Yokohama is the second biggest city in Japan by population after Tokyo. Its proximity to the capital attracts many tourists, and one of the most visited spots is Yokohama Bay. Here are 7 things you can do around this beautiful area.
1. Enjoy the nightscape
Yokohama has some of the most beautiful nightscapes in Japan. The Cosmo World Ferris Wheel together with the Pacifico Yokohama Convention Center and the Yokohama Landmark Tower make a magnificent sight at night. The place from where you can enjoy the best views is Osanbashi Pier, an interesting passenger ferry terminal. The terminal itself is attractive because of its special modern architecture.
Information
- Name: Osanbashi Pier
- Access: a 10 minute walk from Nihon Odori Station
2. Have fun at Cosmo World
Cosmo World is an amusement park in Yokohama Bay. The famous giant Cosmo Clock 21 Ferris wheel that can be seen from anywhere in the bay is part of it. It is divided into three sections, each section being destined for a certain age range: the “Kids Carnival Zone”, for little children, the “Burano Street Zone”, for older kids and “Wonder Amuse Zone”, for adults. The highlight of the park is a roller coaster called “Vanish” that looks like it’s going underwater followed by a splash.
Information
- Price: different prices, depending on the attraction
- Access: a 10 minute walk from Minatomirai Station
- Opening hour: 11:00
- Closing hour: 21:00
- Holiday: irregular days
- Website (Japanese): http://cosmoworld.jp/
3. Eat at the Ramen Museum
The Ramen Museum teaches visitors about the history of ramen noodles. A variety of ramen dishes and topping are on display in the first floor gallery. The other two floors consist of a replica of Shitamachi, an old Tokyo restaurant neighborhood where ramen noodles gained popularity. Each store serves a different kind of ramen, from various regions of Japan.
Information
- Price: 300 yen
- Access: a 10 minute walk from Shin Yokohama Station
- Opening hour: 11:00
- Closing hour: 22:00
- Holiday: irregular days
- Website (English): http://www.raumen.co.jp/english/
4. Visit Chinatown
Yokohama’s Chinatown is the largest one on the whole continent. It features more than 250 Chinese stores and restaurants, with various products and dishes. Visitors can also see Kanteibyo, a Chinese temple in the middle of the district, dedicated to the God of prosperity. All the colorful lightened lamps make a special atmosphere at night, making Chinatown the perfect place for a walk after dinner.
Information
- Access: outside Motomachi Chukagai Station
5. Go on a cruise
Many cruising companies offer meals on water, combined with excellent views of the bay. The cruises last from 30 minutes to a few hours, with boarding at different times of the day. The courses differ depending on the company you book with. Prices start from 600 yen.
Information
- Name: Sea Bass cruise company
- English pamphlet: https://www.yokohama-cruising.jp/html/pdf/pamphlet_english.pdf
6. Shop in Minato Mirai
Minato Mirai offers many shopping opportunities: Landmark Plaza, World Porters, The Red Brick Warehouse, Queen’s Square, etc. A large variety of shops can be found in these buildings, with restaurants, fashion shops, souvenir stores, cinemas, game centers, supermarkets and much more.
Information
- Access: Minato Mirai Station
7. Stroll Sankei-en Garden
Sankei-en is a large Japanese-style garden with ponds, streams, traditional structures and never-ending alleys. The garden is more than 100 years old and is the perfect place for an afternoon walk. Many buildings inside are regarded as important cultural assets of Yokohama. One of the main attractions of the garden are several lotus flowers that bloom from July to August.
Information
- Price: 500 yen
- Access: a 30 minute walk from Negishi Station.
- Opening hour: 09:00
- Closing hour: 17:00
- Holiday: December 29 to 31
- Website (English): http://www.sankeien.or.jp/en-about/index.html
Have a good trip and travel!
