Yokohama
· JP

Yokohama

Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan

Yokohama: Where Tradition Dances with Tomorrow Step off the beaten path and into the vibrant tapestry of Yokohama, a captivating coastal city just a stone's throw from Tokyo. More than just a side trip, Yokohama pulses w…

#Yokohama#Kanagawa#Japan#Port city#Landmark attractions
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Top hotels & flights

Hand-picked stays and the best fares into Yokohama.

Top Hotels in Yokohama

Top Flights to Yokohama

Popular activities

Tours, tickets and experiences travelers book most in Yokohama.

Tours

Yokohama Landmark Tower Observatory

Enjoy a panoramic view of Yokohama from one of Japan's tallest buildings.

Sankeien Garden

A traditional Japanese garden featuring historical buildings and seasonal flora.

Shopping

Motomachi Shopping Street

Explore a range of boutiques and shops offering fashionable and unique items.

Yokohama Chinatown Experience

Dive into cultural delights, foods, and shops in Japan's largest Chinatown.

Outdoor

Yamashita Park Stroll

Take a relaxing walk by the seaside park with views of the Yokohama Bay Bridge.

Location videos

Real reels from travelers, plus longer watches to get the full picture.

Watch & explore

Practical info

The essentials for planning your time in Yokohama.

Currency
¥ | JPY | Japanese Yen
Population
3.8 million
Languages
Japanese, Japanese
Average weather
Yokohama
Jan
cold
9°2°
Feb
cold
10°3°
Mar
cloud
13°5°
Apr
cloud
18°10°
May
cloud
22°15°
Jun
rain
24°18°
Jul
rain
28°22°
Aug
hot
31°24°
Sep
rain
27°21°
Oct
cloud
22°15°
Nov
clear
17°10°
Dec
cold
12°5°

Local guide

What travelers love, what to watch for, and a deeper read on Yokohama.

What people love

Yokohama, located in Kanagawa, Japan, offers a unique blend of cultural experiences, modern attractions, and natural beauty. Here are some of the pros of traveling to Yokohama:

  1. Cosmopolitan Vibe: Yokohama is a vibrant and cosmopolitan city with a rich history of international trade. Visitors can explore the historic port area, which was one of the first to open to foreign trade in the 19th century.

  2. Landmark Attractions: The city boasts several iconic landmarks such as the Yokohama Landmark Tower, one of the tallest buildings in Japan, and the historic Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse, which has been transformed into a shopping and entertainment complex.

  3. Cultural Diversity: Yokohama is known for its diverse cultural offerings, including Chinatown, one of the largest in the world, and the Yamate district, which features Western-style buildings and beautiful gardens.

  4. Beautiful Parks and Gardens: Visitors can relax in the city's many parks and gardens, such as the Sankeien Garden, a traditional Japanese garden with historic buildings, ponds, and cherry blossoms.

  5. Delicious Cuisine: Yokohama is a food lover's paradise, with a wide range of dining options from traditional Japanese cuisine to international fare. Don't miss trying the city's famous dish, "Iekei" ramen.

  6. Easy Access to Tokyo: Yokohama is located just a short train ride away from Tokyo, making it a convenient base for exploring the greater Tokyo area while enjoying a more relaxed atmosphere.

  7. Shopping and Entertainment: The city offers excellent shopping opportunities, from luxury boutiques to trendy street markets. Visitors can also enjoy various entertainment options, including theaters, museums, and amusement parks.

Overall, Yokohama provides a perfect mix of history, culture, and modern attractions, making it a fantastic destination for travelers looking to experience the best of Japan outside of Tokyo.

Enjoy your trip to Yokohama!

What to know

Traveling to Yokohama, located in Kanagawa, Japan, can have a few cons that travelers may want to consider:

  1. Weather: Yokohama experiences a humid subtropical climate, which means hot and humid summers, and mild winters. Travelers who are sensitive to extreme temperatures may find the weather uncomfortable, especially during the summer months when temperatures can soar.

  2. Crowds: Yokohama is a popular tourist destination, especially during peak travel seasons. As a result, popular attractions, shopping areas, and restaurants can get crowded, leading to longer wait times and potential difficulty in enjoying a peaceful travel experience.

  3. Language Barrier: While many people in Yokohama, especially in tourist areas, may speak some English, the primary language spoken is Japanese. Travelers who do not speak or understand Japanese may face challenges in communication, which can make navigating the city, ordering food, or seeking help more difficult.

  4. Cost of Living: Yokohama, like many cities in Japan, can be relatively expensive for travelers, especially when it comes to accommodation, dining, and transportation. Budget-conscious travelers may find it challenging to stick to their travel budget while exploring Yokohama.

  5. Transportation: While Yokohama has an extensive and efficient public transportation system, including trains and buses, navigating the city can be overwhelming for first-time visitors. Understanding the different routes, schedules, and ticketing systems may require some time and effort.

Overall, Yokohama is a vibrant and diverse city with much to offer travelers. While these cons are worth considering, they should not deter visitors from exploring all that Yokohama has to offer.

Yokohama is a prominent city in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan. It has a rich history, marked by its development as a major port city and its role in Japan's modernization. Here are some key points in the history of Yokohama:

Early History

  • Pre-1850s: Yokohama was a small fishing village, relatively insignificant in terms of political and economic influence.

Opening of the Port

  • 1853: Commodore Matthew Perry of the United States arrived in Japan with a fleet of "Black Ships," demanding that Japan open its ports to trade. This event set the stage for Yokohama's transformation.
  • 1854: The Convention of Kanagawa was signed, which led to the opening of Japanese ports to American trade. However, it was initially Shimoda and Hakodate that were opened.
  • 1859: Yokohama officially opened as one of the first international ports in Japan under the Treaty of Amity and Commerce (Harris Treaty) between the United States and Japan. This marked the beginning of Yokohama's rapid growth and development.

Meiji Era and Modernization

  • 1860s-1890s: Yokohama quickly became a hub for international trade and cultural exchange. It played a vital role in introducing Western technologies and ideas to Japan.
  • Landmarks Established:
    • Yokohama Chinatown: Established as Chinese traders and immigrants moved to the city, it is now one of the largest Chinatowns in the world.
    • Yokohama Foreign General Cemetery: Established in 1854, it served as a burial ground for foreigners who died in the city.
    • Yokohama Archives of History: Located in the former British Consulate, it preserves the city's rich history.

Taisho and Showa Eras

  • 1923: The Great Kanto Earthquake devastated Yokohama, leading to significant loss of life and property. The city was rebuilt with a more modern infrastructure.
  • 1930s-1940s: During World War II, Yokohama was an industrial center. It was heavily bombed in air raids, leading to severe destruction.

Post-War to Present

  • Post-1945: After World War II, Yokohama underwent rapid reconstruction. It played a crucial role in Japan's post-war economic recovery.
  • 1960s-1980s: Yokohama experienced significant economic growth and urban development, becoming the second-largest city in Japan.
  • Landmarks Development:
    • Minato Mirai 21: A major urban development project that began in the 1980s, transforming the city's waterfront area. It includes the Landmark Tower, which was Japan's tallest building until 2014.
    • Yokohama Bay Bridge: Opened in 1989, it is a symbol of the city's modern infrastructure.
    • Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse: A historical site converted into a cultural and commercial complex.

Notable Historical Figures

  • Matthew Perry: His arrival was a catalyst for the port's opening.
  • Rokuroko Shimizu: A prominent businessman who contributed to Yokohama's growth post-earthquake.

Modern Yokohama

Today, Yokohama is known for its vibrant culture, international community, and as a major business hub in Japan. It hosts events such as the Yokohama Port Festival and the Yokohama Jazz Promenade, further enriching its cultural landscape.

Overall, Yokohama's history is a testament to its resilience and adaptability, transforming from a small village into a bustling cosmopolitan city.