10 Best Things to Do in Yokohama

The passenger ship terminal of Ōsanbashi Pier is where cruise ships from Japan and overseas come and go in Yokohama. Its rooftop is popular as a scenic spot that commands a panoramic view of the Yokohama Port area, including the Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse and Yamashita Park.

The terminal's ground floor serves as a parking lot, while the first floor is used for immigration control facilities such as customs. There's a large pillar-free open space with a waiting area, cafe, and a shop. This open space, which has a rooftop covered with natural grass, is typically packed with people. Outdoor events occasionally take place here as well.

Kishamichi Promenade is about 500 meters long, stretching across the port of Yokohama. It was made by remodeling an old train track that was originally used for freight transportation after the port’s completion in 1911. You can get off the train at JR Sakuragicho Station and walk along the promenade, which leads to the Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse in the Shinko area.

The old railway track still runs along the sidewalk, giving a sense of times gone by, while the promenade crosses over 3 historic truss bridges. Sit on a bench and enjoy the scenery around you. Kishamichi Promenade is also a popular spot for enjoying views of Minato Mirai's light shows. Visit during Japan's cherry blossom season to appreciate the blooming cherry trees along the promenade.

Yokohama Chinatown grew after the opening of the Port of Yokohama in 1859, when many traders migrated from China and settled in the city. However, due to the Sino-Japanese War in the Meiji era, the early Chinese settlers left the area, and it eventually transformed into a town of cuisine featuring restaurants operated by Cantonese people.

Today, as many as 250 Chinese restaurants can be found here, with the location famous nationwide as a foodie destination that's unique to Yokohama. Of these restaurants, many have continued to operate for more than half a century. As well enjoying the food, you can admire the beautiful Chinese-style gates in the area.

Nippon Maru was called the "Swan on the Pacific Ocean" for its graceful appearance. Since its completion in 1930, this training ship has carried more than 10,000 cadets for around 50 years. It has been designated as a nationally important cultural asset. For small fee, you can tour the inside of the ship, which has cadets' rooms furnished with bunk beds, the captain's office, and the officers’ saloon where officers used to have their meals and meetings.

The "Marine Class," which lets you experience life on a ship, needs to be booked in advance. Nippon Maru regularly puts on a full-sail exhibit, which sees the ship fully decked in 29 sails. At the same time, why not visit Yokohama Port Museum, located in front of Nippon Maru?

CupNoodles Museum Yokohama displays the creativity of Momofuku Ando, inventor of the world-renowned Chicken Ramen and CUPNOODLES. You can get involved with the process of making noodles, including kneading and seasoning wheat flour. There is also the option of choosing your favorite soup and ingredients to create your very own original CUPNOODLES.

If you’d like to do something a bit more active, head to the factory-style obstacle course, where you go through the entire manufacturing process. CupNoodles Museum Yokohama also has a movie theater and exhibitions on the life story of Momofuku Ando. On the 4th floor, you’ll find food stalls selling noodles and desserts from all over the world.

Soji-ji Temple is a striking Zen Buddhist landmark founded in 1321. This Yokohama attraction features a large-scale complex that includes sprawling gardens and 7 fascinating structures. Once a primary temple for the Soto Sect, a major branch of Japanese Buddhism, it continues to hold a special significance for the religion’s followers.

Soji-ji Temple offers guided tours in English, so you can learn all there is to know about this stunning destination. During your visit, there's a good chance you’ll come across the monks who live within the temple ground.

Motomachi Shopping Street is at the cutting-edge of fashion culture in Yokohama. Spanning around 1 km towards JR Ishikawacho Station, this street is full of designer boutiques selling shoes, clothes, and accessories. Popular brands include Kitamura, a renowned handbag shop originating in Motomachi, and the flagship store of Mihama, a famous shoe shop.

Motomachi Shopping Street is full of people from Yokohama and beyond, especially during events such as the Charming Sale (February and September), the September food fair and Halloween events, as well as during the Christmas celebrations. The streets even have water fountains for pets, making it a popular destination among dog owners.

Sankeien Garden is a beautiful Japanese garden with historic buildings relocated from various places such as Kamakura and Kyoto. Sankei Hara, a local businessman, opened this park to the public in 1906. Enjoy a stroll around the garden and admire beautiful flowers in each season, including plum blossoms, cherry blossoms, irises, and lotus flowers.

You can see 10 historic sites designated as Japan's Tangible Important Cultural Properties, including Juto Oido of Old Tenzuiji, the Three-Story Pagoda of Old Tomyoji, and the Former Yanohara House, a traditional thatched Japanese house built in the late Edo period. Take a moment to rest your legs and savor local snacks, like rice dumplings, at Sankeien Garden's teahouse.

Yokohama Cosmo World is a 3D amusement park in Minato Mirai 21. Its standout attraction is Cosmo Clock 21, one of the world's largest clock-style Ferris wheel. Standing 112.5 meters tall, you can enjoy a panoramic view of Yokohama during a ride that lasts about 15 minutes. 4 of the 60 gondolas have transparent walls and floors that make you feel like you’re floating in mid-air.

A must-see at Yokohama Cosmo World is Cosmo Clock 21's impressive illuminations, which are on display from sunset until around midnight. Visit the Wonder Amuse Zone for a variety of scream-inducing attractions, such as the Vanish diving rollercoaster and the Cliff Drop waterslide. Burano Street Zone offers hands-on attractions, while Kids Carnival Zone has rides for small children.

The Yokohama Museum of Art in Minato Mirai 21 displays modern masterpieces by Japanese and international artists. Opened in 1989, the museum's building is something of a landmark, thanks to its symmetrical stonework exterior designed by international architect Kenzo Tange. When you first enter the building, you'll come to the Grand Gallery, which has a 20-meter-high atrium. Take the escalator up to the next floor to find 7 galleries displaying the museum's collection of around 12,000 pieces.

The Art Information and Media Center has reference materials on art, including over 110,000 books available for free. The Children’s Workshop and the Citizens’ Workshop are popular sections where you can learn about art through hands-on and creative activities. There is also a cool museum shop and cafe attached to the Yokohama Museum of Art.