-meter pier has walkways and green spaces that are open to the general public giving you an excellent view of the Yokohama skyline.
Yamashita Park - This park is a 750-meter stretch along the waterfront, perfect for a leisurely stroll. It was constructed after the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923.
NYK Hikawamaru - Hikawamaru is a cargo and passenger ship constructed in 1930. During WWII, it was used as a government impress ship and special hospital ship for the navy. It resumed its original role as a cargo and passenger ship in 1947 and returned to the Seattle Water Route in 1953 until it's retirement in 1960. Visitors can tour the Art Deco- style dining room, the special guest rooms and other rooms which were renovated based on the resources of the prewar days.
Marine Tower - The Marine Tower was bult and opened in celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Yokohama Port. It has been a symbol of the city since its opening, witnessing the development of Yokohama Port as a lighthouse. Although it no longer serves as a lighthouse after the renwal in 2009, it continues to be an oasis for this port tow. Visitors can also enjoy the view of Mt. Fuji and Tokyo Skytree.
WHERE TO EAT
Gundam Factory - If you're a fan of the Gundam series, then check out this cafe off on a pier in front of Yamashita Park. Though you won't see the large Gundam Statue here (that's in Odaiba, Tokyo).
Ootoya - A small meals restaurant located in Yamashita Park.
Go to Chinatown! - You're not too far from Chinatown it out!
SHIN-YOKOHAMA & GREATER YOKOHAMA AREA
WHAT TO DO
Chinatown - I walked into Chinatown by mistake as I was lost and wandering around trying to find the Yamate Italian Garden, however I enjoyed my little side excursion so much I made sure to return. This Chinatown is one of the largest in the world with roughly 500 shops and restaurants. It exhibits unique Pailou gates that are built according to Feng Shui principles.
Motomachi Shopping Street - If you are looking for a one stop shopping area then these streets are the perfect destination. There is a symbolic archway with a phoenix shaped sculpture on top at the entrance of both ends of the street. These streets are lined with may well-established Hama Tra (Yokohama Traditional Fashion) along with all forms of goods and wearables including foreign brands. Note to the shopper, many stores are closed on Mondays.
Nissan Stadium - If you are a soccer/football fan (not American Football then check out the Nissan Stadium, just a short walk from the JR Yokohama Kozukue Station. The stadium does tours where you can see the entire 70,000 seat capacity stadium along with rare exhibits from the 2002 FIFA World Cup. This stadium even includes an all weather swimming pool and waterpark below the east stands.
Ramen Museum - Right across the river from Nissan Stadium you can find the Ramen Museum. This "food amusement park" is the first of it's kind, featuring 9 ramen eateries that display local variations of the noodle dish from all around the country. Entry fee is 310 yen.
Sankeien Garden - This garden was my personal favorite in all the gardens I visited, please check out my post on Japanese gardens for more information.
Yokohama Hakkeijam Sea Paradise - This unique amusement park located on an island has 4 aquariums where you can enjoy the entirety of the ocean. Getting a close up encounter with marine life at the Fureai Lagoon.
WHERE TO EAT
Chungking Chinese Szechwan Resturant - This resturant was established in 1959 and is recognized as a traditional Szechwan resturant that skillfully uses spices such as chili pepper, Japanese pepper, and broad been chili paste to achieve a unique flavor that is not just spicy, but savory as well. In Chinatown they have several other resturant options such as Shinkan, Chungking Dim Sum House and Honkan.
Hanzoya - A French cuisine that uses carefully selected local vegetables that are chosen daily and tons of seasonal ingredients. They store over 500 varieties of selected wines and you can even enjoy famous brands at a reasonable price.
Edosei - Established in 1894, this specialty store sells the original Butaman (Chinese Steamed Bun). With several locations around Chinatown, it's a quick and easy snack to pick up on your travels.
Katsuretsuan - Founded in 1927, this long established pork cutlet resturant cherishes their reputation as they continue to protect the spirit of Yokohama. Their cutlet with secret sauce and special panko bread crumbs that bring out the sweetness of the cutlet is a masterpiece.
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