Things to Do in Yokohama: Port City Guide

Yokohama sits a short train ride from Tokyo, and for a long time I lumped it into a day trip. It deserves more than that. The city grew as a port, and that history shows in its waterfront, its Chinatown, and its relaxed seaside mood. I spent a couple of days here and found myself slowing down in the best way. Here are the things I would do again.

Walk the Harbor and the Landmark Tower Area

I started at the waterfront, where the Landmark Tower and the harbor make a striking pair. I went up the tower for the observatory and looked out over the bay and the whole metropolitan spread. Near the base, the Queens Square and the walking paths along the water are good for a slow afternoon. The observation deck is best at sunset, when the city lights come on below you.

Eat Your Way Through Chinatown

Yokohama has one of the largest Chinatowns in the world, and it is the liveliest place in the city. I wandered the gates and alleys, buying xiaolongbao, fried dumplings, and fresh pork buns from stalls. The streets fill with shoppers on weekends, so I went in the late morning and ate my way through lunch. It is around an hour of grazing, and the smell pulls you in.

See the Sankeien Garden

Away from the center, Sankeien Garden brings together historic buildings and gardens in one quiet space. I walked its ponds and bridges and stepped inside a set of old houses and temples moved here from around the region. The garden changes with the seasons, and I imagine it is even more striking when the plum or cherry trees are in bloom. It is the most peaceful hour of my trip.

Try the Cup Noodles Museum

The Cup Noodle Museum is more fun than it sounds. I made my own custom cup noodle on the second floor, choosing a broth and toppings, then watched the history of instant noodles come to life in the exhibits. The interactive factory line is a delight even for adults. I left with a souvenir cup and a genuine appreciation for an invention I had never thought about.

Take the Seaside Walk in the Minato Mirai Area

The stretch of waterfront around Minato Mirai is built for walking, and I spent a good part of an afternoon on the promenade. Ferries cross the bay, the ferris wheel turns slowly, and there is room to breathe. I stopped at a waterside cafe for coffee and watched the boats. Between the gardens, the museum, and this walk, the area fills a full, relaxed day.

Enter the Hara Museum or a Boat Across the Bay

For a different angle, I took a short ferry ride across the harbor, which gives you the whole skyline from the water cheaply and easily. If art is more your pace, the museums and galleries near the water hold modern and contemporary work. Either choice is a pleasant way to spend an afternoon, and the two are close enough to do both if your legs hold up.

Sample Yokohama Ramen at the Ramen Museum

The Shin-Yokohama Ramen Museum is a small indoor street from decades past lined with regional ramen shops. I ordered a bowl from a shop representing a different prefecture and slurped my way through lunch. It is a clever way to try several regional styles in one visit. Even with the museum crowds, it is worth the stop on the way to or from the center.

Shop and Stroll the Station Areas

The station districts of Yokohama are full of department stores, arcades, and cafes, and I used them for evenings. I browsed the basement food halls, where prepared dishes and fresh bento make an easy dinner, and drank coffee in a busy local chain. Staying near a station means the day trips and the dining options are both right at your door, which is exactly what I wanted.

Wander the Yamashita Park and the Pier

The park that runs along the waterfront has been part of daily life in Yokohama for over a century, and I walked its full length one afternoon. I passed gardens, an arch gateway, and the sightseeing boats tied up at the pier. It is a gentle place to watch the harbor work, and the open views across the water are a pleasant change from the denser streets. A slow stroll here rounds out the harbor theme nicely.

My Practical Tips

Yokohama is an easy and pleasant base near Tokyo, and I used the quiet evenings to explore the harbor at leisure. The two stations cover most sights, plus the bus and ferry fill the gaps. Cards are widely accepted, so I carried little cash. Between the Chinatown, the seaside walk, and the gardens, Yokohama turned what I thought would be a day trip into several memorable days.