The 10 Best Things to Do in Yokohama, Japan

Japan is always a great idea. Such vibrant culture, stunning landscapes and impressive historical sites. One of the areas you should definitely visit is Yokohama. It’s an easy day trip from Tokyo and you can see it in one day.

It’s Japan’s second largest city, so there are a bunch of things to do in Yokohama. These will open you up to the local traditions, scenery, food and entertainment.

There’s something to be enjoyed by everyone. So here’s a list of the best experiences and places that you should include in your yokohama sightseeing.

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1. Discover Yokohama Minato Mirai

Yokohama’s foremost hub for commerce, shopping and the leisure industry is the Minato Mirai. Located alongside Tokyo Bay, the place includes loads of exciting Yokohama sights and activities that are hard to miss.

Hundreds of shops, restaurants, hotels and popular tourist attractions like the Yokohama Museum and the Yokohama Landmark Tower are absolute must-sees. Take the time to check out the Yokohama Cosmo World too. It’s a theme park filled with adventurous rides.

2. Relax in Sankeien Garden

Next on any what to do in Yokohama list for those appreciative of Japanese landscaping is to visit the Sankeien Garden.

The space also features 17 historical buildings. It’s a nice place to observe and relax after hitting Minato Mirai shops.

The sizable garden spanning 175,000 square metres of property filled with eye-catching brooks, ponds, meandering pathways and gorgeous landscaping, which the Japanese are known for.

3. Shop in the Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse

Back in the day, the Red Brick House was originally a customs house for all shipping-related activities in the Yokohama harbour area. The late 80s saw it close shop and underwent a series of renovations.

It was opened to the public once more as a facility for commercial and cultural pursuits in the early 2000s.

Now, it’s composed of two buildings with one serving as a performance hall/event venue with some bespoke shops in between while the other functioned as a platform for restaurants and more stores. The place also offers amazing bay views at night.

4. Paint the town red in Noge

Take a step back in time and take in the old-fashioned feel of the Noge neighbourhood, located in the middle of Kannai and Minato Mirai.

The quaint surroundings epitomised by traditional sake bars, jazz clubs and izakayas are not only a sight to see, but a good chance to experience craft beers and artisanal sake creations.

This is purely a dining and drinking town, so enjoy the grub and the beverages with the locals, throw your cares away for one night or two.

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5. Slurp down noodles the ways locals do in the Shin-Yokohama Raumen Museum

Your Yokohama sightseeing journey is not complete without a trip to the Shin-Yokohama Raumen Museum, particularly if you’re crazy for authentic ramen.

This museum houses several exceptional ramen shops where guests can indulge in bowl upon bowl of the good noodle stuff. The place was also designed to resemble a scene straight out of a 50s Japanese neighbourhood with ramen shops.

6. Gulp down beers at the Kirin Beer Factory

Wondering what to do in yokohama as a beer enthusiast? The Kirin Yokohama Beer Village will take you to a splendid guided tour in the brewery free of charge.

While the language used is strictly Nihongo, you’ll be provided with a free handout in the English language. Finish the tour and get to chug down three generous glasses of free Kirin tipple with an accompanying snack.

7. Cruise the Harbour

Being in a harbour town near Tokyo, you might want a change in perspective and see Yokohama from the sea? Good thing there are local bay cruises taking you on a journey around Yokohama and you can get included lunch as well.

This Enjoy the panoramic views from the comfort of your bay cruise ship and be sheltered from wind and potential rain on not so sunny days from inside. Along the way you get to gaze at Yokohama attractions like Bay Bridge, Minatomirai, and Landmark Tower. Reserve your spot here.

8. Eat, shop and stroll in Chinatown

Yokohama’s Chinatown is one of the biggest in the world. The permanence of this area reveals the centuries-old relationship the Chinese has forged with Japan.

Just like any Chinatown, you get to enjoy Chinese fare like the manju (steamed buns), the baozi (meat buns) and of course, the mooncake. It also brims with loads of shops and stalls selling a plethora of wares that you can bring home as souvenirs.

Those are my neat suggestions on things to do in Yokohama, Japan. What about you? Have you ever taken a Yokohama trip before? Do you have any new suggestions that readers can include in their itinerary? Let’s have a chat in the comments below.

9. See what’s happening at the Yokohama Stadium

The Yokohama Stadium is the home of local baseball heroes the DeNA Baystars. There are plans to add more seating in the stadium to the delight of locals and foreigners who love the sport. The stadium is the Japanese’ testimony of their fondness for this particular Western game.

10. Get Local Insights

It’s all nice and well to hit up the main places to visit in Yokohama but you also need an expert to really get a sense of the historical and cultural significance of each. I recommend going on a private local tour.

This way you can ask all the questions you want, you can adjust your Yokohama sightseeing schedule and get first hand tips and tricks for navigating the city of Yokohama.

I’ve found a tour that takes around 6 hours and you can book your spot instantly online and only need to show your reservation on your phone. No need to print your ticket. Have your private guide organised here.

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