Yokohama is where old and new Japan meet, where cutting-edge architecture stands alongside the historical ports that opened Japan to the world. Just 25 minutes from Tokyo by train, this former fishing village is today the country’s second most populous city, whilst retaining its maritime character.
I used Yokohama as a stopover between Tokyo and Hakone on my third trip to Japan. I arrived by 10 am, dropped my bag at the hotel and had a full day to explore. This is my tried-and-tested 1-day Yokohama itinerary.
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My One-Day Yokohama Itinerary (+ Walking Map)
All of Yokohama’s main attractions are within a 15-minute walk of each other along the waterfront, so you won’t need public transport. Here’s the route I’d suggest, a self-guided walking tour of roughly two miles:
- Minato Mirai
- Cupnoodles Museum
- Red Brick Warehouse
- Yamashita Rinko Line Promenade
- Hiwaka Maru
- Yamashita Park
- Yokohama Chinatown + Kuan Ti Miao Temple
Click here for step-by-step directions you can send to your phone.
MORNING: WATERFRONT WONDERS
Minato Mirai
Start your day in Minato Mirai, a forest of futuristic skyscrapers, whose name means “harbour of the future”. Development in the 1980s transformed this former shipyard into a new city centre, and its Landmark Tower was Japan’s tallest building from 1993 until 2014.
At over 112 metres tall, the Cosmo Clock 21 is one of the world’s tallest Ferris wheels. Each rotation takes 15 minutes, and on a clear day, you can see all the way to Mount Fuji across Tokyo Bay.
Cupnoodles Museum
This is one of the more unusual museums I’ve been to, but it’s worth an hour of your time.
There’s an engrossing 14-minute film presentation on Momofuku Ando, the inventor of instant noodles (the man was relentless). Beyond that, it’s mainly global Cup Noodle packaging, but it’s oddly compelling.
You can pay extra to create your own custom cup noodles, though there was a 90-minute wait when I visited. Book ahead via the museum website — same-day online tickets aren’t available.
Red Brick Warehouse
A short walk along the waterfront brings you to the former Customs Inspection House, a pair of Victorian brick warehouses now used as a cultural venue, with shops and restaurants inside. It’s a good spot for lunch before the afternoon stretch.
When I visited in February, the Red Brick Warehouse was hosting the Yokohama Strawberry Festival, complete with people gingerly clinging onto the sides of an ice skating rink.
AFTERNOON: ALONG THE WATERFRONT
Hiwaka Maru
This was my favourite thing in Yokohama, full stop.
The Hiwaka Maru is a 1930s ocean liner — the so-called “Swan of the Pacific” — that served as a hospital ship during the Second World War before being refitted as a passenger ship until 1960. She’s now permanently moored at Yamashita Park and open to visitors.
The Art Deco interiors have been lovingly restored. Walking through the public areas and staterooms is like stepping into the golden age of ocean travel.
Charlie Chaplin sailed on her in 1932 on his round-the-world tour, staying in one of the first-class suites, and insisted on having his tempura cooked at the table, just as he’d experienced in Tokyo.
Yamashita Park
Right next to the ship, Yamashita Park is Yokohama’s waterfront green space.
Look out for the Guardian of Water statue, a gift from Yokohama’s sister city, San Diego, sculpted by Donal Hord. And step inside the Indian Water Tower near the park entrance; the ceiling mosaic is worth a look.
EVENING: YOKOHAMA CHINATOWN
Yokohama Chinatown is the largest in Japan and really comes into its own after dark, when the lanterns are lit, and the streets fill up. Over 250 restaurants and shops line the main drag, with Chinese regional cuisines well represented.
Don’t leave without visiting Kuan Ti Miao (also called Kanteibyo), a temple dedicated to Guan Yu, the Chinese god of war, loyalty and prosperity. The architecture is traditional Chinese in style, rarely seen in Japan, and it’s guarded by imposing stone lions.
Getting There
Yokohama is an easy journey from Tokyo. The JR Tokaido Line from Tokyo Station gets you there in 25 minutes and is covered by the Japan Rail Pass.
Multiple lines connect the two cities though, so your best route depends on where you’re staying in Tokyo. Use Google Maps to plot it, or check this guide for a full breakdown.
Where to Stay
I stayed at Hotel New Grand, and it was an excellent choice, right on Yamashita Park with bay views from my room and lavish public spaces.
If the price point doesn’t suit, the InterContinental Yokohama Grand also has great bay views, and the Richmond Hotel Yokohama-Bashamichi near Chinatown is a solid mid-range option with free coffee and laundry facilities.
Ready for your day in Yokohama?
I’m glad I finally made it here. It’s not a must-see on your first trip to Japan, but it complements rather than replicates what you’ll find in Tokyo, and that coastal character is hard not to like.
About Bridget
Bridget Coleman has been a passionate traveller for more than 30 years. She has visited 70+ countries, most as a solo traveller.
Articles on this site reflect her first-hand experiences.
To get in touch, email her at hello@theflashpacker.net or follow her on social media.