
24 Best Things to Do in Yokohama by Area
Shaped by foreign influences, Yokohama is known for its modern streets with an international vibe.
There are plenty of sights, including Minato Mirai 21 (also called Minato Mirai), Yokohama Chinatown, and the Red Brick Warehouse. You can enjoy great food and shopping, too.
This guide covers everything from classic spots to hidden gems to show off Yokohama’s charm.
Use it to plan your trip. Even a day trip gives you plenty to enjoy in Yokohama.
What is Yokohama like?
Yokohama is the capital of Kanagawa Prefecture and Japan’s second most populous city after Tokyo.
It grew as a port city on Tokyo Bay and blends history, culture, and business.
The influx of foreign culture shaped a unique, international vibe. It still preserves its port-town history, while skyscrapers and shopping malls add a modern appeal.
Minato Mirai is Yokohama’s iconic area, and at night the view is stunning.
The skyline lights and their reflections on the water create a beautiful nightscape. The whole area feels romantic.
It’s perfect for sightseeing, date nights, or a leisurely stroll.

Getting to Yokohama
Yokohama Station, the city’s main hub, is served by six operators—JR, Keikyu, Tokyu Toyoko, Sotetsu, Yokohama Municipal Subway, and the Minatomirai Line. Getting here is easy.
Shin-Yokohama Station on the Tokaido Shinkansen is also in the city, so access from Kansai cities like Kyoto and Osaka is easy.
- From Tokyo Station to Yokohama Station
- Approx 25 minutes
- From Kyoto Station to Shin-Yokohama Station
- Approx 1 hr 55 min by Shinkansen
- From Shin-Osaka Station to Shin-Yokohama Station
- Approx 2 hr 10 min by Shinkansen
Getting around Yokohama
Trains, buses, and the subway are extensive, so getting around the city is very convenient.
The Minatomirai Line links Yokohama Station with Motomachi-Chukagai. It’s ideal for reaching popular sights.
Sightseeing loop buses like Akai Kutsu and BAYSIDE BLUE are also recommended.
Check the article below to explore Yokohama efficiently.
Can't-miss Yokohama sights by area
Here we’ll introduce Yokohama’s popular spots in three groups: the Minato Mirai area, the Motomachi/Chinatown area, and other areas.
Get to know each area and its classic highlights, then plan a trip that fits your goals.
This is Yokohama! 12 top spots in the Minato Mirai area
Yokohama offers an international vibe, open seaside views, and plenty of food and fun. Among its areas, Minato Mirai packs in many of the top attractions and is a must as your base.
First time in Yokohama? Focus on the classic spots in Minato Mirai below to cover the area’s charms.
There are many places popular with families and couples. Expect views and experiences that will make your heart skip along the way.
1. Yokohama Landmark Tower
Standing 296 m tall with 70 floors, Yokohama Landmark Tower is a symbol of Minato Mirai. It houses offices, a hotel, and a shopping mall.
The mall inside Landmark Plaza has about 160 shops, from popular fashion and lifestyle brands from Japan and abroad to anime character stores and even a post office.

2. Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse
The Red Brick Warehouse was once a state-of-the-art warehouse that Japan was proud of, built between the Meiji and Taisho eras.
Today, these two renovated buildings have become a popular culture and shopping spot, with shops, restaurants, and a multipurpose hall, all while preserving their historic charm.

3. Yamashita Park
This seaside park is just a short walk from Yokohama Chinatown. It opened in March 1930, built on land reclaimed using rubble from the Great Kanto Earthquake.
The 7.4-hectare park features wide walking paths, flower beds, and fountains, making it a relaxing spot for both locals and visitors.
Enjoy beautiful views of Yokohama’s harbor, the Landmark Tower, and the city skyline. The scenery is stunning both day and night, with the night views being especially popular.

4. Yokohama Anpanman Children's Museum
Step into the world of “Soreike! Anpanman” and meet Anpanman and friends at this museum (3rd floor).
Popular characters like Anpanman and Baikinman appear on stage, where kids can sing and dance along.
There are plenty of play areas and activities where children can explore, move around, and pretend to run their own shops.

5. CupNoodles Museum Yokohama
Discover the creative thinking of Momofuku Ando, founder of Nissin Foods and inventor of the world’s first instant ramen, through a variety of exhibits.
The “Chicken Ramen Factory,” where you make noodles from scratch, and the “My CupNoodles Factory,” where you can create your own original CupNoodles, are especially popular.

6. Yokohama Cosmo World
This urban amusement park is packed with exciting rides like a giant Ferris wheel and roller coasters, as well as games, haunted houses, and VR or 3D attractions. There are also family-friendly rides like merry-go-rounds and character cars.
The Ferris wheel, “Cosmo Clock 21,” is a highlight. Enjoy an approx 15-minute ride with sweeping views of Yokohama’s landmarks.

7. Yokohama Museum of Art
The museum features seven galleries, an art information center with over 110,000 books, and studios for workshops.
It hosts a variety of exhibitions, including modern and contemporary art and photography, with a global perspective that fits Yokohama’s international port city vibe.
The collection ranges from Picasso to Yoshitomo Nara, and from paintings to crafts, with 100–200 works on display at any time.

8. Yokohama Minato Mirai Manyo Club
Located in the futuristic Minato Mirai area, this eight-story hot spring facility offers a relaxing Japanese-style atmosphere.
Inside, you’ll find spacious hot spring baths, esthetic and Thai-style massages, stone saunas, dining options, and more.
There’s also a game corner with the latest medal games and pachinko machines, which is very popular.

9. Yokohama Port Osanbashi International Passenger Terminal
This terminal welcomes cruise ships from all over the world.
The first floor is a parking area, the second floor has immigration and a hall, and the rooftop features a plaza and observation deck.
The rooftop is shaped to resemble ocean waves, and the inside is open and pillar-free.
You can watch the sea and ships from the rooftop, and various events are held here too.

10. YOKOHAMA AIR CABIN
The YOKOHAMA AIR CABIN connects Sakuragicho Station in front of JR Sakuragicho Station and Canal Park Station in the Shinko district.
The total length is approx 630 meters, with a maximum height of approx 40 meters. The ride takes approx 5 minutes one way.
From the cabin, you can see the Cosmo Clock 21 Ferris wheel at Yokohama Cosmo World, the Yokohama Grand Intercontinental Hotel, and the beautiful cityscape of Yokohama Minato Mirai.

11. Nogeyama Zoo
Nogeyama Park sits on a hill with a great view of Yokohama city, and Nogeyama Zoo is located within the park.
Opened in 1951, the zoo is home to approx 80 species and 1,800 animals, including giraffes, lions, and red pandas.
It’s right in the center of Yokohama and admission is free. The “Nakayoshi Hiroba” area, where you can interact with small animals like guinea pigs and mice, is especially popular.

12. Shiseido Beauty Park
Located at Shin-Takashima Station on the Minatomirai Line, Shiseido Beauty Park is an interactive beauty facility by Shiseido, based on the concept “Science that connects skin, body, and mind awakens your unique beauty.”
The “Kitchen Lab” offers new food experiences for beauty and health. The “Art & Science Lab” features video experiences focused on “AWE,” which is said to have positive effects on mind and body. This spot carries on Shiseido’s tradition of pioneering new beauty for the next generation.

5 Must-See Spots in the Motomachi and Chinatown Area, Full of Unique Charm
Motomachi and Chinatown are just a few minutes by train from Minato Mirai. This area is known for its exotic atmosphere and stylish streets.
Around the station, you’ll find everything from historical and cultural sites to shopping and street food spots, all packed into a compact area.
If you explore here along with Minato Mirai, you’ll get to experience even more of what makes Yokohama special.
Here are some of the most popular attractions in the Motomachi and Chinatown area.
1. Yokohama Chinatown
Yokohama Chinatown is one of Japan’s three major Chinatowns, lined with countless Chinese restaurants.
You can enjoy everything from affordable takeout snacks and all-you-can-eat options to authentic Chinese cuisine, so there’s something for every budget.
There are also plenty of souvenir shops selling delicious Chinese ingredients and unique goods.

2. Yokohama Motomachi Shopping Street
This shopping street dates back over 150 years, developing as a hub for foreign residents when Yokohama’s port first opened.
The 600-meter-long main street has a refined, Western-style vibe and is lined with a wide variety of trendy shops, including apparel, home goods, interior design, and accessories.
There are also unique shops on the side streets, so take your time and enjoy exploring.

3. Harbor View Park
This park sits on a hill overlooking Yokohama Port.
Back when the port opened, this area was a foreign settlement, with the British military stationed on the hill and the French military below. You’ll find places like “France Mountain” and the “Yokohama British House” here.
As the name suggests, the observation deck offers sweeping views all the way to the sea.

4. Motomachi Park
Located in the Yamate area, Motomachi Park blends nature, history, and modern facilities.
Surrounded by lush greenery, it’s a popular cherry blossom spot from late March to early April.
The park features beautiful water landscapes, offering a relaxing escape for visitors.

5. Yokohama Marine Tower
Yokohama Marine Tower was built in 1961 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Yokohama Port’s opening.
Standing 106 meters tall and designed to look like a lighthouse, it’s visible from many spots around the bay area and is a beloved symbol of Yokohama.
After a major renovation in 2022, it’s now an even more attractive place to visit.

Looking for Hidden Gems? 7 More Popular Spots in Other Areas
There’s more to see in Yokohama than just Minato Mirai and Motomachi/Chinatown. The area around Shin-Yokohama Station and southern Yokohama also have plenty to offer.
You’ll find relaxing green spaces, hands-on attractions for families, and gardens filled with seasonal flowers—showing a different side of the city.
After enjoying the city center, why not venture out a bit and discover another side of Yokohama?
If you’re staying overnight, consider adding these popular spots to your itinerary.
1. Zoorasia Yokohama Zoological Gardens
With the theme of “Symbiosis of Life and Harmony with Nature,” Zoorasia exhibits, breeds, and cares for wild animals from around the world.
The zoo is divided into zones like “Asian Tropical Forest,” “Japanese Countryside,” and “African Savannah,” so you’ll feel like you’re traveling the world as you follow the animals.
You can meet around 100 species, from Indian elephants to polar bears.

2. Hara Model Railway Museum
This museum showcases the model trains and railway collections made and owned by world-renowned model railway creator and collector Nobutaro Hara.
Hara’s own models faithfully reproduce trains from Japan, Europe, America, and more. The museum holds approx 1,500 cars, with around 1,000 on display.

3. Shin-Yokohama Ramen Museum
This ramen-themed museum brings together famous local ramen shops from around the world. You can enjoy the flavors of famous shops from different regions without getting on a plane.
Each shop offers mini ramen, so you can try and compare several.
The interior recreates a retro townscape from 1958.

4. Sankeien Garden
Sankeien is a Japanese garden created by businessman and art lover Sankei Hara.
Spread across 175,000 square meters, the garden features important cultural buildings relocated from Kyoto, Kamakura, and other places, all beautifully arranged.
Seasonal flowers bloom throughout the year, and special events are held to enjoy them.

5. Yokohama English Garden
Yokohama English Garden is a British-style garden with approx 2,200 varieties of roses and seasonal flowers.
From spring to autumn, fragrant roses fill the garden, and the rose tunnel at the entrance is especially stunning.
In early summer, you can also enjoy 300 varieties of hydrangeas blooming alongside the roses.
There’s a café and shop in the garden, so you can enjoy tea time while admiring the flowers or shop for gardening goods. A free shuttle bus runs from Yokohama Station, making access easy.
It’s a popular spot to escape the city and relax in natural beauty.

6. Kodomo no Kuni (Children’s Land)
Opened in 1965, Kodomo no Kuni is a huge playground covering 1 million square meters, stretching across Yokohama’s Aoba Ward and Machida City in Tokyo.
It makes the most of the Tama Hills’ natural landscape, with a farm, mini zoo, pool, skating rink, lots of playground equipment, cycling, and athletic activities.
There are also fun attractions like a maze and a 115-meter roller slide.

7. Yokohama Hakkeijima Sea Paradise
Located in Kanazawa Ward, Yokohama Hakkeijima Sea Paradise is a large marine leisure complex with aquariums, attractions, restaurants, shops, and a hotel.
Nicknamed “Sea Para,” it features four unique aquariums: “Aqua Museum” with 120,000 creatures from 700 species, “Dolphin Fantasy” where you can see dolphins from different angles, “Fureai Lagoon” for hands-on experiences with sea animals, and “Umi Farm,” themed around ocean education.

Day Trip Model Course: Explore Yokohama’s Top Attractions
Here’s a sample day-trip itinerary to help you make the most of Yokohama, with Minato Mirai as your base.
Use this model course as a guide to enjoy all the best of Yokohama.
- 9:40
- Start from JR Yokohama Station
- 10:00
- Enjoy the view from Yokohama Landmark Tower
- 10:30
- Go shopping at Queen’s Square Yokohama
- 11:20
- Take in the cityscape from YOKOHAMA AIR CABIN
- 11:50
- Have Chinese food in Yokohama Chinatown
- 13:50
- Shop at Yokohama Motomachi Shopping Street
- 15:50
- Enjoy the scenery at Yamashita Park
- 16:50
- Pick up souvenirs at Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse
- 18:20
- Admire the night view at Bankoku Bridge
Want Great Atmosphere? 3 Popular Restaurants in Yokohama
Yokohama has plenty of dining options, but here are three especially popular spots loved by locals.
From long-established Chinese restaurants to historic hotel cafés and Western-style mansions with an international vibe, you can enjoy both the food and the atmosphere.
Be sure to stop by and experience their unique charm when you visit Yokohama.
1. Jukei Hanten Main Building
This Sichuan restaurant opened in 1959. In 2018, the seven-story flagship main building opened at the original location to celebrate the 60th anniversary. Designed by world-famous Alan Chan, it features a stately exterior and a calm, elegant interior.
The 6th and 7th floors are “Yokohama Guest House,” offering private and special rooms. Both lunch and dinner are available as set courses or à la carte.

2. Hotel New Grand “The Cafe”
Located on the first floor of the iconic Hotel New Grand, this café restaurant serves Western and French-inspired dishes.
It’s especially famous for three dishes that originated here: “Seafood Doria,” “Spaghetti Napolitan,” and “Pudding à la Mode.”
The Seafood Doria is a baked rice dish topped with plenty of seafood, a rich seafood sauce, and creamy gratin sauce.

3. Yamate Jubankan Restaurant & Cafe
Built in 1967 to mark the 100th anniversary of the Meiji era, Yamate Jubankan is modeled after the foreign trading houses from Yokohama’s early days. Located on a hill in Yamate, right by the Foreigners’ Cemetery, this Western-style mansion has a casual café on the first floor and a French restaurant for lunch and dinner on the second. The lush garden is always filled with a pleasant breeze.

Enjoy Shopping Between Sightseeing! 3 Classic Yokohama Shopping Spots
Yokohama’s top sightseeing areas are also home to shopping complexes where you can enjoy food and great views, not just shopping.
Here are three classic shopping spots in Yokohama, each with a seaside location, open atmosphere, and a wide variety of shops.
Drop by between sightseeing stops for an even more fulfilling trip.
1. MARK IS Minato Mirai
Located in the popular Minato Mirai area, this shopping complex has four basement floors and six above ground, with approx 175 shops including fashion, home goods, food, and restaurants.
On the 5th floor, the “Lawson United Cinema STYLE-S Minato Mirai” features the latest immersive sound seats in every row.
Speakers are built into the seats themselves, so you can enjoy a movie experience like never before.

2. Yokohama World Porters
Opened in 1999 with the concept “All kinds of worlds are here,” this complex features shops and restaurants.
It’s located in the Minato Mirai 21 redevelopment area facing Yokohama Port, and is a classic spot for shopping or dates, along with nearby attractions like the Red Brick Warehouse and Cosmo World.
Just a 5-minute walk from Minato Mirai Station, it houses around 150 unique shops, including fashion, interior, and lifestyle stores.

3. MARINE & WALK YOKOHAMA
Next to the Red Brick Warehouse, MARINE & WALK YOKOHAMA is an open-air mall inspired by the idea of creating streets in a seaside warehouse district.
With an open, international vibe, the mall features ocean-view cafés and restaurants, stylish select shops with imported brands, and over 20 lifestyle stores for adults to enjoy.

Top 3 Hotels for a Luxurious Stay in Yokohama
The Minato Mirai area is a convenient base for sightseeing in Yokohama, and it’s packed with hotels offering stylish spaces and top-notch service.
Staying at a hotel where you can enjoy the experience itself is one of the best ways to enjoy your Yokohama trip.
Here are three popular hotels to consider as your base for exploring the city.
1. Hotel New Grand
A classic Japanese hotel and a Yokohama landmark, Hotel New Grand stands right across from the famous Yamashita Park with views of the sea.
The main building opened in 1927 as a symbol of recovery after the Great Kanto Earthquake, and the 18-story Tower Building was added in 1991, offering stunning views.

2. Hyatt Regency Yokohama
Close to the station and within walking distance of Yamashita Park, Yokohama Chinatown, and Minato Mirai, this hotel is in a prime location for sightseeing.
All 315 rooms are at least 37 square meters, blending traditional Japanese beauty with Western design for a refined, international feel.

3. Yokohama Bay Sheraton Hotel & Towers
Just approx 1 minute on foot from Yokohama Station West Exit via underground or covered walkways.
You can check in without getting wet even on rainy days at this 28-story high-rise hotel.
Enjoy spacious, luxurious rooms with views of Yokohama Port, Bay Bridge, Minato Mirai, and more.

Classic Yokohama Souvenirs: 3 Great Picks
The perfect way to wrap up your trip is with a souvenir that captures the spirit of Yokohama.
These long-loved classics are known for their refined sweetness and nostalgic flavors.
If you’re not sure what to buy, choose from these tried-and-true options that anyone would love to receive.
1. FRANÇAIS “Yokohama Millefeuille”
FRANÇAIS is a pastry brand focused on enjoying fruit. It’s highly rated at the Monde Selection, a contest that recognizes the world’s best foods.
For a Kanagawa souvenir, try the “Yokohama Millefeuille.” There are two flavors—milk and tea—each with a creamy filling sandwiched between crispy pastry and coated in chocolate for an elegant taste.

2. Bashamichi Jubankan “Biscuit”
Founded in 1967, Bashamichi Jubankan is a Western-style restaurant that preserves the history and charm of Yokohama’s Bashamichi area, where Western culture flourished in the Meiji era.
The red brick building has a nostalgic atmosphere that takes visitors back in time.
Their signature confection is “Biscuit.”
Inspired by Western sweets brought from Portugal, these thick, crispy sandwich cookies come in three flavors: lemon, chocolate, and peanut.
They’re filled with plenty of cream and have a simple, refined sweetness that feels nostalgic.
The retro packaging is also popular, making them a favorite gift and Yokohama souvenir for years.

3. Ariake “Yokohama Harbour Double Marron”
Ariake’s “Yokohama Harbour Double Marron” has been a beloved Yokohama souvenir for years.
The packaging and name, inspired by passenger ships that once sailed Yokohama Port, reflect the city’s history and romance.
Inside the moist castella cake, you’ll find a rich chestnut filling made with both chopped and whole chestnuts, offering a gentle sweetness and chestnut flavor from the first bite.
Its moist texture and smooth mouthfeel are popular with all ages.
Individually wrapped and elegantly designed, it’s perfect for gifts.
With its Yokohama-inspired taste and look, it’s a great choice for souvenirs or presents.

So Much to See! 5 Major Events in Yokohama
Yokohama hosts a variety of events throughout the year, featuring flowers, lights, tradition, and international flair.
If your timing is right, it’s a great chance to experience the local excitement and festive cityscape.
Here are five famous Yokohama events that will make your trip even more memorable.
1. Minato Mirai 21 Sakura Festival
The Minato Mirai 21 Sakura Festival is a spring event held in the heart of Yokohama.
From late March to early April, about 500 meters of cherry trees along Sakura Street are in full bloom.
The festival area connects JR Sakuragicho Station and Minato Mirai Station, so it’s easy to access.
During the festival, the cherry trees are lit up at night, creating a magical atmosphere.
On weekends, the street becomes pedestrian-only, with parades, live music, and food trucks.
The blend of cityscape and cherry blossoms makes this a favorite for both locals and visitors.
Enjoy the cherry blossoms while taking in the unique Yokohama scenery.

2. The Yokohama Parade (International Costume Parade)
The Yokohama Parade, also known as the International Costume Parade, has been a spring tradition since 1953.
Held every year on May 3rd (Constitution Day), the parade follows a 3.4 km route from Yamashita Park through Bashamichi and Isezakicho.
Community groups and companies join in with creative floats and costumes, while bands and dance teams liven up the route.
Spectators can watch from the roadside, and the whole city gets into the festive spirit.
With its multicultural performances, it’s a great event for all ages.

3. Yokohama Port Festival
The Yokohama Port Festival is a major community event celebrating the port’s opening.
Held in early June at Rinko Park and the Shinko area, it features stage performances, marine events, and food booths, drawing big crowds.
At night, fireworks light up the sky for a spectacular finale.
Enjoy the open, festive atmosphere unique to a port city, with music, food, and culture.
There are also hands-on activities and collaborations with nearby attractions, so you’ll want to come back again and again.

4. Yokohama Night Flowers
Yokohama Night Flowers is a unique night event that combines flowers and lights for a magical evening.
Main venues include Minato Mirai, Nihon Odori, and Yamashita Park—some of the city’s landmark areas.
Held from spring to early summer, the event features seasonal flowers and light displays throughout the city.
There are projection mappings, illuminations, and waterfront effects, creating a dreamlike atmosphere.
Walking through Yokohama at night, you’ll see a whole new side of the city. It’s a great event for couples, families, and photography lovers.
It’s a must-see to wrap up your sightseeing in Yokohama.

5. Minato Mirai Grand Bon Odori
The Minato Mirai Grand Bon Odori is a summer tradition held in late August at Rinko Park next to Pacifico Yokohama.
A central tower is set up in the open-air venue overlooking Yokohama Port, and you can enjoy both traditional and modern Bon Odori dances like the local “Arameya Ondo” and “Dancing Hero.”
Even first-timers can join in easily, as dancers demonstrate the moves.
Food trucks from local hotels and restaurants line the venue, offering Yokohama specialties.
There are also performances by local sports teams and programs for all ages.
At night, dance under the illuminated tower and feel the sea breeze as you celebrate the end of summer.

FAQ About Sightseeing in Yokohama
Q
What’s the best way to get around Yokohama?
Using trains like the Minato Mirai Line is an efficient way to get around.
Q
If I only have a short time, where should I go in Yokohama?
If you focus on the Minato Mirai area, you can experience Yokohama in just a few hours.
Wrap Up
This article introduced a balanced mix of classic and popular spots in Yokohama.
In this city where history and international flair blend together, you can have a rich experience even on a day trip.