Explore the vibrant city of Yokohama with our guide to the best things to do in Yokohama. From cultural gems to scenic spots, discover the essence of Yokohama in every step. Welcome to Yokohama, a city that seamlessly blends tradition with modernity.
Things to Do in Yokohama
In this guide, we'll take you on a journey through the captivating experiences Yokohama has to offer. Whether you're a history buff, a nature enthusiast, or a foodie, Yokohama has something for everyone. Let's dive into the heart of this Japanese gem.
Soaring into the Yokohama skyline, the Landmark Tower offers breathtaking panoramic views. Ascend to the Sky Garden for a mesmerizing experience, combining modern architecture with the beauty of Yokohama.
1. Find instant fun at the Cup Noodles Museum
Recall how you survived on only Cup Noodles throughout your college years at this quirky attraction. You’ll get to create your own ramen in the Chicken Ramen Factory, while fun exhibitions take you along the life journey of late cup ramen inventor Momofuku Ando, including his parting gift of genius: Space Ramen.
Closest station: Minato Mirai
2. Seek some retail therapy at Marine & Walk Yokohama
The Marine & Walk Yokohama mall matches the relaxed ambiance of Yokohama Bay, bringing a refreshing dose of international culture with it. Browse unique products from a bespoke collection of boutiques, including design shops, bag makers and apparel from both domestic and international brands. An array of quirky gourmet stops make it easy to spend the whole day here; including a pie speciality shop (see further down this list), champion paella and a newly opened Peanuts Diner dedicated to all things Snoopy.
Closest station: Bashamichi or Minato Mirai
3. Get psychedelic at Cosmo World
Yokohama Cosmo WorldIt’s hard to miss the giant Ferris wheel (one of the world’s tallest) that stands at the center of the Cosmo World amusement park. With a light scheme that at night brings to mind the ending of 2001: A Space Odyssey, you’ll have a borderline hallucinogenic experience — if you can pluck up the courage to ride it.
Closest station: Minato Mirai
4. Explore Japan’s biggest Chinatown
Enter Yokohama’s vibrant Chinatown and prepare to be mesmerized by the sights and smells of nikuman (meat buns), geppei (mooncakes) and other varieties of steamed deliciousness lining the streets. Come with an empty stomach and see how long you can last before stepping in line to try it all yourself.
Closest station: Motomachi-Chukagai
5. Elevate your view at the Landmark Tower Sky Garden
Climb into the elevator in the second-floor lobby of Landmark Tower and 40 speedy seconds later you’ll able to see the beautiful bay area from nearly 300 meters up and with a 360-degree view.
Closest station: Minato Mirai
6. Travel back to 1958 at Shin-Yokohama Raumen Museum
Shin-Yokohama’s Raumen (yes that’s spelled right) Museum is a collection of rare ramen shops in which visitors can partake in as many bowls of regional ramen as their stomach can handle. The “museum” part comes in the form of the blast-from-the-past recreation of the 1958 Japanese neighborhood where the shops are staged.
Closest station: Shin-Yokohama
7. Stuff your face at Pie Holic
Seeking that post-Thanksgiving meal-stuffed sensation? Pie Holic is your cure. This delightful restaurant inside Marine & Walk Yokohama serves its lunch menu with three choices: One: salad or soup. Two: main dish. Three: a savory pie. Go for the chicken pot pie, then, ask for a wheelbarrow to be taken home in.
Closest station: Bashamichi or Minato Mirai
8. Reflect on eating habits in Yamashita Park
Instant noodles, nikuman, pie, ramen — you’ll need a sit down after all that food. Yamashita Park has a waterfront walkway that stretches for near half a mile. With the ocean’s wide expanse on one side and a scattering of monuments and statues on the other, it’s a great place to unwind — and digest.
Closest station: Motomachi-Chukagai
9. Land on history at Red Brick Warehouse
Get a feel for Yokohama’s old-new atmosphere at Akarenga Soko or the Red Brick Warehouse. The two brick-clad buildings were constructed in 1911 and 1913 and are located very near the spot where Commodore Perry’s Black Ships arrived in 1859. Step inside, though, and you’ll discover a whole new world of designer stores and stylish restaurants to keep you busy all day.
Closest station: Bashamichi or Nihon-odori
10. Combine lunch with ping pong at NTL Yokohama Bay Cafe
NTL Yokohama Bay Cafe has scored a winning combination with their ping pong cafe and bar. Several table tennis tables are on hand for customers to show off their skills, while the menu supplies with enough college-style snackery to keep energy levels high. You’ll find it on the second level of Marine & Walk Yokohama, facing the seafront.
Closest station: Bashamichi or Minato Mirai
11. Chug some liquid courage at Kirin Beer Factory
Kirin Yokohama Beer Village allows you to take a guided tour through the brewery for zero yen. If you don’t speak Japanese, your best bet is to rely on the English handout. Ride it out because free beer awaits in the form of three plentiful Kirin glasses and a snack. Keep it healthy and check out the organic veggie store inside too.
Closest station: Keikyu Namamugi or JR Shin-Koyasu
12. Immerse yourself in nature at Sankeien Garden
Designed by silk trade businessman Tomitaro Hara, sankei means to pray, and the harmonic beauty you’ll see may just cause you to drop to your knees, too. Opened in 1906, the garden boasts sites such as the oldest wooden pagoda in the Kanto area, dating all the way back to 1457.
Closest station: Negishi, plus a 10-minute bus ride on the 58, 99 or 101 to Honmoku
13. Discover how it all began at the Yokohama Archives of History
This building is the exact location of the 1854 signing of the Treaty of Kanagawa between the U.S. and Japan. With exhibitions ranging from authentic news sheets of Commodore Matthew C. Perry’s opening of the Yokohama Port to its early development, it’s well worth the ¥200 admission.
Closest station: Nihon-odori
14. Free your inner child at the Yokohama Doll Museum
In 1978, collector Hideko Oono decided to donate her entire collection of dolls to the city of Yokohama — a donation massive enough to warrant an entire museum. The four levels have a running theme of nostalgia, with the top floor devoted to a theater primarily for puppet shows.
Closest station: Motomachi-Chukagai
15. Be entertained at Yokohama Nigiwaiza
If styles of Japanese storytelling like rakugo, noh, kabuki and manzai have a special place in your heart, then check out this performing arts venue. Street performers, stand-up comedians and shakuhachi (Japanese flute) musicians are just a few of the acts that grace the 400-seat auditorium.
Closest station: Sakuragicho
16. Sample delicious bread at Uchiki Pan
It may look like an average sweet bread shop on the outside, but Uchiki Pan has been stuffing customers with English-style bread for over 120 years. Uchiki Pan was started during the Meiji era by Hikotaro Katsuki, who learned the art of U.K.-style baking and brought it to the Motomachi Shopping Street. The cinnamon bread is a must-try.
Closest station: Motomachi-Chukagai
17. Dive into Hakkeijima Sea Paradise
Underwater tunnels, dolphin shows and even a roller coaster are here for your entertainment at this aqua-themed amusement park island. If you’re a fan of plummeting toward earth (um, who isn’t?), go for the Blue Fall.
Closest station: Hakkeijima via the Seaside Line
18. Catch a baseball game at Yokohama Stadium
Catching a Yokohama DeNA BayStars game at their home stadium is a no-brainer thanks to its open-air setting and brilliantly energetic fans. With the place soon getting a 6,000 seat upgrade, baseball enthusiasts will also have a better chance of grabbing a seat.
Closest station: Kannai
19. Embrace your inner techie at Mitsubishi Minatomirai Industrial Museum
Mitsubishi created this quirky museum that appeals to people who’d rather design an aircraft, look inside rocket engines and understand wind turbines. Located next to the Landmark Tower, the interactive exhibits are perfect for those left-brainers out there.
Closest station: Minato Mirai
20. Go for a morning jog in Rinko Park
Looking for an open space to jog with a bonus view of the ocean? Rinko Park has it. Enjoy a run along a 500-meter waterfront walkway or sit back for a picnic and view joggers from a distance. It’s a free getaway without leaving the city.
Closest station: Minato Mirai
21. Try outdoor yoga by the sea
Marine & Walk Yokohama frequently organize events related to the community’s health and wellbeing. Why not join its popular outdoor yoga workshop that takes place along the waterfront promenade in front of the shopping complex? It’s retail and spiritual therapy in one.
22. Climb aboard the Nippon Maru sailing ship
Built to train cadets, this full-sized vessel is nearly as long as a soccer field. A rich 150-year maritime history lesson awaits within, as you can see the rooms that cadets, cooks and the room that the captain lived in. Delve deeper into Yokohama’s seafaring story through interactive exhibits at the maritime museum next door.
Closest station: Sakuragicho
23. View Yokohama from the water
The Yokohama Sea Bass is a futuristic-looking water bus that cruises between Yokohama’s top attractions via Yokohama Station and Bay Quarter, Yamashita Park, Minato Mirai and finally the Red Brick Warehouse/Marine & Walk Yokohama. Speedy it ain’t, but you’ll get to appreciate Yokohama’s skyline from its breeziest vantage point.
Board at: Bay Quarter (next to Yokohama Station)
24. Satisfy the Mozart in you at Minato Mirai Hall
An absolutely stunning concert hall, Minato Mirai Hall is a masterpiece of class, elegance and precision. Located in Queen’s Tower and connected to the train station, the 2,000 seat hall hosts philharmonic orchestras, talented violinists and concert pianists.
Closest station: Minato Mirai
25. Reinvigorate your spirit at Yokohama Kanteibyo
Nestled in the heart of Chinatown, this shrine was first constructed over 150 years ago as a tribute to an ancient general named Guan Gong. A meditative respite from the eating madness surrounding it.
Closest station: Motomachi-Chukagai
FAQs about Things to Do in Yokohama
Q: Is Yokohama suitable for family vacations?
Absolutely! Yokohama offers a plethora of family-friendly activities, including amusement parks, gardens, and cultural experiences. It's an ideal destination for a memorable family vacation.
Q: What's the best time to visit Sankeien Garden?
Sankeien Garden is beautiful throughout the year, but spring and autumn are particularly stunning with cherry blossoms and vibrant foliage. Plan your visit during these seasons for an enchanting experience.
Q: Are there English tours available at Landmark Tower?
Yes, Landmark Tower provides English tours, ensuring that international visitors can fully appreciate the architectural marvel and the cityscape from the Sky Garden.
Q: Can I explore Yokohama on foot?
Absolutely! Many attractions in Yokohama are within walking distance of each other. Exploring on foot allows you to soak in the local atmosphere and discover hidden gems along the way.
Q: What's the signature dish in Yokohama Chinatown?
One cannot miss trying the famous "Shumai" dumplings in Yokohama Chinatown. These steamed delicacies are a local favorite and represent the culinary excellence of the area.
Q: Are there any annual events in Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse?
Yes, Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse hosts various events throughout the year, including art exhibitions, music festivals, and seasonal markets. Check the event calendar for a delightful surprise during your visit.
Conclusion:
Yokohama, with its blend of tradition and modernity, promises an unforgettable journey. From iconic landmarks to cultural gems, maritime adventures to local delights, the city unfolds diverse experiences for every traveler. Pack your bags and immerse yourself in the charm of Yokohama – a destination that leaves a lasting imprint on your heart.