Yokohama Guide
Yokohama is known for its ports as the first port in Japan was introduced here in the year 1859 for foreign trade and since then, from a small fishing village it grew into the major export city of Japan. Yokohama, the capital of Kanagawa prefecture, is located in the distance of half an hour towards the south of Tokyo city, which can be reached by train. Although it is the second largest city in Japan with a population of 3 million. Until today, this is the major city visited by expats and tourists as there are a lot of things to explore in Yokohama besides piers. Lastly, for all the Chinatown lovers, this place has the largest Chinatown and has also preserved former western residence in the Yamate district.
Now, the question is how to get there, as this place is considered to be a one day trip. You can visit this serenity from Tokyo itself, as that was the convenient lookout. I planned a detailed itinerary before going to Japan and I planned a one-day visit from Tokyo.The accessibility was smooth and exciting.
How to get around from and to Yokohama?
Yokohama’s transportation network is extensive, featuring services from four rail companies – Japan Railways, Tokyu Railway, Keikyu Railway, and Sagami Railway (commonly known as Sotetsu). Additionally, the city is supported by two local subway lines and a comprehensive bus system, managed jointly by the city and various private bus operators.
Yokohama boasts two primary railway hubs: Yokohama Station and Shin-Yokohama Station. Yokohama Station, situated in the heart of the city, is a junction for train lines from all four railway companies as well as the subway. Shin-Yokohama Station, positioned roughly ten minutes away from the city center, is accessible via the JR Yokohama Line or the city’s subway system. Notably, Shin-Yokohama is the station where the Shinkansen, or bullet trains, make their stop.
Tokyu Toyoko line: The Toyoko Line serves as a vital link between Shibuya Station in Tokyo and Yokohama. For a quicker journey, opt for a limited express or express train, which travel faster than local trains at no extra cost. Beyond Yokohama Station, the line extends along the Minato Mirai Line to Motomachi-Chukagai, facilitating easy access to the central attractions of Yokohama. To the north of Shibuya, the line merges into the Fukutoshin Subway Line. Additionally, there are subsidiary lines leading to Meguro Station on the Yamanote Line and another line heading towards the Shin-Yokohama Line, which connects to the Shinkansen station bearing the same name.
JR Tokaido line: This Tokaido line provides and covers the fastest distance between Tokyo station and Yokohama station. It takes about 25 minutes from the Tokyo station and approximately 20 minutes from Shinagawa station.
JR Yokosuka line: To the northwest of Tokyo Station, the railway is identified as the Sobu Line, offering direct links to both Chiba and Narita Airport. The Yokosuka line is known to be slightly lower than the Tokaido line.
JR Shonan Shinjuku line: The Shonan Shinjuku Line establishes a direct route connecting Yokohama with central Tokyo’s Shinjuku, Shibuya, and Ikebukuro, and extends further to the northern prefectures of Saitama, Gunma, and Tochigi.
JR Keihin-Tohuku line: The Keihin-Tohoku Line offers a more leisurely, local service linking Tokyo with Yokohama. Once it passes Yokohama Station and heads south, the line becomes known as the Negishi Line, which serves various attractions in central and southern Yokohama.
Keikyu main line: The Keikyu Railway line links Shinagawa to Yokohama and Haneda Airport, with “limited express” trains being the quickest option.
JR Tokaido Shinkansen: Every train on the Tokaido Shinkansen makes a stop at Shin-Yokohama Station. Shin-Yokohama is approximately 10-15 minutes by train from Yokohama Station and the central area of Yokohama, accessible via the JR Yokohama Line or the subway.
From the airport: The closest airport to Yokohama is Haneda airport but the Narita airport is a little too far away.
Moving around Yokohama
After reaching Yokohama, you can start your trip as planned and you have to be quick as their are a lot many places to explore, from Chinatown to sunset at Yamashita pier or Osanbashi pier. Most of the central Yokohama can be covered on foot. For example, you can start with a pleasant waterfront walk from Minato Mirai to Yamashita park and along with that visit Osanbashi pier and then proceed with the nearby location ‘the chinatown’.
For those who do not prefer or like to walk such long distance, they can always use Akaikutsu loop bus which connects Sakuragicho Station with a lot many sightseeing places in the central Yokohama and Bayside blue bus which connects Yokohama station, Minato Mirai and other places of interest in central Yokohama. These buses run every 30-40 minutes and each ride costs around 220 Yen. You can also opt for a full day pass for 500 Yen which is valid on any bus and subway in central Yokohama. There is also another option of accessibility, which is by boat. Here, there is a sea bus which travels between Yokohama bay Quater, Minato Mirai and Yamashita park and it runs every 2-3 times per hour. For a while now, boats only run between Yokohama bay Quater and red brick warehouse, it takes 15-25 minutes and cost 800 yen per way. From this, few of them make a stop in between at Yokohama Hammerhead complex, which costs 700 yen and takes 15 minutes.
Suica and Pasmo prepaid cards, along with eight other IC cards from Japan’s major cities, are accepted on nearly all public transportation modes in Yokohama, Sea Bass included.
Places to visit in Yokohama
Sankeien garden: Sankeien is a Japanese-style garden situated in the south of Yokohama which also exhibits numerous historic buildings from Japan. There is a pond, river, scrolling trails and radiant flowers all over the garden which make you question where you are exactly. The entry fee to visit this place is 700 yen.
Timings: The timings are from 9 in the morning to 5 in the evening and it remains close from 29th December to 1st January.
Location: 58-1 Honmokusannotani, Naka Ward, Yokohama, Kanagawa 231-0824, Japan
Getting there: From the station’s east exit, board either bus number 8 or 148 to reach Sankeien-Iriguchi (a 30-35 minute journey costing 220 yen, with regular departures). From there, Sankeien is just a five-minute walk. These bus lines are also available from Sakuragicho Station, taking 20-25 minutes and costing the same fare. Use the JR Negishi Line to get to Negishi Station, and then catch bus 58, 99, or 101 to Honmoku (10 minutes, 220 yen, frequent services). Sankeien is a 5-10 minute walk from there. Alternatively, a 30-45 minute walk or a taxi ride (around 1500 yen) from Negishi Station will also get you to Sankeien.
Minato Mirai:
Minato Mirai is blessed with tons of attraction and a location at the waterfront. This is an urban area in the central Yokohama which means the ‘harbour of the future’. Visitors here can find and enjoy sites of shopping centers, hotels, a convention center, an amusement park, a relaxation center with hot spring baths, museums and park space. Places like Cosmo world, redbrick warehouse, sky green observatory, Yokohama air cabin, Ferris wheel and a lot more other places can be must visited.
Timings: There is no particular time to visit but touristy places does have set timings.
Location: Nishi Ward, Yokohama, Kanagawa 220-0012, Japan
Getting there: Minato Mirai Station, the most central stop, is on the Minato Mirai Line and situated beneath Queen’s Square, just two stops (3 minutes, 200 yen) from Yokohama Station. Additionally, Minato Mirai is readily reachable from Sakuragicho Station on the JR Negishi Line (Keihin-Tohoku Line), only one stop (3 minutes, 150 yen) away from Yokohama Station. The Yokohama Subway Line also serves this station.
Yokohama Chinatown:
This Chinatown is the largest Chinatown amongst the three of them in Japan. Here various festivals and events are held in this narrow crowded area like Chinese new year around the beginning of February. A large number of Chinese restaurants and shops are located here selling fresh authentic food and souvenirs in these colorful streets. There are four colorful gates situated at the entrance and the fifth one can be found within. Visitors usually come here for the cuisine and the famous ones are steamed buns (manju), ramen noodles and a wide array of other Chinese dishes.
Timings: There is no particular timings, you can visit anytime of the day.
Location: Yamashitacho, Naka Ward, Yokohama, Kanagawa 231-0023, Japan
Getting there: Yokohama Chinatown is nearest to Motomachi-Chukagai Station on the Minato Mirai Line (8 minutes, 230 yen from Yokohama Station) and Ishikawacho Station on the JR Negishi Line (7 minutes, 170 yen from Yokohama Station)
Cup noodles museum:
In Yokohama’s Minato Mirai District, the Cup Noodles Museum offers an engaging and interactive experience, highlighting the evolution of instant ramen noodles through a mix of playful exhibits and hands-on workshops. Among the various activities, the My Cup-noodles Factory workshop stands out, allowing visitors to craft their unique cup noodle blend from a selection of soups and toppings. This popular activity is priced at 500 yen and can sell out on busy days. Reservation for noodle museum should be done 3 months prior to the desired date. The ques are prolonged and it takes hours of time and if plan to purchase tickets on the D-day then you might get disappointed as there are minimal tickets available.
Timings: The timings to visit this museum is from 10 am to 6 pm and it remains close on Tuesday.
Location: 2 Chome-3-4 Shinko, Naka Ward, Yokohama, Kanagawa 231-0001, Japan
Getting there: The Cup Noodles Museum can be reached with a 10-minute walk from Minato Mirai Station on the Minato Mirai Line (3 minutes, 200 yen from Yokohama Station) or from Sakuragicho Station, which is served by the JR Negishi Line (3 minutes, 150 yen from Yokohama Station) and the Yokohama Subway Line. Additionally, the Akaikutsu Loop Bus connects Sakuragicho Station with Landmark Plaza, Pacifico Convention Center, World Porters (near the Cup Noodles Museum), the Red Brick Warehouses, and other central Yokohama attractions. The bus fare is 220 yen per journey.
Ramen museum: The Shinyokohama ramen museum is popular for ramen which is a popular noodle dish which was originated in China. On its first floor, the Ramen Museum showcases the evolution of ramen noodles in Japan, emphasizing the significant impact of instant ramen. The exhibit features a diverse array of noodles, soups, toppings, and bowls from different regions of Japan, and also demonstrates the process of noodle making.
Timings: The timings are from 11 am to 9 pm and it remains close on 31st December to 1st January.
Location: 2 Chome-14-21 Shinyokohama, Kohoku Ward, Yokohama, Kanagawa 222-0033, Japan
Getting there: This ramen museum is 10-15 min walk from Shin Yokohama station.
Kirin Brewery: Kirin Brewery Company, a top-tier beer brewer in Japan, originated in Yokohama. Their brewery tours, lasting approximately 90 minutes, guide visitors through an exhibit detailing the history of beer and Kirin, along with views into the fermentation tanks and areas for canning and bottling. While these tours are typically in Japanese, English guides might be available. The final segment of the tour, lasting about twenty minutes, is dedicated to tasting different beers.The entry fee to this place is 500 Yen.
Timings: The timings to visit this place is from 10 in the morning to 3 in the afternoon. This factory remains closed on Monday.
Location: 1 Chome-17-1 Namamugi, Tsurumi Ward, Yokohama, Kanagawa 230-8628, Japan
Getting there: The Kirin Beer Factory is situated just a ten-minute walk to the south of Namamugi Station on the Keikyu Main Line (20 minutes, 320 yen from Shinagawa; 13 minutes, 180 yen from Yokohama). Alternatively, it’s a 15-minute walk from JR Shin-Koyasu Station on the JR Keihin-Tohoku Line (20 minutes, 310 yen from Shinagawa or 6 minutes, 170 yen from Yokohama).
Hakkeijima Sea Paradise: Hakkeijima Sea Paradise, positioned on a small island just off the coast, is around a 30-minute train ride south of central Yokohama. This amusement park, among the most popular in Japan, also boasts a remarkable aquarium. There is no entry fee for the park. Guests are welcome to visit the island and enjoy its park spaces, walk along the promenades, shop in the stores, or eat at the various restaurants. The individual ride at pleasure land costs around 300-1000 yen and the unlimited pass is around 3500 and for an aqua resort the fee is 3300.
Timings: The hours to visit Hakkeijima sea paradise is from 10 am to 5 pm and the hours might get longer on weekends and school holidays.
Location: Hakkeijima, Kanazawa Ward, Yokohama, Kanagawa 236-0006, Japan
Getting there: Hakkeijima Sea Paradise can be found at Hakejima Station on the Kanazawa Seaside Line.
Yamashita Park:
Yamashita Park, a public space, extends approximately 750 meters along the waterfront in Yokohama. A walk through the park offers a clear view of the imposing ocean liner next to the promenade. Close to the Hikawa Maru, another unmissable landmark is the Yokohama Marine Tower. The price is 1000 yen on weekdays, increasing to 1200 yen on weekends and national holidays. The cost 300 yen is for the ship, or 500 yen for a combo ticket that also covers entry to the NYK Maritime Museum.
Timings: The visiting hours is from 10 am to 5 pm, Mondays are closed and the timings for Yokohama marine time is 10 am to 10 pm, here there is no closing time.
Located: 279 Yamashitacho, Naka Ward, Yokohama, Kanagawa 231-0023, Japan
Getting there: Yamashita Park is easily accessible, just a five-minute walk from Motomachi-Chukagai Station on the Minato Mirai Line, and also close to Chinatown and Minato Mirai. For broader connections, the Akaikutsu Loop Bus and Bayside Blue Bus link it with central Yokohama’s tourist spots.The standard fare is 220 yen, with a 500 yen day pass available. Currently, the “Sea Bass” boat service to the park is suspended due to pier renovations.
Osanbashi pier: Situated between Minato Mirai and Yamashita Park, the Osanbashi International Passenger Terminal, commonly referred to as Osanbashi Pier, spans 400 meters and features public walkways and green areas. This makes the pier an appealing destination not just for those embarking on a voyage, but also for visitors simply exploring the area. This pier is a prime location in Yokohama for strolling and enjoying clear views of the Minato Mirai skyline. Beneath the walking area, it houses facilities for boarding, along with various shops, restaurants, and a space for hosting small exhibitions and events.
Timings: There is no particular timings to visit this place but the best time to visit is during the dawn.
Location: 1 Chome Kaigandori, Naka Ward, Yokohama, Kanagawa 231-0002, Japan
Getting there: Osanbashi Pier, nestled between Minato Mirai and Yamashita Park, is best reached on foot via the scenic waterfront promenade connecting these attractions. It’s also just a five-minute walk from Nihon-Odori Station on the Minato Mirai Line, or a 15-minute walk from Kannai Station on the JR Negishi Line. For added convenience, the Akaikutsu Loop Bus, which connects various Yokohama sightseeing spots, stops directly at the Passenger Terminal, with fares at 220 yen per ride or 500 yen for a day pass.
