Yokohama travel blog — The fullest Yokohama travel guide & suggested Yokohama itinerary for 2 days for first-timers

As the second largest city in Japan, Yokohama attracts visitors with its vibrant modernity in its own way. It has the world’s largest ferris wheel, the famous Hakkejima ocean park, the vibrant Chinatown, the extremely unique Ramen museum, … and many other interesting places. Yokohama is also known as the “city of dreams”. So, what to do and how to visit Yokohama for the first-time? Let’s check out our Yokohama travel blog (Yokohama blog) with the fullest Yokohama travel guide (Yokohama guide, Yokohama city guide) as well as Yokohama travel itinerary 2 days from how to get there, where to stay, best time and best places to visit, top things to do to find out the answer!

 

5 reasons to visit Yokohama

• Having the chance to experience the extremely vibrant nightlife.
• Experience rich cuisine with many super delicious Japanese dishes.
• Exploring many famous attractions that you should not miss such as: Minato Mirai, Chinatown, Sky Garden at Landmark Yokohama Tower, Yamashita Park, Sankeien Garden, Ramen Noodles Museum…
• A shopping paradise with many modern shopping malls.
• Be immersed yourself in the extremely bustling Chinatown.

Yokohama travel blog: Overview of Yokohama

Less than an hour (27.77 km) from Tokyo by train, Yokohama is an oasis, a city full of vitality, blending with traditional and modern Japanese culture, and many unique and interesting places to explore with rich and diverse cuisine culture. Yokohama is the capital city of Kanagawa Prefecture with a population near 4 million with an area of 437.4 km² and a thriving expat community. Yokohama will bring you full of surprises. You can walk along the harbor in the morning and explore the strange museum Cups Noodle Museum. Or watch great art shows each night and playing hard at the live jazz clubs.

As the capital of Kanagawa Prefecture, Yokohama is one of the seaports opened for foreign trade since 1859 after the period of Japanese isolation. From a small fishing village, Yokohama has grown rapidly to become the second largest city in Japan. As it is only about 30 minutes by train from Tokyo, Yokohama has become a popular destination for day trips to avoid the crowds of the capital.

Yokohama Districts

Kannai district includes the historic river Ooka River and many famous tourist spots such as Marine Tower building, Osanbashi Pier. Besides, it is also an extremely ideal sunset viewing spot. Minato Mirai District 21, the most developed and most modern district in Osaka. There are plenty of shopping and dining options including the huge Landmark Plaza / Queen’s Square complex. Yamate and Motomachi are two adjacent districts along the hillside. This is where you’ll find great shopping opportunities amidst the beautiful scenery from the harbor.

Yokohama blog: When to visit?

The weather in Yokohama is warm all year round. So, you can come here at anytime of year. From March to November, Yokohama daytime temperatures are around 18-30 degrees Celsius, which is the time when the city welcomes the most visitors.

Yokohama travel blog: How to get?

Plane

The nearest international airports are located in Tokyo: Haneda and Narita but most international tourists fly to Narita Airport (NRT) and then travel to Yokohama, about 97km away. You can take the Narita Express train to Yokohama for a half-hour ride, costing around 4,380 yen/one-way.

Train

There are many train lines from Tokyo to Yokohama and vice versa and other provinces to Yokohama. In which some popular lines are Tokyu Toyoko Line and JR Keihin-Tohoku Line, JR Tokaido Line, JR Shonan Shinjuku Line, JR Tokaido Shinkansen. There are many lines departing from various major stations around Tokyo that run directly to Yokohama Station, and from there, you can reach most of the main attractions (by walking or by a 10-minute train ride).

JR Pass for Whole Japan (7, 14, or 21 Days)

• From Shibuya Station: Take the Tokyu-Toyoko Line (towards Motomachi-Chukagai) straight to Yokohama Station (25 minutes) for 280 yen.
• From Tokyo Station: Take the JR Shonan Shinjuku Line (towards Odawara) straight to Yokohama Station (30 minutes) for 480 yen.
• From Tokyo Station: Take the JR Keihin-Tohoku Line (towards Ofuna) straight to Yokohama Station (40 minutes) for 570 yen.
• From Shibuya Station: Take the JR Shonan Shinjuku Line (towards Odawara) straight to Yokohama Station (30 minutes) for 570 yen.
• From Tokyo Station: Take the JR Tokaido Line straight to Yokohama Station (25 minutes) for 480 yen.

Bus

There is no direct bus from Tokyo Station to Yokohama. However, there are transport services departing from Tokyo Station (at Yaesu North Exit) and arriving at Yokohama Doll Museum via Haneda Airport (at Terminal 1 Station). This journey, including transfers, takes about 1 hour and 24 minutes.

Yokohama travel guide: Getting around Yokohama

Public transport

There are two subway lines in Yokohama are Minatomirai Line or JR East Line, with an unlimited travel day pass (one day ticket) costs 520 yen/day. And Minato Burari Line or MM21 with one day pass costs 500 yen/day.

Bus & taxi

One of the best way to explore Yokohama is by bus. You can buy Yokohama Municipal Bus One-day Pass for convenient traveling with prices: Adult 600 yen / Child 300 yen. See details here.

Taxis can be found anywhere in the city, starting at 730 yen, which increases to 310 yen for every 1km.

Yokohama Enjoy Pass

There are many one-day types of tickets, you can refer to prices and types here.

Yokohama travel blog: Where to go and top things to do in Yokohama

The Sankeien Garden

The garden once belonged to a wealthy silk merchant named Tomitaro Hara and has impressed visitors since 1906. Over the years, it has become a part of Japan’s collection of historical relics. There is even a three-story pagoda quite similar the golden temple of Kinkaku-ji that originated in Kyoto in the 1400s. The special landscape with bridges, small streams, small waterfalls, bamboo forests and ponds will takes you back into Japanese ancient space.

Address: 58-1 Honmokusannotani, Naka Ward, Yokohama, Kanagawa 231-0824, Japan
Hours: 9AM–5PM

Shin-Yokohama Ramen Museum

Yokohama is the first place to have a ramen museum in the world, in the Shin-Yokohama Ramen Museum has nine different ramen restaurants, each serving a unique ramen representing different regions in Japan. Get ready to go back in time as you learn about the history of ramen through a 1958 re-enactment village of Tokyo, packed with shops, alleyways, vendors and performers of the past. The main attraction, of course, is many delicious types of ramen that will make you satisfied, all ramen here come along with ‘mini’ sizes help you taste as much as ramen possible.

Address: 2 Chome-14-21 Shinyokohama, Kohoku Ward, Yokohama, Kanagawa 222-0033, Japan
Hours: 11AM–8:30PM

Hakkeijima Sea Paradise

The many underwater tunnels, dolphin and sea lion shows and rollercoasters make Hakkeijima Sea Paradise as one of the most visited aquariums in Japan. More than 120,000 marine creatures live in this aquatic museum.

Hakkeijima Sea Paradise is an amusement park located in Hakkeijima in Yokohama city. Inside this complex is fully equipped with games, restaurants, shopping stores, hotels … There are many interesting things to have fun all day, so it is a suitable place for families, couples and groups of friends.

Address: Hakkeijima, Kanazawa-Ku, Yokohama 236-0006 tinh Kanagawa
Hours: 10AM–5PM

Red Brick Warehouse

It is one of the hotspots attracting the most tourists in Yokohama. In the 1920s, this place was used as a Cargo Tracking Area in Yokohama Bay. Both red brick buildings have now been converted into big event places, and many shopping malls attract large numbers of visitors every day, especially during festivals.

More seasonal events will be held at the event hall, while the adjacent shopping mall features upscale boutiques, unique cafes and open-style restaurants. Or you can also go to the 3rd floor of the building for a view.

Address: 1 Chome-1 Shinko, Naka Ward, Yokohama, Kanagawa 231-0001, Japan
Hours: 11AM–8PM

Hara Model Railway Museum

This Railway Model Museum is very unique and different from other railway museums in the world. The museum’s founder is Nobuto Hara, a Japanese train enthusiast and has collected more than 6,000 train cars, 1,000 of which are on display at the museum.

The museum holds numerous railroad collections as well as intricate and highly-appreciated models of trains. You also can see car models from Japan, Europe, America and many other countries around the world.

Address: Japan, 〒220-0011 Kanagawa, Yokohama, Nishi Ward, Takashima, 1 Chome−1−2, YOKOHAMA MITSUI BUILDING, 2F
Hours: 10AM–5PM/Tuesday: Closed

Kirin Brewery Yokohama Factory

At Kirin Brewery, you can join an interesting guided tour of the brewery process (English documents are available, but no English tour guide available). At the end of the tour, the factory also offers complimentary snacks and drinks including Kirin beer for guests can choose from.

Address: 1 Chome-17-1 Namamugi, Tsurumi Ward, Yokohama, Kanagawa 230-8628, Japan

Minato Mirai 21

In the heart of Yokohama city is Minato Mirai 21 (central business district of Yokohama) which means “future port of the 21st century”, the epitome of a modern, bustling city with a bustling harbor scene. The Minato Mirai 21 area includes a variety of locations such as shopping mall, convention center, amusement park, relaxation center (with hot spring baths), and museum.

There are many high-rise buildings, among them the tallest Yokohama Landmark Tower in Japan until 2014. Minato Mirai is fortunate to have an prime location, running along the coastline and countless famous attractions.

Chinatown in Yokohama (Yokohama Chukagai)

As Japan’s largest Chinatown, with more than 600 stores offering dishes from all parts of China, grocery items hard to find in Tokyo and unique souvenirs, you even might have to plan all day to walk on the lantern-filled streets leading to the temples during the day and see the brightly colored neon signs at night.

Religious sites such as Kanteibyo Shrine which worshiping Guan Yu of the Three Kingdoms era or Masobyo Shrine which worshipping the god of sea. In addition, the entertainment spot that attracts all children and adults is Yokohama Daisekai, where there are many Chinese restaurants, souvenir shops, art museums, photo studios, …

A few steps away is the Motomachi Shopping Arcade with cafes and high-end fashion shops. If you are passionate about photography, the classical Western architecture of the houses in the Yamate area will surely delight you.

Visiting all day can be exhausting but the Garden Terrace Café, located on the third floor of Yokohama Hakurankan (one of the most famous souvenir shops in Chinatown), can energize you. Here you can experience ashiyu (foot bath) for 100 yen (food and drink included in the menu).

Sky Garden at Yokohama Landmark Tower

The building has a height of 296m with 70 floors. This is the tallest building in Japan, built in the port city of Yokohama. In particular, Sky Garden on the 69th floor will help you observe the whole city with a 360 degree view. On clear days, you can see Mount Fuji, a proud symbol of the Japanese.

At night, the whole city wears its own color; The light mix of skyscrapers blending with the colors of the night sky creates an astonishing scene. Another interesting thing when you come to Yokohama Landmark Tower is that you will be experienced the fastest elevator in Japan to go to the top floor.

Address: Japan, 〒220-0012 Kanagawa, Yokohama, Nishi Ward, Minatomirai, 2 Chome−2−1, Yokohama Landmark Tower, 69F
Hours: 10AM–9PM

Yokohama Zoological Gardens “ZOORASIA”

ZOORASIA is one of the newest, largest and best-preserved parks in Japan. The animals here are preserved in large, open areas like miniature natural ecosystems that you can hardly find in any other park.

Address: 1175-1 Kamishiranecho, Asahi Ward, Yokohama, Kanagawa 241-0001, Japan
Hours: 9:30AM–4:30PM/Tuesday: Closed

Harbor View Park (Minato-no-Mieru Oka Koen)

Harbor View Park is a park located on a low hill overlooking Yokohama Harbor. You can enjoy the panoramic view of the port when you zoom out from the observatory. It used to be the base of the British and French armies, so you should not be too surprised to easily see Western museums in the park such as Yokohamashi Igirisukan, Kanagawa-ken Kindai Bungaku-kan museum (Kanagawa Museum of Modern Literature), Osaragi Jiro memorial museum – the author of works “Muteki”, “Kurama Tengu”.

The park also has a rose garden called Rose Garden which was created to commemorate the city symbol (rose) in 1991. In the Spring and Fall you can admiring up to 1,300 rose trees of 110 species.

Address: 115 Yamatecho, Naka Ward, Yokohama, Kanagawa 231-0862, Japan

Yamashita Park

The park is located along the coast with an area of ​​up to 74.000 square meters. In the past in 1923 when Japan had the earthquake of the century, the park was almost completely buried in the soil. After 5 years, the park was reopened in 1928. Because it is located next to the coast, visitors can both enjoy the scenery and enjoy the refreshing cool sea breeze with bridges across the sea.

Due to the symbol of this port city being the rose, at the park you can also admire the roses with about 400 rose trees of 60 different types around the world blooming throughout the season.

Address: 279 Yamashitacho, Naka Ward, Yokohama, Kanagawa 231-0023, Japan

Osanbashi Pier (Yokohama Intl Passenger Terminal)

Osanbashi Pier is the world’s largest Passenger Terminal capable of assembling cruise ships. Its arched architecture reflects the waves of the ocean surrounding the docks.

Address: 1-1-4 Kaigandori, Naka-Ku, Yokohama 231-0002, Kanagawa Prefecture
Hours: 9:00 AM – 9:30 PM

Hikawa Maru

A luxury cruise that has been in operation since 1029 and today is permanently anchored by the bay by Yamashita Park.

Address: Japan, 〒231-0023 Kanagawa, Yokohama, Naka Ward, Yamashitacho, 山下公園地先
Hours: 10AM–5PM

Kanagawa Shimbun Fireworks Festival

A fireworks festival takes place in early August. You can admire the most beautiful fireworks festival from Osanbashi Pier or Minato Mirai.

Nippon Maru (Sail Training Ship)

Nippon Maru is a ship built in 1930 in Kobe. It’s been around the world 45 times. The Nippon Maru is now anchored right in front of the Yokohama Landmark Tower at Minato Mirai.

Address: 2 Chome-1-1 Minatomirai, Nishi Ward, Yokohama, Kanagawa 220-0012, Japan
Length: 97 m
Launched: January 27, 1930
Draft: 5.3 m
Hours: 10AM–5PM

Seabus

Several companies offer a shuttle service around the Minato Mirai area. Seabus service also offers lunch and dinner while cruising. If you go further to Tokyo Bay, you will see the Yokohama Bay Bridge and some other attractions.

Yokohama Bay Bridge

The Yokohama Bay Bridge is 860m long spanning Tokyo Bay. This is one of the largest suspension bridges in the world. The bridge is white with a very simple architecture that stands out against the blue sky. The view was immense when viewed from this side of the bay.

Address: Daikokufuto, Tsurumi Ward, Yokohama, Kanagawa 230-0054, Japan

Yokohama Station Area

Yokohama is the 5th busiest train station in the world serving 760 million passengers a year. It is also a large shopping area with shops, malls and electronics stores.

Address: Japan, 〒220-0011 Kanagawa, Yokohama, Nishi Ward, Takashima, 〒220-0005 ２ 丁目 １６

Shomyoji Temple

A temple in southern Yokohama, it’s a hidden gem from the famous temples of Kamakura.

As soon as you go all the way lead to the temple, visitors will encounter a statue of Nio up to 4m high, looking even more giant and impressive at a near position. The temple also has a very impressive landscape with a lake and an impressive red bridge across. This garden is called the Pure Land garden, which means the world of the Pure Land of bliss. If you travel to Yokohama, do not miss the chance to come here to visit and pray.

Address: 212-1 Kanazawacho, Kanazawa Ward, Yokohama, Kanagawa 236-0015, Japan

Yokohama Marine Tower

Yokohama Marine Tower was built in 1959 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of its opening of harbour. The marine tower was officially put into operation in 1961 at an altitude of 106m. Inside this famous lighthouse are restaurants, observatory, shops. Initially it served as a regular lighthouse but in 2008 it became a tourist attraction instead of a normal lighthouse.

The observatory is mainly located on floors 29 and 39, with a panoramic view of the harbor at 360 degrees from a height of 100 meters. To get to the observatory you can take the elevator or climb with 335 steps.

Address: 15 Yamashitacho, Naka Ward, Yokohama, Kanagawa 231-0023, Japan

Tip: To saving cost of visiting in Yokohama, you can buy the Yokohama Enjoy Pass online to free visit 4 of the 7 main attractions you choose in the city, both convenient and simple to save a small amount. For those who are not fluent in Japanese, this is the first choice. You can buy it here.

Yokohama blog: Where to stay?

If you want to stay in the city center for convenience, you can choose the Navios Yokohama hotel (Agoda.com or Booking.com). Or the Yokohama Kokusai Hotel (Agoda.com or Booking.com), located near the Yokohama Train Station, has a more modern and comfortable interior.

Below we recommend more best cheap, budget, mid-range and upscale hotels with good ratings and reviews you can refer to.

• Yokohama Royal Park Hotel, a top rated 5-star hotel with room rates from $97/night (Check rates on Agoda.com or Booking.com).
• The Yokohama Bay Hotel Tokyu, a top rated 5-star hotel with room rates from $120/night (Check rates on Agoda.com or Booking.com).
• InterContinental Yokohama Grand, a top rated 5-star hotel with room rates from $111/night (Check rates on Agoda.com or Booking.com).
• Hotel New Grand, a top rated 5-star hotel with room rates from $131/night (Check rates on Agoda.com or Booking.com).
• Shin Yokohama Prince Hotel, a top rated 4-star hotel with room rates from $67/night (Check rates on Agoda.com or Booking.com).

You can find more, check rates, availability & book for hotels in this city on Agoda.com or Booking.com.

Yokohama travel guide: What and where to eat?

Yokohama has a diverse cuisine culture, of which the famous is the traditional beef hotpot at Araiya restaurant (Address: Japan, 〒231-0002 Kanagawa, Yokohama, Naka Ward, Kaigandori, 4 Chome−23-1/Hours: 11AM–2:30PM, 5–10PM). The menu sets here start at 1,300 yen.

In addition, The Charcoal Grill Green restaurant (Address: 6 Chome Bentendori, Naka Ward, Yokohama, Kanagawa 231-0007, Japan/Hours: 11:30AM–2:30PM, 5–10PM;Saturday: 5–10PM) serves steak, pork, and grilled shrimp accompanied by handmade wine and beer. Main dishes at the restaurant start from 1,100 yen.

You also can try curry doughnuts at Pompadour Motomachi Honten (Address: 4 Chome-171 Motomachi, Naka Ward, Yokohama, Kanagawa 231-0861, Japan/Hours: 9AM–8PM).

Or omu-rice from La mere poulard Minatomirai Yokohama (Address: Japan, 〒220-0012 Kanagawa, 横浜市西区Nishi Ward, Minatomirai, 3 Chome−5−1 MARK IS 4F).

Here are some more typical dishes in Yokohama that you must definitely to try when traveling to Yokohama.

• Sanma-men noodles: This noodle can be enjoyed at the Shin-Yokohama Ramen Museum. You will have the opportunity to enjoy all kinds of ramen throughout Japan.
• Handmade cup noodles: A special feature of this dish is that visitors will prepare a cup of noodles in their own style. To enjoy this homemade cup noodle, visitors also will go to the Shin-Yokohama Ramen Museum to visit and enjoy.
• Gyu-nabe beef hotpot: When coming to Yokohama without enjoying Gyu-nabe beef hotpot is really a pity. The hotpot broth is processed with a characteristic flavor, premium beef is often used by restaurants. The most famous of which is the famous A5 wagyu beef.
• Goma dango: A famous dessert in Yokohama.
  The dumplings, dimsum in Chinatown.
• Some other dishes like: Napolitan Spaghetti, Hayashi rice, Bill’s pancakes.

Yokohama travel blog: Suggested Yokohama itinerary 2 days

Day 1

• Visit the Yokohama Museum of Art
• Visit the Yokohama Landmark Tower
• Explore Shin-Yokohama Ramen Museum
• Visit Yokohama red brick warehouse

Day 2

• Visiting Yamashita Park
• NYK Hikawamaru Cruise
• Explore bustling Chinatown
• Immersed yourself in Motomachi Street
• Relax at Harbor View Park
• Stroll in the Sankeien garden

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, from and to Yokohama you can refer to

• Yokohama Enjoy Pass
• Yokohama Hakkeijima Sea Paradise Ticket
• 2-Day Yokohama and Kamakura Enjoy Pass
• Yokohama, Kamakura, and Enoshima Anime Tour from Tokyo
• [Sale] Manten no Yu Japanese Style Hot Spring Experience in Yokohama
• Full day in Yokohama with a local
• Helicopter Riding Experience by Yokohama Sky Cruise
• Yokohama Lunch, Afternoon, and Dinner Cruise
• Cruise-over in Yokohama

Are you looking for more top things to do in Kanagawa: Tours, activities, attractions and other things? Let’s check it out here.