Yokohama can be reached in less than 30 minutes by train from Tokyo and a stop not to jump, especially of you are coming back from Kamakura (a must see attraction in Tokyo).
In Yokohama, there are many shopping opportunities and at the Bay Side there is an amusement park as well as the Yokohama Landmark Tower.
Being the tallest building in Asia, the Landmark Tower offers an ideal overview of Yokohama. You can ride the fastest elevator in Japan to reach the spacious observation deck.
There you can comfortably enjoy a drink with the superb views of Yokohama City in the lounge.
There are also some nice shops right at the water and in the winter before Christmas they were until now always nicely lit.
The walk in the modern neighborhood of Minato Mirai 21 is nice, especially in the late afternoon on weekdays when the buildings start to light up and the thousands of employees who work in the tower rush to join the JR station.
The city of Yokohama in general has a special charm. Vibrant, bright, colorful, and open. In short, it’s worth a trip even for just a day or if you want to enjoy a sumptuous Japanese food along the marina.
Best time to visit Yokohama?
Yokohama can be visited all year round depending on the purpose of your tour, but in most cases, the weather is pretty much tolerable.
The most ideal time to go is summer, when families are on vacation and schools are closed.
The slightest well known time to visit is amid the colder winter months, yet numerous hotel rebates are offered with expectations of helping the country earn more from tourism revenues during the winter season.
Spring is also a perfect time to visit the second largest city in Japan. It is around this time when the weather is pleasant and when the cherry blossom blooms at its finest.
Just like the city of Tokyo, Yokohama encounters four seasons. Summers are hot and humid, with top temperatures averaging up in the 70’s to the high 80’s.
The stormy season happens in June and July, with a possibility of hurricanes. Winters are very cold with a possibility of snow and high temperatures falling into the 40’s and low 50’s.
Spring and fall have the best temperature ranges with high temperatures in the 60’s and 70’s.
Best things to do in Yokohama
Be sure to check out these top attractions and things to do when in Yokohama City
Minato Mirai 21
It’s really nice to walk around the nice neighborhood of Minato Mirai 21 especially in the late afternoon and early evening when the buildings are all lit up.
There is a Ferris wheel and amusement park. The pier marine terminal located not far is also great. During the Christmas season, the entire place becomes magical and there are lots of activities in this area of Yokohama.
Its old docks area gets completely renovated and fully decorated and the place gets filled with revelers who want to take pictures beside the festive decors and lively atmosphere.
In this community, you can walk easily from one island to another. Take a ride on the fantastic Ferris wheel with a great view of the city lights and the islets of Yokohama (after 5:00 pm the price drops to 560 yen per person instead of the regular price of 700 per head).
In the evening, the walk is very scenic, full of lights and the Ferris wheel (Cosmo Clock 21) shines while it moves. The Ferris wheel is also the largest clock in the world and has a height of 328 feet tall.
It is a nice neighborhood, especially the area of Queen’s Square among which the Landmark Tower, the tallest building in Japan is located. This area is also rich of restaurants and a huge shopping center.
In addition, there is also the Metro under the buildings that you pass directly to the JR Yokohama station.
The promenade looks more ideal, especially in the evening and a good spot for beautiful photos.
What else to do in Yokohama?
Yokohama Landmark Tower Sky Garden
The Yokohama Landmark Tower Sky Garden is the best vantage point to see the beautiful Yokohama Bay. At the point of observation, there are several shops and a very nice place where you can dine and take great pictures.
The Landmark Tower can be easily reached because it is close to the Minato Mirai Station. This structure is almost 300 meters high and was completed in 1993.
From the top floor you can enjoy impressive sights from all over Yokohama. You could stay there for hours admiring the scenery all around in full 360 degrees.
It is a quiet area with a promenade along the water.
After paying the entrance ticket (1000 Japanese Yen or about 7 Euro and a half) escorts will take you to the infamous super elevator that travels to the beauty of 750 meters per minute in about 40 seconds and will bring you to the 69th floor of the Sky Garden.
The 4 windows provide a 360 ° view with markers of what you are actually looking at. In addition, as all points of view you cannot miss using the binoculars for long distances.
Clearly, the scene is repeated seeing all the microscopic images from cars to people, to the soccer fields and other nearby facilities that are neon lit.
If you go and visit the famous tower, the price and the view are definitely worth all the effort.
Sankeien Gardens
The Sankeien Gardens is a colorful Japanese garden in which you keep photographing and / or filming every corner and quiet spots.
It is a fantastic park where your eyes will delight in everything you see. For each visitor to Yokohama, this garden is a must.
The beautifully landscaped garden is a testament of the Japanese expertise in landscape art. From here, you can relax and leave with a good feeling and impression of the place.
At noon a delicious lunch is served in the well-kept restaurant.
This garden is a haven of peace and greenery in the heart of Yokohama. What’s more, it is easily accessible via direct bus from the station of Sakuragicho.
The garden is ideal for walking and quiet moments of contemplation. It is beautifully planted and well maintained just like many other Japanese gardens situated in the city.
It is decorated with traditional Japanese houses, small bridges and absolutely charming wooden pagoda that overlooks a small hill.
Make your visit during the autumn or spring season to witness the cherry blossom in bloom or see several Japanese couples get married in traditional dress and come here to have their wedding photos taken. The streams and ponds make the garden an extremely picturesque site.
Not to be missed when in Yokohama (with an affordable entry price of 5 Euros).
Free things to do in Yokohama
Big Wharf (Osanbashi Pier)
The Big Wharf (Osanbashi Pier) is where luxurious and large cruise ships can be seen. The embarkation area is very spacious and the eye-catching design of the wharf is truly unique.
There are free events (concerts, musicals, etc.) on weekends. The Yokohama Pier or so-called Osanbashi pier is located in the city and recognized as an international harbor.
It’s not too far from Minato Mirai 21 or the Yokohama city center. This wharf is very neat and cool to relax and stroll at night.
This wharf is a great place to take pictures, relax, and admire the huge cruise ships that frequents this port of call in Yokohama (this city has no official airport).
From this point you can take a full picture of the Minato Mirai 21and the prominent Cosmo Clock 21 (A big Ferris Wheel that is said to be constructed even way ahead of “The Eye” in London).
You can also take a walk to visit the former warship called the NYK Hikawamaru which is now moored permanently at the dock and used as one of Yokohama’s tourist attractions.
There is also a beautiful garden complete with its fountains and towering tower. Do not forget to bring a camera, because the landscape is very beautiful and not to be missed.
And do not forget to wear shoes or footwear that is comfortable because the venues are more accessible by foot.
Fun things to do in Yokohama
NYK Hikawamaru Exhibits
To see this interesting ocean liner is one of the absolute highlight on a trip to Yokohama.
At the NYK Hikawamaru Exhibits , much is still in its original condition, whether it is the salons, the deluxe cabins, the bridge, the captain’s cabin or the engine room.
One can imagine the fantastic voyages it had in the times of the great Pacific crossings and adventures it has seen.
Charlie Chaplin was the most famous guest who was aboard this ship during its glory days. From on board, you have a great view of the skyline and the harbor promenade of Yokohama. It is thoroughly recommended for an affordable entrance fee of 200 yen.
This passenger ship was built in 1930 and so far it has withstood the test of the time as it remains intact and well preserved by its owners. Aside from seeing an old ship you can also make beautiful photos along the mooring chains, smokestack, and starboard section.
Yokohama must see Places
Yamashita Park
The Yamashita Park in Yokohama is where you can spend moments of true relaxation because of its very neat and well manicured gardens and the peaceful atmosphere despite being in the center of the city.
It brings together green and quiet oasis and a view of the ocean. It is the ideal meeting point for citizens and perfect space for running and fitness activities.
The park has a beautiful view and is very close to the Chinatown area that is also well worth visiting It is close to the metro station and is a great place for bike rides too.
Enjoy the wonderful views of the port of Yokohama and the show of the street performers that occur especially on weekends.
The part of the Yamashita Park until the pier was all grounded in the rubble of the Great Kanto Earthquake / region of Tokyo and Yokohama, which hit the country in 1923.
It is also possible to visit the statue of the girl of the red shoes (an allusion to the statue was recently seen in theaters in the film “Circle of Fire”), and stroll up to the Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse.
Yokohama top attractions
Yokohama Hakkeijima Sea Paradise
The Yokohama Hakkeijima Sea Paradise is a spectacular theme park that is ideal for kids and adults.
Almost every type of marine life can be seen here making it an excellent educational tour about the marine wildlife of Japan.
Part of the Sea Paradise is dedicated to fun (rides, pool area, children’s playground, etc.) and adventure while the other half is a separate area for marine animal shows and exhibitions (huge aquarium).
The amusement parks and ride is packed nearly every day and the long queues are one little problem that requires some patience, but in the end it pays.
Dolphins, walruses, penguins, seals, all of them you can not only see, but if you’re lucky you can get up close and pat, kiss, and hug them.
Children will be delighted by the animal shows. There is also an exciting roller coaster with thrilling 2-minute turns.
This is a huge water park with lots of greenery, water rides, where you can visit the museum, and watch an aqua dolphin show which is an unforgettable experience.
Aside from the marine animal solo shows, one of the best things to do is watch the flamingos and penguins parade, see a variety of attractions and explore the entertainment game centers, and buy gifts at the souvenir shops.
Be sure to visit the huge aquarium with a large number of diverse and unusual fish and many other inhabitants of the underwater world.
This diversity of the underwater world you more unlikely you see. Visit Hakkeijima Sea Paradise and you will not regret it, it’s one of the best parts of Yokohama that every traveler must see.
Yokohama Chinatown
The Yokohama Chinatown is a Chinese quarter that mainly consists of souvenir shops and Oriental themed restaurants.
The food is very tasty and relatively inexpensive. It is much better to go on weekdays because on weekends there are a lot of people or families spending their parties and get together.
Special mention are the numerous temples and pagodas in the Chinese style. Undoubtedly it is one of the colorful attractions of Yokohama.
Chinatown is very different from the rest of the city, life here is just simmering, filled with crowds of people, a lot of Chinese food restaurants.
Cupnoodles Museum
On the 2nd floor of the Cupnoodles Museum is where you can find the exhibition with installations about the history of the invention of instant noodles.
The exhibition is small enough.
On the 3rd floor you can participate in two events: a master class in cooking noodles and the noodle making gadget (where you put the dry noodles, add the ingredients to your choice and seal).
At the noodle master class, it is necessary to register. On the 4th floor you can find a small food court with cooked and uncooked noodles for sale.
The 5th floor is closed to visitors. If you have children, you must definitely see it and enjoy learning how noodles are made in Yokohama, Japan.
Seabass
Taking the Seabass boat to the bay (you can purchase the ticket from the big building) not only gives you the best views of the city from the waters, but you can also have the opportunity to see and pass by the Yokohama Bridge.
There are three stops and each comes in its own price. The best time to take this ferry tour is during sunset where you can admire the yellow – orange colors of the sky from the horizon and waters of the Yokohama Bay.
Feel the cold breeze on board this small and covered boat that offers a relaxing and enjoyable ride along the waters of Yokohama City.
More stuff to do in Yokohama
Yokohama Motomachi Shopping Street
The Yokohama Motomachi Shopping Street is a very good option if you want to shop and bring something special from your visit to Yokohama.
It is very much like a European city with a unique pedestrian zone shopping experience. The road with two lanes are within easy reach and hard to miss.
There is everything you need for your daily life, ranging from food to clothing, accessories, jewelry, and cute souvenirs from Japan.
From Motomachi, you can also go to Chinatown or the nearby Yamakochi Park.
Yokohama Zoo (Zoorasia)
The Yokohama Zoo (Zoorasia) is a city-owned zoo that is full of love to all animals sheltered here. And because it is a city-owned zoo, the entrance fee is cheap.
It is covered with wooden grills where they breed the animals. The enclosure on which the animal is kept is very clean and well maintained.
The current composition of introduction written in front of the grill was full of love and messages or reminders of how to be pleasing to all kinds of animals.
Families enjoy a weekend day out here along with understanding how every animals here are cared for in this well preserved natural enclosure in the pleasant city of Yokohama.