ITINERARIES Yokohama—From Past to Present Explore the historic port town of Yokohama, its museums, gardens and plentiful leisure activities
Yokohama City is a diverse city with a distinct history and atmosphere, located within an hour from central Tokyo. With its many natural and human-made attractions, there's no shortage of cool things to do.
Highlights
- Panoramic views of the city from Landmark Tower
- Walking the historic grounds of Sankeien Garden
- Sampling Chinatown's wide range of delicious food
The city's biggest tourist attraction, Minato Mirai 21 is the central business district of Yokohama and home to various attractions, shopping outlets and a relaxing seaside park. Have a stroll in Yamashita Park for stunning views of the bay, then scale Landmark Tower for an unbeatable panoramic view from the Sky Garden.
Akarenga the Red Brick Warehouse is a commercial complex that includes a number of restaurants and stores selling souvenirs and artisanal crafts. A few minutes away by foot you'll find Cosmo World, a retro-style theme park offering endless hours of fun for the whole family.
To appreciate the futuristic culture of the city, it’s key to learn about what came before. Pop by the Yokohama Archives of History, constructed in 1931 and once used as a British consulate it now exhibits displays covering all facets of the city’s richly diverse history.
Situated a little south of the city center is Sankeien Garden, a spacious Japanese style garden that opened to the public in 1906. With its clusters of historic buildings and teahouses, visiting the garden feels like stepping into old-world Kyoto. With its almost surreal tranquility, it’s perfect for midday strolling, combined with a scenic picnic lunch.
You’ve seen the port from top of Landmark Tower, but to get a new perspective on the city, head back to the port for a scenic cruise along the bay. There are a number of day and night cruises available, and you can catch a boat from the port. For an unforgettable experience, consider an evening cruise so you can witness the beauty of Yokohama in the daylight and at dusk.
Located in the heart of the city is Yokohama’s Chinatown, known by the locals as Chukagai. It’s home to a massive selection of restaurants, stores, and food stands selling authentic Chinese cuisine and incredible sweets. The area is particularly exciting during Chinese New Year when the streets are overflowing with revelers, parades, food stalls, and firecrackers.
