Yokohama is a port city with a population of 3.7 million people and is a part of Tokyo agglomeration. This city is located in the center of the country, on Honshu island, southwest of the capital.
Most of the attractions are concentrated in the coastal area of Minato Mirai, around the seaport built on the site of a seaside village in the 19th century, when foreign ships were allowed to bring goods here.
Keep reading our visitor’s guide to the most popular tourist attractions in Yokohama. This information will be helpful for first time travelers looking for the best things to do and see in the Japanese city.
Yamashita Park
At the pier in Yamashita Park, the Hikawa Maru steamer is moored, which plied the expanses of the Pacific Ocean and the Atlantic in the 30-50s of the last century. The restored cruise ship has been turned into a museum and entertainment center.
The entrance fee is 600 ¥. There are chic retro restaurants and a hotel on board. From the upper deck of the ship you can enjoy the views of Yokohama Bay, crossed by a 700-meter cable-stayed bridge.
- Address: 279 Yamashitacho, Naka Ward, Yokohama, Kanagawa 231-0023, Japan
- Working hours: around the clock
- Entrance fee: free
Yokohama Port Museum
Another must-visit place in Yokohama is Port Museum. The museum’s primary attraction is the Nippon Maru, a beautifully preserved sailing ship moored next to the museum. Visitors can explore the ship’s deck and interior to learn about maritime life in the early 20th century.
You can join guided tours to get detailed insights into the ship’s history and functions. There are also exhibits explaining modern port operations, including container shipping, logistics, and the technology used in port management.
- Address: 2 Chome-1-1 Minatomirai, Nishi Ward, Yokohama, Kanagawa 220-0012, Japan
- Operating hours: Tue-Sun – 10 am – 5 pm, closed on Mon
- Buy ticket to visit Nippon Maru ship and museum
Visit Daikoku Parking Area (PA)
The Daikoku Car Club is a renowned car enthusiast destination located at the Daikoku Parking Area (PA) in Yokohama, Japan. This spot is famous among automotive aficionados and has gained international recognition for its vibrant car culture.
Car enthusiasts regularly gather, especially on weekends. These meets feature a wide variety of vehicles, from supercars and JDM (Japanese Domestic Market) classics to modified and custom cars. The parking area serves as a social hub for car lovers to showcase their vehicles, share modifications, and network with fellow enthusiasts.
You can see everything from vintage models to the latest high-performance sports cars, so make sure to include visiting this place in your Yokohama bucket list.
Visit Chinatown
Another must-visit place is Yokohama is Chinatown. This area is the same age as the city, it was founded 160 years ago by Chinese merchants who arrived here with goods. You’ll know that you’ve arrived to the place by traditional Chinese gates that lead to the colorful quarter.
There are hundreds of shops and small restaurants in this very popular tourist area. In the center, there is a gilded pagoda of the temple of a Chinese deity patronizing trade. Join guided tour to Chinatown and Cup Noodle Museum in Yokohama.
Cup Noodles Museum
The Cup Noodles Museum in Yokohama is an interactive and engaging museum dedicated to the history and innovation of instant noodles. Learn about Momofuku Ando, the inventor of instant noodles, and his journey of innovation.
Visitors can design their own packaging and select ingredients to create a custom Cup Noodles. This hands-on experience is one of the most popular attractions. Choose your soup flavor and four toppings from a variety of options. Your creation is then sealed and packaged for you to take home.
- Address: 2 Chome-3-4 Shinko, Naka Ward, Yokohama, Kanagawa 231-0001, Japan
- Working hours: Wed – Mon – 10.00 – 18.00 (last admission at 17.00), closed on Tuesdays
- Join guided tour to Cup Noodles Museum
Cosmo Clock 21
A huge 100-meter ferris wheel Cosmo Clock 21 is one of the popular tourists attraction in Yokohama. It was built in 1989 and held the title of the highest in the world for ten years.
There are 60 multi-colored booths that make a complete round in a quarter of an hour. At the foot of the wheel there are water slides and other attractions.
- Address: Japan, 〒231-0001 Kanagawa, Yokohama, Naka Ward, Shinko, 2 Chome−8−1 よこはまコスモワールド
- Operating hours: 11 am to 9 pm
- Ticket price: ¥700 per person
Landmark Tower Observation Deck
On the upper floors of the city’s skyscrapers, there are many viewing platforms from where you can enjoy the sights of the historic center of Yokohama with all its sights.
Take a look at the metropolis, for example, from the 300-meter height of the Yokohama Landmark Tower, a recognizable symbol of the city. It is a centerpiece of the Minato Mirai 21 district, offering a range of attractions and amenities.It houses shops, offices, restaurants and a five-star hotel.
The observation deck is located on the 69th floor. Offers panoramic 360-degree views of Yokohama, Tokyo Bay, and on clear days, Mount Fuji. It is one of the highest observation decks in Japan.
- Address: 2 Chome-2-1 Minatomirai, Nishi Ward, Yokohama, Kanagawa 220-0012, Japan
- Operating hours: daily, from 10 am to 9 pm.
- Buy entrance ticket to Landmark Tower
Sankeien Garden
Don’t forget to stroll through the traditional Japanese Sankeien Garden in Yokohama, which first opened its doors to the public in 1906. A large pond surrounded by walking paths, bridges, and small islands, creating a tranquil atmosphere.
On the territory of this garden there are 17 ancient buildings that are worth visiting. Several tea houses are scattered throughout the garden, offering visitors a taste of traditional Japanese culture.
Sankeien Garden is a photographer’s paradise, so bring a camera to capture the stunning landscapes and historical buildings.
- Address: 58-1 Honmokusannotani, Naka Ward, Yokohama, Kanagawa 231-0824, Japan
- Opening hours: 9 am – 5 pm, daily
- Buy entrance ticket to Sankeien Garden
Hakkeijima Sea Paradise
Hakkeijima Sea Paradise is a popular marine-themed amusement park and aquarium complex located in Yokohama. This place is a must-visit for anyone arriving to this city. You can find there a large aquarium featuring a diverse range of marine life, including sharks, dolphins, penguins, and tropical fish. The highlight is the giant tank where you can watch marine creatures up close.
Walk through an immersive tunnel aquarium where visitors can walk through a glass tunnel surrounded by dolphins swimming overhead. Moreover, you can see the show, touch dolphins and feed sea lions.
Go ahead to the amusement park and try one of the tallest free-fall rides in Japan or enjoy the ride on surf coaster – a roller coaster that extends out over the sea. Check the show schedules and plan your day to make the most of the marine shows and attractions. Arrive early to avoid crowds, especially on weekends and holidays.
- Address: Hakkeijima, Kanazawa Ward, Yokohama, Kanagawa 236-0006, Japan
- Operating hours: 10.00 – 17.30, daily
- Buy tickets to Hakkeijima Sea Paradise
Zoorasia
Zoorasia, officially known as Yokohama Zoological Gardens Zoorasia, is one of Japan’s largest and most innovative zoos which emphasizes naturalistic habitats and conservation. The zoo is divided into 7 zones, here you will find a variety of animals, including red pandas and Indian elephants. Zoorasia is very popular tourist attraction, it’s quite large and is an hour’s drive from downtown Yokohama.
- Address: 1175-1 Kamishiranecho, Asahi Ward, Yokohama, Kanagawa 241-0001, Japan
- Working hours: Wed – Mon – 09.30 – 16.30, closed on Tue
Best Time to Visit
Like other parts of Japan, there are two high seasons in Yokohama City – spring and autumn. Cherry blossoms and autumn leaf fall attract many tourists here. In spring, from late March – early April it’s a perfect time to see how the city transforms when the cherry blossoms bloom.
In May, Yokohama hosts an international costume parade. This event has been celebrated every year for about fifty years.
If you’re planning to visit Yokohama in August, then you simply must visit the Kanagawa Shimbun fireworks festival. This is one of the biggest festivals in Japan, and it’s also a great opportunity to see many locals in traditional attire.
In October, Chinatown in Yokohama hosts two festivals at once, which are accompanied by colorful dances. If your goal is to explore the city itself, then come during the low season, when hotel prices are more affordable and there are not so many people.
