Yokohama
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Following Tokyo, Yokohama is the second most populated city in Japan. In 1859, Yokohama was the first harbor introduced as the world’s entrance to Japan and has been a eclectic mix of cultures, foods, and languages ever since. It is currently home to over 3.6 million people and boasts a highly cosmopolitan scene, representing a wide variety of people, cultures, foods, and flavors.
Travel tip: #1 Yokohama’s main sightseeing areas and attractions are within walking distance of one another, but these places can get quite crowded on weekends and holidays. If you’re visiting during busy times, be prepared!
Places of Interest
Minato Mirai: This is the central business district of Yokohama. It’s a major center for business, shopping, and tourism. There are plenty of places to explore and shop, and a small amusement park (Cosmo World) with rides and games is in the middle.
Shin-Yokohama Ramen Museum: This museum (advertised as a ramen “theme park”) allows you to learn about the history of ramen as well as sample ramen from many different shops. It features a walk-through re-creation of 1950s Tokyo, the decade when instant noodles were invented. The line for ramen can get lengthy, especially during peak hours and on weekends. It is best to visit during the week to avoid extended waiting. I recommend ordering mini-sized bowls of ramen, available at all shops, so you can sample more than one type of ramen because every adult must purchase one bowl. As of June 2019 admission is 310 JPY, food and souvenir items are additional.
Cup Noodles Museum: Located in the Minato Mirai area of Yokohama, the Cup Noodles Museum is a cool place to learn about the invention of instant noodles, Momofuku Ando’s journey to create instant noodles, and make your very own Cup Noodles. Similar to the museum in Osaka, the Yokohama location is a bit different and features a food court area with instant noodle dishes from different parts of the world as well as a child-friendly area. Wait times can be long, even on weekdays, so plan ahead and get there early to reserve your spot before closing.
Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse: If you’re in Yokohama, be sure to check the calendar of events at the Red Brick Warehouse. The warehouse itself is a shopping center with trendy shops and places to eat, but events are commonly held in the area outside the warehouse. For example, Yokohama Oktoberfest and Gudetama’s 5th Anniversary were both held here. It’s in walkable distance from Minato Mirai and Chinatown.
Chinatown: Yokohama’s Chinatown is one of the largest Chinatowns in Asia and has more than 500 shops and restaurants. It’s hard to miss the entrance, as huge ornate gates mark the official Chinatown borders. Once you step onto the streets, you feel like you’re in another place. (The red lanterns and smell of grilled meats transported me back to days in Singapore.) It’s very clean and well manicured, too. There are temples and shrines sprinkled throughout, adding extra dots of culture and character.
Food
Kafuku Hanten: The all-you-can-eat restaurant is off the main street in Chinatown. The weekday price is 1,980 JPY plus tax per person, which is a pretty good deal. Their menu is quite extensive, including various types of dim sum, grilled meats, and wok-style veggies.
Shichifuku: Another all-you-can-eat Chinese-style restaurant in Chinatown with really tasty xiao long bao. There are two menus to choose from: one being 1,680 JPY and the other with additional items for 2,470 JPY. They make everything made-to-order, so it’s
Chinatown Stalls: Enjoy steamed pork buns (bao), almond cookies, milk tea, and more right off the streets. Stall food is great for sharing and easy on the wallet. Chinatown is the perfect place to pick-up tasty treats for friends or coworkers, too.
Blue Seal Ice Cream: An Okinawa speciality, Blue Seal Ice Cream is well-known throughout Japan. You can try this coveted treat while in Yokohama at the World Porters Mall. I recommend Okinawan Salt Cookie flavor!
Blue Water Shrimp: A garlic shrimp joint that’s been directly imported from Hawaii and transfers the island flavor to Japan. The spicy garlic shrimp are especially delicious–not too hot and perfectly buttery.
Leonard’s: Another place to stop in World Porters’ Hawaii Town is Leonard’s, where they specialize in malasadas! Their malasadas are freshly fried to perfection and can be dusted with either sugar or cinnamon sugar. They also have puff malasadas which contain cream filling.
Travel tip #2: Over time, different cultural influences have altered Yokohama’s cuisine. One of the most prominent cultural influences is Chinese, as the Chinese were some of the first immigrants to arrive. I recommend eating in Chinatown, as the food is authentic and probably some of the best you will find in Japan.
Accommodation
If you’re planning on spending more than one day in Yokohama, I would book a hotel, hostel, or Airbnb within the city limits. It’s more affordable to stay outside the Minato Mirai and main centers and take public transportation around throughout the day. However, Yokohama is also a pleasant day-trip from Tokyo as it is about 30-45 minutes away from Tokyo Station.