Yokohama横浜
Japan's cosmopolitan port second city, a quick train south of Tokyo — the futuristic Minato Mirai waterfront with its landmark tower, ferris wheel and Cup Noodles Museum, the country's largest Chinatown, the bayside Yamashita Park and Red Brick Warehouse, and the retro food alleys of Noge. Flat, breezy and very family-friendly.
port-city food family waterfront
Neighbourhoods
Minato Mirai
Yokohama's gleaming redeveloped harbour — the Landmark Tower's sky-high deck, the Cosmo Clock ferris wheel and Cosmoworld rides, the make-your-own Cup Noodles Museum, the restored Red Brick Warehouse and breezy waterfront parks. Flat, modern and made for families.
Chinatown & Yamashita Park
Japan's largest Chinatown — hundreds of restaurants, steaming pork-bun stalls and a vivid Chinese temple — opening onto the bayside Yamashita Park with its moored ocean liner and, up the hill, the smart Motomachi shopping street. The city's tastiest, most atmospheric quarter.
Noge & Sakuragichō
The older, earthier side across the tracks from Minato Mirai — the free Nogeyama hilltop zoo, a hillside shrine, and Noge's warren of tiny retro izakaya and bars that come alive after dark. A local, low-key contrast to the glossy waterfront.
Where to stay
Minato Mirai
The modern bayfront of towers, malls and attractions — high-view hotels, walkable to the Red Brick Warehouse and Cup Noodles Museum. The best base for families and night views.
Chinatown & Yamashita Park
By Chinatown and Yamashita Park — endless dining on the doorstep and the bay promenade alongside, central and atmospheric.
Getting there
Yokohama / Minatomirai / Sakuragichō
~30 min from central Tokyo — the Tokyu Tōyoko line runs Shibuya straight onto the Minatomirai line, and JR reaches Yokohama and Sakuragichō. An easy half- or full-day trip.
Shin-Yokohama Station
The Tōkaidō Shinkansen stop, ~20 min by subway from the waterfront — useful for arriving from Kyoto/Osaka or continuing west.
Haneda Airport (HND)
~30 min by the Keikyū line — Yokohama is actually closer to Haneda than central Tokyo is.
FAQ
What is Yokohama best for?
Yokohama is best for port-city, food, family, waterfront. Japan's cosmopolitan port second city, a quick train south of Tokyo — the futuristic Minato Mirai waterfront with its landmark tower, ferris wheel and Cup Noodles Museum, the country's largest Chinatown, the bayside Yamashita Park and Red Brick Warehouse, and the retro food alleys of Noge.