Yokohama is a city which is very close to Tokyo, but it’s to get overlooked by many tourists. We visited Yokohama on the day of our arrival in Japan. This city is not one of the most beautiful in Japan for us, but you can spend pleasant time here.

Yokohama is a port city, which offers both a foreign atmosphere and typical Japanese scenic views. In the Minato Mirai district, you can enjoy an atmosphere that combines the red brick warehouses of the old port with the cosmopolitan cityscape of futuristic buildings standing against a backdrop of a Ferris wheel and the bridge spanning the harbor. Yokohama is served by four railway companies (Japan Railways, Tokyu Railways, Keikyu Railways and Sagami Railways, better known as Sotetsu), two municipal subway lines and a bus network that is operated partly by the city and partly by private bus companies. The city has two major railway stations: Yokohama Station and Shin-Yokohama Station (“New Yokohama Station”). Train lines of all four railway companies and the subway line pass through Yokohama Station, which is located in the city center. Shin-Yokohama Station is located outside of the city center, about ten minutes from Yokohama Station by the JR Yokohama Line or the municipal subway. The shinkansen (bullet trains) stop at Shin-Yokohama Station. Most parts of central Yokohama can be explored on foot.

How to get to Yokohama from Tokyo Haneda airport?

Yokohama is around 30 minutes by train or limousine bus from Tokyo Haneda airport. One-way fare for the train is 480 yen (4 eur) and for limousine bus 580 yen (4,50 eur).

We’ve decided to take the train – Keikyu Line limited express and get off at Yokohama Station. You have to buy tickets in machine at the airport and don’t forget you need cash. You will find ATM very easy at the airport. If you are buying a train ticket for the first time in Japan, it may be a bit complicated. However, you will meet the staff, who will be happy to advise you in English:-)

What to see in Yokohama in one day?

When we’ve visited Yokohama, the weather was not very nice. Despite the rain, we’ve started discover the city with the umbrella in our hand.

Big city with a nice port and spectacular flowers. When the cherry blossoms are almost gone, the next stage of spring for Yokohama are tulips, pansies, gladiolas, and various other flowers.

Straight across from the Yokohama Marine tower lies the first seaside park ever constructed in Japan – Yamashita Park. The park opened in 1930 and remains popular for seaside strolls and relaxing afternoons with a spectacular ocean view.

Hotel New Grand celebrated its 90th anniversary in 2017 and is one of the oldest hotels in Yokohama. It is also home a Japanese original culinary innovation, the Spaghetti Napolitan, as well as Japan’s first seafood gratin.

Chinatown is Japan’s largest Chinatown located in central Yokohama. Yokohama Chinatown quickly developed, after the port of Yokohama had been one of the first Japanese ports to be opened to foreign trade in 1859. It became the residence of the many Chinese traders who settled down in the city. Today, there are more businesses than actual residents living in the area. The main attraction of the Yokohama Chinatown, however, is the cuisine.

Yokohama Landmark Tower Sky Garden. The highest observation deck in Yokohama can be reached via the country’s fastest elevator which whisks you up to the 69th floor in just under 40 seconds. Once you’ve arrived, enjoy the 360-degree panoramic view of the city, extending all the way to Tokyo and even Mt. Fuji on a clear day. Open times: 10:00am-9:00pm, Adult: 1 000 yen (8 eur)

Our tips in Yokohama

Stay in Hotel Vista Premio Yokohama Minato-Mirai. New, clean hotel with a very good location – 2.7 km from Yokohama Marine Tower, Minato mirai Station is a 9-minute stroll, Yokohama Station is a 15-minutes on foot, Shin-Takashima Station is a 7-minute walk.

For a taste of old Yokohama, visit Kadohei. You will eat delights with tsuke-ten (tempura in soup) and cold soba lunch combos.

Do you have any questions? Don’t hesitate to contact us for more informations or itinerary of your travel.