Yokohama

Understand

First a fishing village, Yokohama developed into a bustling port city following the establishment of foreign trade after the opening of Japan in 1854. It was the site where Commodore Matthew Perry landed and forced Japan to sign the Kanagawa Treaty ending over 200 years of isolationalism by the Tokugawa Shogunate. 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.

Tourist Information The city has a multilingual Official Visitors Guide site.

Getting there

Yokohama is 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, ¥4290 or free with JR Pass). Limousine Buses run frequently from Narita to the Yokohama City Air Terminal (YCAT) in 2 hours (¥3600). 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 ¥1500 to Yokohama. The Sky Access line train will cost ¥1690. 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 Express (急行) to Yokohama station in 30–35 minutes for ¥480. The 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 ¥280 this is the cheapest trip from metro Tokyo. Chinatown, the terminus of the MM21 line, is another 10 minutes away (Motomachi-Chukagai, ¥220 from Yokohama or ¥500 from Shibuya). Up to eight kyūkō (急行) and tokkyū (特急) trains per hour. The Toyoko Line station in Shibuya is 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 Ueno-Tokyo Line (上野東京ライン) and Tokaido Main Line (東海道線) from Ueno, Tokyo and Shinagawa stations (all on the Yamanote Line). Departs every 10 minutes; more trains during rush hour. About 25 minutes from Tokyo to Yokohama, ¥470. Commuter Rapid Service (通勤快速) and Shonan Liner (湘南ライナー) trains do not stop at Yokohama Station. JR Shonan-Shinjuku Line (湘南新宿ライン) from Ikebukuro, Shinjuku, Shibuya, Ebisu and Ōsaki. This was the first JR line that connected the western part of the Tokyo metropo

Getting around

Yokohama is not a very automobile-friendly place, especially for foreigners. Public transit and walking works best. The official guide site has some maps 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) has two lines: the main Blue Line from Azamino to Shonandai and the short Green Line from Hiyoshi to Nakayama. You can get around Yokohama easily using the subway lines.

By bus Akai Kutsu Bus is a sight-seeing bus around Minatomirai, Chinatown and Motomachi. It looks like an old red bus and runs every 20 minutes on the main loop. A ticket costs ¥220, and a 1 day pass costs ¥500.

By boat The "Sea Bass" boat 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 ¥350-700 depending on the distance.

By human power Velo taxis called "Cyclopolitain" (シクロポリタン, shikuroporitan) 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

1 Marine Tower, 15 Yamashitacho, Naka-ku. Considered by some to be the tallest on-land lighthouse in the world. Built to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Yokohama's port opening. In clear conditions, visitors can see Mount Fuji from the 100-metre high observation deck. Adults ¥750. (updated Jan 2020) 2 Hikawa Maru (氷川丸), Yamashita Park. Yamashita-cho, Naka-ku. Tu-Su 10:00-17:00. 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. The ship is also used for movie and TV location shooting including the 1997 film Moonlight Serenade and the 2005 NHK drama Haru to Natsu. Adult ¥300, senior ¥200, child ¥100.

3 Landmark Tower, MM21 Minato Mirai Station (Minato Mirai 21 district). Su-F 10:00-21:00, Sa 10:00-22:00. The Landmark Tower was the tallest building in Japan until the construction of Abeno Harukas in Osaka. It continues to be the tallest in Yokohama. The observation platform on the 69th floor provides good views all the way to Tokyo and Mt. Fuji can be seen on clear days. The elevators are said to be the fastest in Japan. For a classier experience, try the cocktail lounge on the 70th floor (drinks ¥1000+ each) or eat dinner on the 68th (see below). Adults ¥1000. (updated Oct 2025) 4 Ōsanbashi Pier (大さん橋), 1-1-4, Kaigandori, Naka-ku, ☏ +81 45-211-2304. 24/7. Ōsanbashi Pier is the main international pier at the Port of Yokohama where cruise ships dock. Architecturally renovated with an abstract modern style in 2002, it provides a view of the Minato Mirai skyline. The rooftop garden is open to public and is very beautiful, especially during sunset. Free. (updated Jan 2020) 5 Keiō University - Hiyoshi Campus (慶應義塾大学, Keiō Gijuku Daigaku). A campus of the oldest university in Japan. It is known for its campus' towering maidenhair trees, turning a lovely yellow in the fall. The Hiyoshi tunnels are underneath. Hiyoshi Tunnels (旧日吉台地下壕), ☏ +81 45-562-0443. These tunnels were the headquarters of Imperial Japanese Navy during World War II. Naval commanders from these tunnels ordered Kamikaze attacks, directed ground battles such as the Battle of Okinawa, and naval engagements like the Battle of Leyte Gulf during the later years of World War II. There are many rooms. The university allows visits once per month. 6 Yokohama Bay Bridge (横浜ベイブリッジ). This is an 860-m-long cable suspension bridge spanning the Port of Yokohama. There is an observation platform attached to the Bay Bridge called Skywalk, which is only open on certain days of the week dependent on t

Do

1 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. It 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, ☏ +81 457888888. This large amusement park with aquarium, various attractions and shops was opened in 1993. Get off at Seaside line "Hakkeijima" station. There is an area called "Dolphin Fantasy" that exhibits dolphins, including a white one, with a 360° view. You can touch some animals like penguins. 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. 09:00-16:30. Free. ROUND 1 (ラウンドワン). M-F 10:00-05:00, Sa 09:00-05:00, Su 08:00-05:00. 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 09:00-21:00, Su 09:00-17:00 (& 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 45-592-0453. Swimming pools and gyms. They are used global games and personal users. 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 clothing. There are many booths. So, you can eat traditional foods. And also, people e

Buy

1 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: 2 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. 3 Pacifico Yokohama (パシフィコ横浜). Cafes, restaurants, shops and hotel. Sometimes concerts are held here. 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. It has been restored and is 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 JoinUs Yokohama (ジョイナス). This maze-like shopping arcade is 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". (updated Dec 2021) 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 ¥320, 15 for ¥660, 30 for ¥1310. You can get central gate (中央口) of Yokohama station (between Keihinkyukou line and keihintohoku line). 7 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. 8 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. 9 Yokohama Vivre (横浜ビブレ) (West Exit of the station). Japanese fashion at its best (or worst, depending on your take) for 20- and 30-somethings. Think Shibuya 109 and Pa

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. 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 (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. Big menu with 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). Yakitori and other izakaya fare, as well as 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. Tinun (ティーヌン) (6F Cial (Yokohama Station West Exit)). Classier version of the local Thai restaurant chain. Stir-fried noodles are a must. Edaminami Parisienne, Edaminami 5-7-3, Tsuzuki-ku, ☏ +81 45-941-7106. Daily 09:00-19:00. Bakery shop known for its curry doughnuts. Yokohama Kurikoan (横浜くりこ庵), 神奈川県横浜市西区南幸1-11-1 (Yokohama station West exit 5). 10:00-21:30. Famous for their version of taiyaki, a Japanese pastry usually made with red bean paste, but here they use chestnut paste (kuriko-an) instead. Sante Ole (サンテオレ), ☏ +81 45-785-1534. Shop known for its "coroquette burger", using potato inside instead of beef. Major Leaguer Daisuke Matsuzaka ate here in his school days. Bunnosuke Chaya (文の助茶屋) (Cubic Plaza Shinyokohama 10F, beside Shinyokohama Stn.). Daily 11:00-20:00. A shop serving Kyoto-style

Drink & nightlife

All ¥500 bar GIMME!GIMME!GIMME!, 1-45 Noge-cho, Naka-ku,231-0064. A bar with drinks priced at ¥500. 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 45-671-0818. 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 45 641-4746. If you like the Windjammer, you will like this Irsh/American-themed bar too. 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 is very quiet and emphasis is placed on enjoying your drink. Reservations for large groups. Oriental Café, 2-16-4 Minamisaiwai, Nishi-ku (Yokohama Stn, 10-15 min walk along the Shintama River, diagonally across the “Hamabowl” Bowling hall.), ☏ +81 45 311-4640. A small diner which plays house music continuously and the interior unique décor is in line with the music it plays. The Tavern, 2-14 Minami Saiwai cho, Nishi Ku (from Yokohama Stn, head left until you come to Daiei supermarket - it's under McDonald's), ☏ +81 45 322-9727. This, the first British pub/restaurant in Yokohama, 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,

Sleep

Budget 1 Yokohama Hostel Village, SanWa Bldg 1F, 3-11-2 Matsukage-cho, Naka-ku (5 min walk from Ishikawa-cho JR Stn), ☏ +81 45-663-3696. Inexpensive accommodation. Single ¥3960, small LB apartments ¥4800, no deposit is needed and you get your own kitchen and bathroom. (updated Dec 2024) 2 Guest House Kanalian, 16-5 Daimachi, Kanagawa-ku, ☏ +81 45-313-6442, [email protected]. 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 ¥2500 per person, 1 week ¥17,000 per person. (updated Dec 2024)

Mid-range Hotel Associa Shin-yokohama, 2-100-45 Shin-yokohama, Kohoku-ku, Shin-Yokohama Stn, ☏ +81 45-475-0011. 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. 3 Shin-Yokohama Prince Hotel, 3-4 Shin Yokohama, Kohoko-ku (Adjacent to Shin-Yokohama station), ☏ +81 45-471-1111. .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, Honcho 6-55, Naka-ku, ☏ +81 45-671-1045. 5 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). Yokohama Isezakichō Washington Hotel, 5-33 Choja-machi, Naka-ku (Close to Isezaki-chōjamachi JR station and easy walking di

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