If you’re in the mood for a short foodie day trip or craving an all-out feast, Yokohama Chinatown is the place to be. As Japan’s largest Chinatown, it’s packed with lively streets, endless food stalls, and enough dumplings to put you in a food coma.
Founded in the 19th century, it blends history with tasty food. It’s ideal for a short day trip outside of Tokyo.
Street vendors and fancy restaurants offer a wide range of dishes. You’ll find everything from pork buns to traditional Chinese meals. Also, don’t skip past the Kanteibyo Temple when taking breaks in between bites!
Prepare for a Yokohama Chinatown foodie day trip you’ll remember for a long time!
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Must-Try Bites in Yokohama Chinatown
Yokohama Chinatown is a feast for the senses.
Start with the Xiaolongbao (Shoronpo in Japanese), or soup dumplings. These delicate dumplings are filled with savory broth and tender meat (typically pork or seafood).
Throw a little black vinegar on them for extra taste—most vendors will have a bottle on the counter.
The green ones are filled with seafood and the white ones have pork in them.
Next, try the fluffy pork buns, or Nikuman. They are soft and filled with a yummy minced pork meat. You’ll see these literally EVERYWHERE… even in convenience stores like Seven Eleven or Family Mart.
Quick Recommendation: Our blog is filled with tips and tricks for traveling in Japan. For today's post, we're checking out Yokohama Chinatown and bringing you this Yokohama Private Tour With a Local Expert.
But the ones in Chinatown have WAY more variety, like these panda buns with more fillings than just pork. They even had sweet ones with chocolate or strawberry in them! I got the orange-looking one in the top right (picture below) with extra spicy pork. It was fire!
For a different kind of treat, try a Peking Duck wrap at Beijing Duck Ocho. It’s very popular all over Chinatown but this shop is particularly easy to spot coming from the east gate.
Don’t forget dessert. You can try the sesame balls filled with sweet red bean paste sold everywhere, or if you prefer to sit down at a more cozy environment you can try our favorite Taiwanese desserts at MeetFresh. Their various kinds of kakigori shaved ice and anmitsu bowls will leave you craving more.
Yokohama Chinatown Foodie Day Trip Plan
If you’re not totally satisfied with just grabbing street food bites, you can always sit down and enjoy higher end Chinese dining where courses typically start at ¥7,000 ($45 USD). I don’t have much personal experience with the higher end restaurants myself, but this Cantonese restaurant seems quite popular—Manchinro.
If you’re a bit like me and can’t plan much on your own, try joining a food tour in Yokohama Chinatown. Guides will share the history and traditions of each dish. It’s a fun way to learn and enjoy your meal.
What to Do Between Bites
On your amazing day trip in Yokohama Chinatown, take breaks to relax and explore. Doing activities between meals makes your experience more memorable.
Take lots of Instagrammable photos at the iconic Chinatown gates. Then, visit the Kanteibyo Temple. It has beautiful Chinese architecture and the powerful looking Chinese lion statues protecting it and bringing you some chill vibes in the busy streets.
Other things you can do in between food:
- Wander through charming gift shops.
- Discover unique foods that make excellent souvenirs.
- Browse decorative items.
- Eat MORE food… honestly.
These little adventures add to the fun of your day trip in Yokohama Chinatown. Enjoy the lively vibe and take in all the sights and sounds. This way, you’re ready for the next delicious treat.
Pro Tips for an Enjoyable Food Exploration
When planning your Yokohama Chinatown foodie day trip, timing is key. Visit during weekdays to avoid weekend crowds. This way, you can enjoy the lively atmosphere without long lines or packed places.
Arrive early. Popular street foods can have long lines.
Also, watch for local festivals for special dishes. As I type this, the Chinese New Year events are happening so you can check out their calendar for more information here.
Thank you for reading! And as always, feel free to leave your comments down below or contact me anytime at chesco@japangeneration.com 🙂
Quick Recommendation: Our blog is filled with tips and tricks for traveling in Japan. For today's post, we're checking out Yokohama Chinatown and bringing you this Yokohama Private Tour With a Local Expert.
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