Top 10 Awesome Things to Do in Yokohama
Yokohama was one of my favourite places that we visited during our epic Japan trip.
As Japan’s second-largest city, it’s an easy day trip from Tokyo, and can be explored on foot if you don’t have a car.
Yokohama is family-friendly, with a mix of culture, history, shopping, and food, all along the waterfront.
From the busy streets of Chinatown to peaceful gardens and fun attractions, there’s definitely something for everyone. Even our teenagers loved this city!
Want to get all the details? Let’s dive in!
Best Things to Do in Yokohama, Japan – Quick Guide
If you are in a hurry, here’s a quick list of the best places to visit in Yokohama:
- Yokohama Chinatown – Wander Japan’s largest Chinatown and sample street food favourites.
- Yamashita Park – Stroll the waterfront park with harbour views and a historic ship.
- Cup Noodles Museum – Design your own cup noodles and learn about instant ramen.
- Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse – Historic port buildings now home to shops, restaurants, and seasonal events.
- Minato Mirai 21 – Shop, dine, and ride the Ferris wheel in Yokohama’s modern waterfront district.
The Best Things to Do in Yokohama
Yokohama has a wide variety of interesting and fun attractions to explore.
From busy streets to quiet gardens, there’s something for everyone.
We spent one full day in the city and were able to check off most of the attractions on the list below.
1. Explore Yokohama Chinatown
Yokohama’s Chinatown is the largest in Japan, and it was pretty cool to explore.
You’ll find colourful gates, small temples, and more food stalls than you can count.
John and I spent a couple of hours wandering through the streets, checking out the shops, and admiring the gates.
It seemed that at every turn, there was a little alleyway taking you to another section of shops.
This is, by far, the best place to try street food like steamed buns, dumplings, and sesame balls.
Trust me when I say, you will have a hard time trying to decide what to have first!
Our only word of advice is, make sure that you have plenty of cash on hand.
We didn’t bring much with us, and while most of the souvenir shops took credit cards, pretty much all of the food vendors did not.
We missed out on quite a few goodies that we wanted to try!
2. Visit the Cup Noodles Museum
This interactive museum was a lot of fun to visit!
You will find all sorts of displays about the history of Cup Noodles, including a short film (which had English subtitles).
But the best part is getting to make your own personalized Cup Noodles to take home!
Not only do you get to design the actual packaging, but you also get to choose all the ingredients from the noodles to the base broth, and all the add-ins.
The package is then sealed and is ready for you to enjoy when you get home.
The museum displays are simple enough for kids to enjoy, and the workshop is very family-friendly.
Give yourself at least two hours to fully enjoy this museum. And don’t forget to visit the fun gift shop on your way out.
And yes, my Cup Noodles were absolutely YUMMY!!
3. Visit the Nippon Maru
The Nippon Maru is a retired sailing ship docked in Minato Mirai, right next to Sakuragicho Station and beside the Yokohama Landmark Tower.
Built in 1930, it was once used to train cadets and is now open as a museum.
The ship sits in its own dock, the Nippon Maru Memorial Park, which also includes a small maritime museum.
You can tour the decks, see the crew quarters, and get an idea of what life at sea really looked like.
4. Stop at Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse
The Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse is a pretty unique stop for us.
We had no idea what to expect, as I really hadn’t researched it. We just kind of stumbled on them on our way to Yamashita Park.
Turns out, these historic buildings once stored goods for the port.
Today, they’ve been turned into a shopping and dining complex.
You will find some pretty unique stalls and boutiques inside.
But my fave was a shop that sold memorabilia and kitsch from the 1980s! John and I had a blast looking through some of the odd finds.
Of course, we lost the kids to the gacha shop, the candy store, and a couple of places selling cool trinkets.
There are also several food stands and a restaurant on the top floor.
Just a heads up, we found the food to be very pricey.
The warehouse also hosts seasonal markets, outdoor concerts, and winter illuminations.
5. Walk Along Yamashita Park
Just a short walk from the Red Brick Warehouse is Yamashita Park.
The park stretches along the waterfront, giving you some pretty incredible views of both the Yokohama Bay Bridge and the Yokohama Marine Tower.
The park has plenty of green space to sit and relax, as well as walking trails along the water, flower gardens, fountains and even a few interesting statues to look at.
You can also see the Hikawa Maru, a historic ocean liner that’s now a floating museum.
If you get hungry (or just want to come in out of the heat), you will find an air-conditioned cafe with both indoor and outdoor seating.
6. Check Out Landmark Tower & Sky Garden
The Yokohama Landmark Tower is one of the tallest buildings in Japan.
If you are looking to head up the tower, the high-speed elevator takes just 40 seconds to reach the 69th floor.
Once at the top, the Sky Garden observation deck offers wide views of the city and even Mount Fuji on a clear day.
Inside the tower, you’ll also find shops, restaurants, and a luxury hotel, making it more than just a lookout spot.
For the best experience, we would recommend visiting around sunset. This is when you can catch both daylight views and the city lights as they come on.
7. Ride the Cosmo Clock 21 Ferris Wheel
Cosmo Clock 21 is one of Yokohama’s most famous landmarks.
When it opened in 1989, it was the world’s largest Ferris wheel and the biggest clock.
In fact, the lights that go around the 60 “spokes” of the wheel actually act like a second hand ticking on a clock!
A ride takes about 15 minutes and gives you awesome views of Minato Mirai and the bay. John and I absolutely loved our ride!
The cabins are air-conditioned, which made it super comfortable to ride during the day.
We had the perfect view of the Ferris wheel from our hotel balcony, and it was fun to watch it light up at night.
8. Discover the Yokohama Ramen Museum
The Yokohama Ramen Museum is an awesome and unique attraction, especially if you love all things ramen! And honestly, who doesn’t??
Inside, you’ll not only learn about the history of Ramen, but you will also find a recreated 1950s street lined with ramen shops from different regions of Japan.
It’s a great way to sample several types of ramen without leaving the city. In other words, come HUNGRY!
The Yokohama Ramen Museum also offers ramen-noodle making classes, as well as creating your own original Instant cup of ramen by combining unique noodles, ingredients, soup, containers, and lids.
9. Find the Colourful Yokohama Manhole Covers
Yokohama is one of many Japanese cities with decorated manhole covers.
Yokohama features at least six permanent, colourful Pokémon manhole covers (Poké Lids) in areas like Sakuragicho, Nippon Maru, Rinko Park, and Aka-Renga Park.
If you are not a Pokémon fan, you can also find traditional-style covers, such as one featuring the Waterworks Bureau mascot “Kabanodai-chan,” located in the Motomachi area, and another with the “Marinos-kun” mascot near Nissan Stadium.
While we didn’t purposely hunt for the manhole covers while in Yokohama, coming across them was always fun!
10. Ride The Yokohama Air Cabin
The Yokohama Air Cabin is an urban cable car that runs between Sakuragicho Station and the waterfront near the Red Brick Warehouse.
The ride takes only a few minutes, but it gives you a unique view of Minato Mirai, the Ferris wheel, and the harbour.
The cabins are enclosed, climate-controlled, and look pretty comfortable, so it’s a great attraction for all ages.
This was one of the few things on this list that we did not get around to trying due to time constraints.
I would imagine that riding in the Air Cabin would be especially nice in the evening when the city lights come on.
Other Things to Do in Yokohama if You Have More Time
If you are staying in Yokohama for more than a day or so, here are some additional attractions that you may want to add to your itinerary:
Where to Stay in Yokohama
If you choose to stay in Yokohama, there are options for every budget, from luxury waterfront hotels to simple, convenient stays.
Luxury
The Yokohama Bay Hotel Tokyu
During our trip to Yokohama, we chose to stay at the Yokohama Bay Hotel Tokyu.
This 5-star hotel is centrally located right in Minato Mirai, in the Queen’s Square Yokohama complex.
Many rooms, including the one we stayed in, have balconies with gorgeous views of the bay and the Ferris wheel.
The Yokohama Bay Hotel has several dining options, an indoor pool, a spa, a sauna, and modern amenities.
We also found the hotel easy to get to, with the train station located below the Queen’s Square Yokohama complex.
InterContinental Yokohama Grand
The InterContinental Yokohama Grand is a waterfront hotel in Minato Mirai, recognizable by its sail-shaped design.
Guests enjoy spacious rooms, multiple restaurants, a spa, and easy access to shopping, the Ferris wheel, and the Red Brick Warehouse.
Moderate
Hotel New Grand
Hotel New Grand sits right across from Yamashita Park with views of the bay and easy access to Chinatown.
Opened in 1927, it combines historic charm with modern comforts, offering elegant rooms and well-regarded restaurants.
Hyatt Regency Yokohama
The Hyatt Regency Yokohama is a modern hotel located near Yamashita Park and Chinatown, making it easy to reach top attractions on foot.
It offers spacious rooms, several dining options, and a touch of luxury at a more moderate price point.
Budget
APA Hotel & Resort Yokohama Bay Tower
APA Hotel & Resort Yokohama Bay Tower is a large, budget-friendly hotel near Yokohama Station and the waterfront.
It has compact rooms, multiple public baths, and plenty of dining options, making it a convenient base for exploring the city.
Mitsui Garden Hotel Yokohama Minatomirai Premier
Mitsui Garden Hotel Yokohama Minatomirai Premier sits in the heart of Minato Mirai, within walking distance of the waterfront and shopping centers.
Rooms are modern with great views, and guests can enjoy an indoor pool, spa, and easy access to nearby attractions.
How to Get to Yokohama
Getting to Yokohama from Tokyo is quick and simple. And you have several options available to you.
By Air
Yokohama doesn’t have its own airport, but it’s close to both Haneda and Narita.
Haneda is the closest, about 30 minutes away by train or bus.
Narita takes longer—around 90 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the service.
The good news is that airport buses run directly to Yokohama Station from both airports.
By Train
The train is the most popular way to reach Yokohama. This is how we arrived.
From Tokyo Station, you can take the JR Tokaido Line or the JR Yokosuka Line and arrive in about 25 minutes.
From Shibuya, the Tokyu Toyoko Line connects directly in 30 minutes.
The JR Keihin-Tohoku Line also runs frequently and is a good option for shorter trips from central Tokyo.
By Car
Driving to Yokohama is possible, but just keep in mind that traffic and parking can be tricky.
The city is about 30 kilometres from central Tokyo, and highways connect directly.
Once you arrive, parking garages are available around Minato Mirai and Chinatown.
Of course, if you plan to stay overnight, your best bet is to check if your hotel offers parking.
Getting Around Yokohama
While Yokohama is a big city, we found it pretty easy to get around to most places listed in our post on foot.
If you need to venture a little further out, we would recommend taking public transit.
By Train and Subway
The Minato Mirai Line connects major attractions like Minato Mirai, Chinatown, and Motomachi.
JR lines such as the Keihin-Tohoku Line and Negishi Line also run through the city, stopping at hubs like Yokohama, Sakuragicho, and Kannai Stations.
Trains are frequent and simple to use with an IC card like Suica or Pasmo.
By Bus
Local buses fill in the gaps where trains don’t reach.
The Akai Kutsu Loop Bus is especially handy for tourists, running a loop between sightseeing spots like Yamashita Park, Chinatown, and Landmark Tower.
On Foot
Many attractions in Minato Mirai are within walking distance of each other and many of the hotels.
The waterfront paths and pedestrian bridges make walking a great option, especially in the evening.
As I mentioned earlier, we spent a full day in Yokohama, and easily walked all over the city.
By Car or Taxi
Driving within Yokohama isn’t recommended unless you’re staying overnight, as parking can be expensive.
Taxis are available and convenient, but they are much pricier than public transport.
Helpful Tips for Visiting Yokohama
A few simple tips can help you make the most of your visit.
FAQs About Visiting Yokohama for a Day
Yes. Yokohama has a different feel from Tokyo. The waterfront, Chinatown, and mix of Japanese and international culture make it unique. It’s a good contrast to Tokyo’s busy downtown.
A full day is enough to see the highlights. If you want to enjoy nightlife, stay overnight. Many visitors combine Yokohama with Kamakura or Enoshima on a two-day trip.
In major attractions, hotels, and bigger restaurants, staff usually speak some English. Signs in public transport and tourist areas are also in English. In smaller local places, you will need a translation app.
Kiyoken shumai dumplings are a famous local specialty. You can also find Yokohama-themed sweets, Chinatown snacks, and items from the Red Brick Warehouse shops.
Yes. The JR Pass covers JR lines into and around Yokohama, including the Tokaido and Yokosuka lines from Tokyo. Local non-JR trains, like the Minato Mirai Line, are not covered.
Definitely. The Cup Noodles Museum, Cosmo World amusement park, and the Ferris wheel are kid-friendly. Families also enjoy Yamashita Park and the open waterfront.
The Minato Mirai area lights up beautifully at night with the Ferris wheel and skyline. There are also bars and izakaya near Yokohama Station and Noge, which has a retro pub scene.
Final Thoughts
Yokohama is easy to get to and has an interesting mix of things to see and do, which makes it a great day trip from Tokyo.
You can walk along the waterfront, try food in Chinatown, visit museums, or just take in the views.
If you stay overnight like we did, you’ll find good hotels and an awesome nightlife scene.
Our advice – Yokohama really should be added to your Japan itinerary.
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