Yokohama Travel Guide: Explore the Top 5 Things to Do

Did you know Yokohama has the world’s largest Chinatown? It’s filled with over 200 shops and restaurants. Yokohama, Japan’s second-largest city, is a mix of modern and history… and it’s also the city I currently live in. Just a short trip from Tokyo, Yokohama is perfect for a day trip—offering waterfront views, incredible food, and modern attractions that stand out from the capital.

In this short travel guide, we’ll cover the top things to do in Yokohama, proving why this lively city deserves a spot on your travel itinerary. Don’t miss the chance to discover a side of Japan full of charm and excitement!

Powered by GetYourGuide
View of Yokohama’s waterfront and Mount Fuji from Yokohama’s Bay Bridge. Photo taken from Pixabay.

5. Yokohama Landmark Tower Sky Garden

The Yokohama Landmark Tower is a standout among Yokohama’s landmarks, hence the name. It stands at an impressive 296 meters, making it one of Japan’s tallest buildings. From its Sky Garden on the 69th floor, you get to see a 360-degree view of the city.

This includes the lively Minato Mirai area and the vast Tokyo Bay. On clear days, you might even see Mount Fuji in the distance.

Visiting this tower is not just about the views. It also offers great dining and shopping options. You can try different restaurants serving local and international dishes. It’s a top activity in Yokohama.

Also, don’t miss the world’s fastest elevator. It takes you to the top in just 40 seconds. This adds to the fun of exploring Yokohama. Make sure to add the Yokohama Landmark Tower to your list of places to see!

4. Cup Noodles Museum

The Cup Noodles Museum in Yokohama isn’t just a top attraction—it’s a deliciously fun homage to the world’s favorite lazy meal. This interactive museum unpacks the history of instant ramen, showing how these humble noodles reached global fame (and college dorms). It’s fun for all ages and proof that even a cup of noodles can make history (and your stomach happy).

You can make your own cup noodle and decorate it at this fun workshop inside inside the museum!

Don’t miss the Make-Your-Own Cup Noodles Workshop—it’s a hands-on experience for ramen fans! Customize your own cup, pick your favorite toppings, and take home a one-of-a-kind noodle creation. Perfect for families or anyone who loves mixing fun with food.

Also, check out the Cup Noodles Drama Theater and other fascinating exhibits showing how instant noodles became a global phenomenon. The Cup Noodles Museum offers the perfect mix of creativity and food history, so take your time to explore it all!

Entry fee is 500 yen ($3.20 USD) for adults and free for children until high school age. Check out the official website for more information.

Powered by GetYourGuide

3. Minato Mirai 21

Minato Mirai 21 is Yokohama’s modern pride. A vibrant waterfront hub packed with shopping, dining, and endless fun. Its Japanese name, meaning “Harbor of the Future,” is a shining example of Yokohama’s innovative spirit. From sleek malls to stunning views, this area has something for everyone to enjoy!

Key attractions in Minato Mirai 21 include:

  • The Yokohama Museum of Art: Showcasing modern and contemporary art in a striking building.
  • Cosmo World: A fun amusement park right by the water with rides for all ages.
  • Queen’s Square: A massive complex with shopping, restaurants, and live performances.

Walking along the promenade, you see amazing views of Yokohama Bay. The Cosmo Clock 21, one of the biggest ferris wheels, stands out. At night, the area comes alive with lights and events, making it a must-see in Yokohama.

2. Red Brick Warehouse

The Red Brick Warehouse (Aka-Renga Sōko) is a historic and cultural landmark in Yokohama, blending old-world charm with modern attractions. Built in the early 1911 as a customs facility, the two red-brick buildings now serve as a hub for shopping, dining, and entertainment.

Photo taken from Pixabay.

The warehouses hold a variety of unique shops offering handmade goods, Japanese crafts, trendy fashion, and quirky souvenirs you won’t find elsewhere.

Situated along the Yokohama waterfront, it’s a prime spot for a relaxing stroll with stunning views of Minato Mirai’s skyline, especially at sunset or when lit up at night. Come relax with friends, have a meal, or enjoy a drink.

1. Yokohama Chinatown

Kanteibyo temple in Yokohama Chinatown. Photo taken from Pixabay.

Yokohama Chinatown is Japan’s biggest Chinatown, a lively spot filled with Chinese culture and food. Walking through its busy streets, you’ll see over 200 shops and restaurants. The street food stalls serve everything from tasty dim sum, steamed buns, and meat buns. The food in Chinatown is so much fun to explore that it deserves a whole separate post in itself for another time.

Panda steamed buns. Photo taken from Pixabay.

Festivals like the Chinese New Year make the area even more vibrant. It’s filled with decorations and lanterns. People gather to watch parades and fireworks.

The Kanteibyo Temple is a key attraction as well. Its beautiful architecture and colors show the traditions of the Chinese Taoist religion.

  • Dine on mouthwatering dishes from various restaurants and food stalls.
  • Explore unique shops for souvenirs and cultural items
  • Visit during festivals for an unforgettable experience

Yokohama Chinatown is perfect for food lovers and those seeking cultural experiences. Taking a Yokohama Chinatown Tour can make your visit even more special. It offers deeper insights into the area.

Conclusion

Planning your next adventure? A Yokohama travel guide will show you a city full of amazing experiences. You can find everything from stunning views at the Landmark Tower Sky Garden, exploring Minato Mirai 21’s futuristic vibes, and eating your weight in dumplings at Yokohama’s Chinatown and Cup Noodle Museum are absolute musts. These spots blend culture, fun, and food so well, you’ll wonder why you didn’t visit sooner.

Thank you for reading! And as always, feel free to leave your comments down below or contact me anytime at chesco@japangeneration.com 🙂

Powered by GetYourGuide

Affiliate Disclosure: Please note this post may contain affiliate links. By purchasing via these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. It’s a big help to keep this site up and running and I only promote products and services that I personally use and trust. Thanks!

Leave a Comment