Sitting on the southern edge of the main Japanese island of Honshu, Yokohama is a port in the greater Tokyo area and a well-known commercial hub. Although mainly a center for business, Yokohama is a city of bright lights and numerous attractions including the largest Chinatown in Japan, parks, good shopping and some excellent places to eat out.
Much of the tourist action in Yokohama lies in and around the extensive waterfront in Kannai. There are three great places to catch views of the city and the bay. Sky Walk is a viewing platform adjacent to the Bay Bridge that looks out over the harbor, while the higher still Landmark Tower boasts an observation deck on the 69th floor and a cocktail bar on the next floor up from which to enjoy the cityscape. Marine Tower, currently the largest lighthouse in the world, will reopen to visitors in 2009.
Once you’ve had a good look at the bay, head to Chinatown, one of the busiest areas of its kind outside of China itself, for some good food. Yokohama is a city with a number of interesting culinary choices and there is even a Curry Museum with opportunities to taste the exhibits. For an equally off-the-wall dining experience, head to Shinyokohama Ramen Museum with its extremely detailed recreation of 1950s Tokyo with its numerous noodle restaurants incorporated into the exhibition.
Highlights
Yamate: the well-known foreigners’ area with well-preserved buildings and a pleasant, laid-back feel.
Sky Walk: great views of the city and the bay area, especially at night when the city is illuminated.
Chinatown: lots of neon lights, good food and shopping in the largest Chinatown in Japan.
Yokohama Cosmo World: a small theme park in the downtown bay area with a Ferris wheel that is also the world’s biggest clock.
Shinyokohama Ramen Museum: a bowl of tasty noodles 1950s Tokyo style is just one of the joys that await you at this off-the-wall museum.
Landmark Tower: appropriately named, Japan’s tallest building is the spot to sip at overpriced cocktails on the 70th floor.