Yokohama

横浜

Japan's second-largest city with a vibrant waterfront, historic port district, and excellent museums just south of Tokyo. Known for its ramen, red brick warehouses, and modern entertainment facilities making it a rewarding day trip or overnight destination.

Things to do

• Red Brick Warehouse — Historic 1911 waterfront structures now housing shops, restaurants, and galleries with views of Yokohama Bay.
• Yokohama Museum of Art — World-class contemporary and modern art collection housed in a striking postmodern building in Minato Mirai.
• Cosmo World — Iconic seaside amusement park featuring the 112-meter Ferris wheel offering 360-degree views of the city and bay.
• Chinatown (Chūgoku-gai) — Japan's largest Chinatown district with traditional gates, temples, and restaurants serving authentic regional Chinese cuisine.
• Landmark Tower Sky Garden — Observation deck on the 69th floor of Japan's second-tallest building providing panoramic city and Mount Fuji views on clear days.
• Ramen Museum — Interactive museum dedicated to Yokohama ramen with a basement recreation of 1950s ramen shops offering regional styles.

Food to try

• Yokohama Ramen — Shoyu-based pork bone broth ramen with slightly wavy noodles and chashu, a signature dish perfected in this port city.
• Shirasu-don — White baitfish over rice, typically served fresh and sweetly seasoned, a local specialty reflecting Yokohama's fishing heritage.
• Gyoza — Pan-fried pork dumplings with thin crispy bottoms, abundantly available in Chinatown and local ramen shops.
• Sake Brewery Experience — Yokohama's sake breweries offer tastings and tours showcasing local brewing traditions and premium sake varieties.

Local customs & good to know

• Bow when entering temples and shrines — A respectful gesture appreciated throughout Yokohama's numerous Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines, particularly in Chinatown.
• Cash-preferred payments — While card use is increasing, many traditional shops, ramen restaurants, and small eateries still prefer cash payment.
• Quiet on public transport — Speaking quietly on trains and buses is expected etiquette; use of phones for calls is generally considered impolite.