To the Japanese, Yokohama is more than just a city; it is the capital of Kanagawa Prefecture and a major port. Its metropolitan area is home to about 3.7 million people, making it Japan’s second-most populated city after Tokyo’s.
Yokohama’s popularity among foreigners grew rapidly after Japan signed a trading contract with the United States at the end of the 1850s, ending the country’s isolation of over two centuries. As a result of increased international trade, the Japanese fishing community saw its port activities expand, its architecture evolves, and its wealth grows dramatically.
So, if you’ve never wondered about visiting there and planning to do so. Without thinking much, start planning, book your seat on singapore airlines flights and save up to 60% off on round trips on every flight. To assist you, take a look to know about what you can do in this beautiful city.
Do you wish to learn more about the attractions in Yokohama? Identify characteristics of this cutting-edge, innovative, and forward-looking metropolis at the municipal, social, and ecological levels!
Yamate
The hilltop historical district of Yamate in Yokohama offers stunning views of the harbor and port below. During the era of the city’s establishment of international trade, this is where new people from other countries settled down. Moreover, the latter have been preserved and some have been transformed into museums that are now open to the general public.
Chinatown
Without a trip, your time in Yokohama would be incomplete. About 1860, once Japan opened its borders to foreigners, the first Yokohama Chinatown was established. It is now widely recognized as the largest Chinatown in the Japanese archipelago and among the world’s largest.
There are four grand, imposing gates that lead to this vibrant and fashionable section of the city. There are several shops, restaurants, and street vendors selling Chinese goods in this area ( Masobyo and Kanteibyo ). For a different type of indulgence, try some real Chinese food.
The European colonists who settled at the foot of Yamate Hill also founded Motomachi, a posh commercial district. With shops and restaurants spanning five blocks, this street has everything you could want or need.
Like Museums?
After that, you should open yourself up to the charms of Tokyo, the city next door, and its many museums. Everybody can find something they like here, from the quirky Cup Noodles museum to the informative Navy museum and beyond!
To the south of Yokohama lies the Shômyô-ji and its Jôdo teien garden, both of which date back to the Kamakura era (1185–1333). To the north of the city is Sôji-ji, a temple of the Soto school of Zen Buddhism that was reconstructed in Yokohama after a fire destroyed the original structure. Temples like other large towns in Japan, Yokohama is home to revered temples like Shômyô.
Nissan Stadium
Nissan Stadium, originally Yokohama International Stadium, is currently the largest stadium in Japan, with a capacity of 72,327. In 2002, Brazil won the FIFA World Cup by defeating Germany in this very stadium. In 2019, this field will host the Rugby World Cup.
Kamakura
If you’ve got more time, head to Kamakura, a charming seaside village just 30 minutes by public transportation from Yokohama. Travelers might come to Kamakura for the Kotoku-in Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines, or they can come for the surf at Yuigahama Beach in Sagami Bay. Kamakura is a popular destination for both Tokyoites and visitors from all over the world.
Where to Party in Noge
At night, the Noge neighborhood in the heart of Yokohama transforms into the city’s social hub. Locals and visitors alike flock to this region to take in the one-of-a-kind atmosphere, which includes everything from traditional Japanese izakayas to international restaurants, bars, and clubs.
How to reach Yokohama?
By air
The airport that is located the farthest from Yokohama is the Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND). The distance is 17.7 kilometers. Other nearby airports are Tokyo Narita (NRT), 76.7 kilometers away, and Shizuoka (FSZ), 76.7 kilometers away (151.4 km).
By train
Between the two cities of Tokyo and Yokohama, your greatest option for travel is the train. The Tokaido Shinkansen bullet train is the most efficient means of travel between the two cities, as a single trip on this train takes only 20 minutes. Additionally, it is the most expensive option at JPY2, 600. However, if you have a Japan Rail Pass, it is tremendously easy and relatively inexpensive.
By road
After Tokyo, Yokohama is the largest metropolitan area in Japan. In the major districts, you can get around on foot, although taxis and buses will help you to cover more ground more quickly and conveniently.
Conclusion
Yokohama is a fascinating stopover during a trip to the land of the rising sun due to its cultural diversity, long history, and proximity to the nation’s capital. So when would you visit first? Plan a trip to Japan with AirlinesMap and have the best vacation!