Yokohama

Travel to Yokohama

Technically, the Tokyo metropolitan area is known as Tokyo-Yokohama. Most people consider Yokohama a separate city adjacent to Tokyo proper, or an enormous metropolitan suburb of the capital.

While visiting Yokohama, take a break from the buzz of urban life with a promenade around the calming Sankeien Garden, with abundant greenery, tea houses, and water features to put your soul at ease.

Yokohama was one of the first ports opened to foreign trade, with a not-so-gentle push from Commodore Perry of the American Navy in 1853. The city also hosts Japan’s largest Chinatown, along with the Western-inspired, tree-lined Nihon Odori avenue, both perfect for morning or afternoon walks, and exploring.

On the waterfront, Yamashita Park, with its long promenade, is ideal for more rambling, and for a better view of Yokohama Port.

Noodle lovers should check out the Shin-Yokohama Ramen Museum, with a painted sky overhead, where you can sample a variety of ramen dishes, and learn more about the culture that inspired these tasty noodles.

How to reach Yokohama

• The train is the best way between Tokyo and Yokohama

• Tokyo Station > Yokohama Station: JPY480, JR Keihin Tohoku Line, JR Tokaido Line, or JR Yokosuka Line

• Tokyo Station > Shin-Yokohama Station: JPY2,600, Tokaido Shinkansen bullet train

• Shinjuku Station > Yokohama Station: JPY570, JR Shonan Shinjuku Line

• The Japan Rail Pass covers all of the above routes

• Shibuya Station > Yokohama Station: JPY280, Tokyu Toyoko Line

• Shinagawa Station > Yokohama Station: JPY310, Keikyu Keihinkyuko Line

• The Keikyu Keihinkyuko Line also connects Haneda Airport with Yokohama

Yokohama Districts Summary

• Chinatown district (Chukagai): Japan’s largest Chinatown as well as its largest Chinese community. Find restaurants and food stalls galore here.
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• Kannai: A historic waterfront district. Home to the gorgeous Sankeien Garden.
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• Minato Mirai District 21: A seaside urban area with many attractions from theme parks to museums to shopping malls. Popular with business travellers for the convention facilities.

• Sakuragi-cho/Yokohama Station area: One of Yokohama’s oldest areas. Has some great down-to-earth restaurants and bars for late-night drinks.
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• Yamate: A tranquil hillside district with some lovely green spaces, home to Western-style churches and buildings.
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• Motomachi (Hommoku): Mainly known for brand name shops and hip cafes.
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• Shin-Yokohama: Primarily a stopover on the Tokaido Shinkansen bullet train.