Our Favorite Things to do in Yokohama
By Lauren Page | July 2022
Yokohama sits to the south of Tokyo, in the bay area, and boasts an impressive 3.8 million population, making it the second largest city in Japan by population. Due to its cultural and historical significance, there are plenty of things to do in the city depending on your preferences and interests. Are you a history geek, an anime fan, or a cultural site lover? Perhaps just a family looking for something to do on a rainy day? Yokohama has something for everyone. Here, we go through an extensive, but by no means complete list of things to do in Yokohama.
This article is a part of our series of articles on learning Japanese through online Japanese lessons at Japan Switch.
Stop wasting time.
Download your free copy of 29 TIPS + TRICKS TO HACK THE JLPT today and start preparing for the JLPT the right way!
Getting to and Around Yokohama
If you’re not one of the lucky 3.8million who already live in the city, then you’re going to need to find your way to Yokohama. Thankfully, due to the size and proximity to Tokyo, it’s incredibly versatile and easy to make your way to the city.
From Outside Kanto
If you are traveling from outside the Kanto area, there are two main ways to get to Yokohama. The first is by Shinkansen. The rapid bullet train to Tokyo Station or Shinagawa Station will offer the easiest routes for changing to the local lines into Yokohama. You can take the Keikyu Line from Shinagawa or the JR Tokaido Main Line from Tokyo Station to transfer from the Shinkansen to the local lines.
The second way to get to Yokohama is by flying. Flying into Tokyo will offer you a fast and comfortable way if you live a little too far for the Shinkansen. The closest airport would be Haneda Airport, less than 20km away and easy to access Yokohama by train or shuttle bus directly from the airport. From either Terminal 1 or Terminal 2, you can board the Keikyu Line Express train to Zushi Hayama and get off in Yokohama.
From Inside Kanto
Yokohama is a major travel hub with multiple train lines going in and out for convenience. It is easily accessible from Tokyo and Kanagawa and the surrounding areas. The most popular way to get to Yokohama from Tokyo or the surrounding prefectures would be using a JR train. The station serves the lines;
- Yokohama Line
- Keihin-Tohoku Line
- Yokosuka Line
- Shonan-Shinjuku Line
- Tokaido Main Line
- Yokohama subway
- Tokyu Line
- Keikyu Line
- Sosetsu Line
- Minato Mirai Line
This makes it very easy to access from anywhere in Tokyo or Kanagawa. From Kanagawa you can also take a bus easily. The most popular trains being the JR lines and the Keikyu line.
Getting Around Yokohama
Yokohama is very easy to access the major attractions on foot as most things are close to the main station. However, for those slightly further afield, or for those visiting on a rainy day, there is an extensive range of buses and train stations to help you see the previous section for line details. We also recommend keeping a maps app handy for ease of travel. Yokohama also offers two more unique forms of transport; boat tours and The Yokohama Air Cabin Ropeway, which connects two major areas of the city together, the Minato Mirai area and the Sakuragicho area. This offers a very photographic birds eye view, especially during sunset for that perfect instagrammable moment.
Things to do in Yokohama for Families
Whether you’re looking for something to entertain a small child, a big child or a parental child, there is something for everyone when it comes to things to do in Yokohama. Even on rainy days it is easy to entertain the whole family and with most attractions sitting within one or two major areas of Yokohama, it’s easily accessible. If you wanted more green areas, however, you may have to go slightly further afield to really tire everyone out from running around.
ASOBUILD
Directly out of the main Yokohama Station’s South East Exit you can find Asobuild! A unique multi-storey building with things to do for everyone. The basement floor is a bar for adults, serving alcohol and fun entertainment. The first floor is full of restaurants serving up some fantastic food from Yokohama’s best restaurants. The second floor offers different experiences based on multiple brands and technologies. Here the attractions will change every so often to allow space for new activities and up and coming brands. The third floor offers a crafting space where you can try different arts and crafts activities as a family. The fourth floor is a dedicated Children’s playground space designed to stimulate curiosity in children. The fifth and final floor offers sports courts for futsal and basketball. This building has so much to offer and it is a fantastic place to spend a rainy day due to its proximity to the station and the wealth of things to do.
|
Area |
Yokohama Central |
|
Station |
Yokohama |
|
Price |
Free to enter the building but certain activities or floors require a paid ticket, paid either online or on the day. Please check the official website for details. |
|
Opening Hours |
11am - 8pm (some attractions open later) |
|
Address |
ASOBUILD, 2-14-9, Takashima, Nishi-ku Yokohama |
- Affordable Japanese Lessons
- Monthly Contracts
- No Entrance Fees
- No Hidden Fees
- 200+ Students
- Online or Offline Lessons
Anpanman Museum
Another fantastic option for the children and around a 10 minute walk from Yokohama Station’s west exit is the Anpanman Museum! The popular character can be seen all over Japan from TV and books to snacks and toys. Here you can experience the world of Anpanman through hands-on exhibits and even meet the character himself! There are live shows throughout the day to keep your little one entertained. The first floor is entirely full of shops and food stalls selling themed items and is admission free. The museum has a small admission fee of 2200yen per person, children included. This is a great way to spend a rainy day as everything is inside and there is so much to see, you’re sure to whittle away for a few hours.
|
Area |
Minato Mirai / Sakuragicho |
|
Station |
Yokohama - 10 min walk Shin-Takashima - 3 min walk |
|
Price |
Free to enter the building and shop. Museum; 2,200yen per person |
|
Opening Hours |
10am - 5pm (restaurants open until 6pm) |
|
Address |
6-2-9, Minato Mirai, Nishi-ku, Yokohama, 220-0012 |
Sea Paradise
Sea paradise is a fantastic way to spend a day, or even two! The island located in the bay offers a wide variety of attractions from a four part aquarium attraction to an amusement park complete with rides and shops and even a hotel on site to stay at! This really is a family friendly paradise getaway, perfect for a spring or summer day.
Of the four aquariums you are able to visit you can enjoy fishing, a dolphin and whale show and even holding hands with an otter! On Umi Farm you can catch your own dinner and have it freshly served in the Umi Restaurant. This is a great opportunity to also learn about the bay’s natural habitats and the different kinds of fish that live there, including jelly fish that change with the seasons. The Aqua museum boasts one of the largest aquariums in Japan with over 120,000 different species of fish! Be aware, you may need to reserve your time on the web! It is a popular attraction. Fureal Lagoon is the place to go to interact directly with sea creatures! Pet a dolphin or a whale here! Finally there is Dolphin Fantasy, where you can walk through an underwater tunnel and watch dolphins swim around overhead.
|
Area |
Southern Yokohama |
|
Station |
Hakkeijima (seaside line) |
|
Price |
Free to enter the park, each attraction requires its own ticket or purchase day passes online. One day passes available online from 1200yen - 5,600yen |
|
Opening Hours |
Island is open from 8:30am - 9:30pm, most attractions opening from 10am - 5pm |
|
Address |
Hakkeijima, Kanazawa-ku, Yokohama, 236-0006 |
Kodomo no Kuni
Also known as children park, Kodomo no Kuni was built to commemorate the marriage of Prince Akihito and Princess Michiko in 1959. It was opened officially on May 5th, children's day in 1965. The park is a beautiful green space within Yokohama, though slightly further south than the main station, it is easily accessible from the Kodomonokuni station. The park offers lots of space to run around in, some cafes and restaurants as well as a barbecue area. There is a mini steam train and some arts and crafts events taking place during the day. An easy stroll through the park of 250 acres will surely tire out your children and allow them to sleep soundly at night. There is also a small kids farm that allows children to interact with the small animals such as rabbits, lambs and baby goats. This is a perfect day out on a sunny day.
|
Area |
Northern Yokohama |
|
Station |
Kodomonokuni Station |
|
Price |
Adults 600yen Elementary/junior high students; 200 yen Children 3-5; 100yen Under 2; free |
|
Opening Hours |
9:30am - 4:30pm. Closed Wednesdays. |
|
Address |
700, Nara-cho, Aoba-ku Yokohama, 227-0036 |
Sankeien Gardens
The Sankeien Gardens are a beautiful place to stroll around on a sunny or overcast day. The gardens are home to many historical houses that are recognised as culturally significant by the Japanese Government. The buildings were often transported to the park from all over Japan. The park is full of historical bridges, streams and plant life, also. You can stroll through the bamboo groves and around various ponds with fish in them that you can feed. During cherry blossom season, in late March to early April, the park is filled with pink cherry blossom trees enhancing the beauty of the park. Autumn is also beautiful with the changing of the leaves and the park being painted in red and gold to compliment the old style buildings. Whilst the garden is a generally quiet place, with over 175,000 square meters it’s a great place for the children to tire themselves out and learn about the interesting historical architecture of Japan.
Pro Tip; If you want to bring a picnic with you to these gardens, the best spots are around the main pond and the plum grove in the outer garden. Picnicking in the inner garden is prohibited so please check your maps before you take out your bentos! There are also no trashcans, so make sure to bring an extra bag for trash!
|
Area |
Motomachi |
|
Station |
Bus route only; Take bus no.8 from Yokohama Station and get off at Honmoku Sankeien Mae. Walk 5 minutes to the gardens. |
|
Price |
Under 14: 200yen 15+: 700yen |
|
Opening Hours |
9am - 5pm |
|
Address |
58-1, Honmoku Sannotani, Naka-ku, Yokohama, 231-0824 |
Things to do in Yokohama for Foodies
Let’s face it, the best thing, by far, about Japan is the food. Whether we’re enjoying sushi, ramen, okonomiyaki, a meal from the konbini or cooking with local ingredients, the food here is amazing. Yokohama is actually famous as the origin point for a lot of foods here in Japan from ice cream to pasta. Not only that, but as a hub for ramen lovers and beer lovers there is something for everyone here! Don’t forget to snap a picture for instagram and make all your non-Japanese friends jealous!
Cup Noodle Museum
Yes, you heard right. For lovers of cup ramen you have your own museum. This, in particular, offers an interesting look into the history of cup ramen, the inventor; Momofuku Ando, and an insight into how it is produced as well as long forgotten flavors of cup ramen. You can experience making your own chicken ramen from scratch in the Chicken Ramen Factory! Not only that, but you can create your own personal cup ramen to enjoy at home with your favorite toppings, soup stock and noodles! Are you a simple salt broth with pork and veggies person or would you rather go wild with a spicy twist, extra fish cakes and different kinds of meat? If those don’t satisfy your ramen cravings there is also the Noodles Bazaar, where you can taste noodle dishes from around the world. What’s not to love as a food lover?
| Area | Minato Mirai |
| Station | Sakuragicho Station or Bashamichi Station |
| Price |
Adults; 500yen High school and younger; free Additional fees for the chicken factory and cup noodles park |
| Opening Hours | 10am-6pm |
| Address | 2-3-4 Shinko, Naka-ku, Yokohama |
Shin Yokohama Raumen Museum
Yes, another ramen museum, but this one is slightly different. It’s less of a museum, though you can certainly still learn about ramen’s history, and more of a food court that is modeled to look like 1950s Tokyo. Not only does it contain seven different ramen shops, each selling a different regional speciality ramen, it also offers an old time sweet shop and a snack shop with Hokkaido ice cream! Great news for vegetarians or halal eaters; some restaurants also offer non pork or vegetarian options! Just ask at the counter! If you’re still not satisfied, then you can also make your own cup ramen or sweets in the gift shop on the first floor. What more could a foodie ask for? Don’t forget that instagrammable moment of being transported back to the 50’s as you slurp your favorite noodles!
| Area | Shin-Yokohama |
| Station | Shin-Yokohama |
| Price |
Adults; 380yen Elementary School & Senior (60+); 100yen Under Elementary School Age; free |
| Opening Hours | 11am-10pm |
| Address | 2-14-21 Shin-yokohama, Kohoku-ku, Yokohama |
Kirin Beer Factory
Do you like the smooth taste of a fresh beer on a hot summer's day? Do the bitter bubbles of a beer head make your mouth water? Then look no further than the Kirin Beer Factory. As one of the nine factories of Kirin beer, the Yokohama branch stands proudly, offering a tour to groups of two to 35. So make sure to bring at least one friend with you. Every 40 minutes starting at 10am there are 80 minute tours of this beer factory that offer an interesting sight into how Japanese beer is manufactured. You can see the factory and canning process at lightning speeds through the observation windows and learn a little bit about Kirin’s history. The best part is easily the ‘tasting counter’ where you will be given three tickets to exchange for three beers of your choice! Nothing quite hits the spot after a long walk than a fresh beer. There is also a restaurant and a gift shop on site selling exclusive Kirin goods such as beer glasses and mats and some beer flavored food. Please note, you must be of legal drinking age in Japan, 20 year old, to participate in the tour.
| Area | Northern Yokohama |
| Station | Shin-Koyasu Station or Namamugi Station |
| Price | Adults; 500 |
| Opening Hours |
10am-4pm (tour) 11am - 10pm (restaurant) Closed Mondays |
| Address | Kirin Brewery Co. Yokohama Factory, 1-17-1, Namamugi, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama, 230-8628 |
Bashamichi Ice
Did you know that ice-cream was first introduced to Japan in Yokohama? Bashamichi Ice, located in the Redbrick warehouse, offers the simple ice cream custard that replicates the taste of traditional ice cream made with eggs, milk and sugar. It’s a nostalgic taste of the Meiji Era that is perfect for a hot summer's day! Due to being inside the Redbrick warehouse, it is only open when the warehouse is open, so keep an eye on the timings on their official website.
| Area | Minato Mirai |
| Station | Bashamichi Station |
| Opening Hours | 11am - 8pm |
| Address | Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse 2nd Building 1st floor, 1-1, Shinko, Naka-ku, Yokohama, 231-0001 |
Coffee House, The Cafe (New Grand Hotel)
Did you know Napolitan Spaghetti was invented in Yokohama? In this very hotel? No? Me either. Both Napolitan Spaghetti and Seafood Doria were created after World War II by Shigetada Irie. It is said he saw people pouring ketchup on their plain spaghetti and wanted to make it better by adding the typical garlic and onions to the dish to give it more flavor, along with some other variable ingredients which have changed over time. Now you can sample both dishes here at the hotel and shock your American and European friends that their favorite dish in Italian restaurants is actually Japanese!
| Area | Chinatown / Kannai |
| Station | Motomachi-Chukagai Station |
| Opening Hours | 10am - 9:30pm |
| Address |
Hotel New Grand 1st floor 10, Yamashita-cho, Naka-ku, Yokohama, 231-8520 |
Romantic Things to do in Yokohama
Are you and your significant other running out of ideas for date night? Do you want to go somewhere a little more interesting than your usual restaurant/cafe dinner date? Here are a few ideas of things to do in Yokohama that can offer a fun and romantic date time.
Mirai Manyo Club
Relax yourself in an onsen for a day looking out into the Minatomirai area. Here you will find a spa with two large outdoor baths, a large indoor bath, feet only baths, Thai massages and restaurants offering full course Japanese meals. Not to mention it’s very affordable. At 2,500yen per person for the day to relax in the spa, it’s great value. There are even private baths if you don’t feel comfortable being in a public bath. There are also yukata to wear at the onsen. You can check how to wear a yukata in our Guide to Japanese Kimono vs Yukata.
|
Area |
Minato Mirai |
|
Station |
Minato-Mirai Station |
|
Price |
Adults; 2,500yen each Elementary Students; 1,400yen 3-5; 940yen Under 3; free |
|
Opening Hours |
24hours; Set Admission from 10am-9am the following morning |
|
Address |
2-7-1, Shinko, Naka-ku, Yokohama, 231-0001 |
Planetaria Yokohama
The most recently opened attraction on this list, the planetarium theater boasts a calming and relaxing atmosphere whilst offering a movie theater-like experience with a star theme. The 4D surround sound offers a ‘weightless’ feeling, especially when combined with the premium seat option, making it feel like you are laying amongst the stars. What’s more romantic than stargazing? Planetaria Yokohama offers a star themed cafe with snacks, drinks and sandwiches all with planetary colors and names. There is also a small gift shop with gifts themed around stars and the showing of the current period. The catch here is that you need to book your showing tickets a little in advance, especially if you want to secure the premium seats.
|
Area |
Minato Mirai |
|
Station |
Shin - Takashima Station |
|
Price |
Premium seating; 4,200 yen Standard Seating; 1,600 yen Children; 1000 yen |
|
Opening Hours |
10:30am - 9pm |
|
Address |
Yokohama Gate Tower 2F, 1-2-5 Takashima, Nishi-ku, Yokohama |
Learn Japanese for Free
Our newsletter for beginner to low intermediate Japanese students will get you on the right track to learning Japanese and saving money.
Cosmo World
If you enjoy romantic movies or manga, you may have noticed that fun fairs are the place to be for a romantic date. Especially if there happens to be a ferris wheel. If you or your significant other has ever dreamed of a romantic fun fair date, then Yokohama has you covered with Cosmo World! Located close to many other attractions this fun fair offers lots of attractions such as roller coasters, the giant ferris wheel and some haunted houses. Perfect for having your date cling to you in terror. With plenty of street food stalls you can also satisfy your appetite you’re sure to build up by running around the park.
|
Area |
Minato Mirai |
|
Station |
Minatomirai Station |
|
Price |
Free to enter Tickets are purchased in bulk valued 100y to 900yen and used individually according to each attraction’s price |
|
Opening Hours |
11am - 9pm |
|
Address |
2-8-1 Shinko, Naka-ku, Yokohama |
Mitsuike Park
If you manage to visit Yokohama during cherry blossom season, this makes for the perfect romantic date idea. Cherry blossoms are the beauty of spring and offer stunning views of pink all across Japan. Pack a picnic, and a picnic blanket and go on a hanami. Mitsuike Park is said to be the best cherry blossom viewing area according to the locals. Be sure to get there early in order to get a good spot for viewing the cherry blossoms. Other viewing spots include the Ookagawa River, Kamonyama Park and Sankeien Gardens.
|
Area |
Tsurumi |
|
Station |
Minatomirai Station |
|
Price |
Free |
|
Opening Hours |
24hour |
|
Address |
1-1 Mitsuike Park, Tsurumi-Ku, Yokohama 230-0013 |
Things to do in Yokohama for Anime Fans
By now, you have probably heard of the Bungou Stray Dogs anime. If not, where have you been? Entering its 4th season very soon, as confirmed in November 2021, the beloved anime is a supernatural detective show with many interesting characters and plot lines. The best part? It takes place predominantly in Yokohama! This is the perfect opportunity to set out on an anime pilgrimage and visit some real life locations seen in the anime.
Yokohama Chūkagai (Chinatown)
Yokohama is home to the biggest Chinatown in Japan, and it is here you can not only enjoy the views from the anime, but you can also experience authentic Chinese food culture from many many regions. The long 250,000 square meter street is crammed with delicacies from all over China in over 600 different shops. As with many Chinatowns around the world, it offers some amazing events year round such as Chinese New Year parades and mid-autumn festival parties complete with mooncakes.
|
Area |
Chinatown |
|
Station |
Ishikawa-cho Station |
|
Price |
Free |
|
Opening Hours |
24hour |
|
Address |
Yamashita-cho, Naka-ku, Yokohama, 231-0023 |
Red Brick Warehouse
Red Brick Warehouse is featured often in Bungou Stray Dogs and for good reason. The two warehouses that make up the complex have historical significance as back in the 1920’s they were used as a customs inspection house for the shipping and import activities that Yokohama was known for. Now, however, the warehouses have been transformed into a small shopping court with lots of unique shops and restaurants, including the previously mentioned Bashamichi Ice; the birthplace of ice cream in Japan.
The first warehouse is home to a live performance theater on the 3rd floor, a gallery space on the second floor and some shops from local crafters on the first floor. The second warehouse is full of unique shops, bars and restaurants. The courtyard between the warehouses offers many time sensitive events including concerts, skating rinks, markets and Oktoberfest.
|
Area |
Minato Mirai |
|
Station |
Bashamichi Station |
|
Price |
Free |
|
Opening Hours |
10am - 8pm |
|
Address |
1-1-2 Shinko, Naka-ku, Yokohama, 231-0001 |
Landmark Tower
Yokohama Landmark Tower is the perfect way to end a day trip in Yokohama. The tower is the second tallest building in Japan, only losing it’s first place title in 2012, and is home to an impressive 70 stories. The first five floors offer a shopping mall, whilst the top half of the building is home to the Royal Park Hotel. The real magic, however, is on the 69th floor of the tower where you can find a 360 degree panoramic observatory. Looking out over the bay or the city you are sure to see a beautiful sight. During the day if it’s clear you can see as far as Tokyo or even Mt. Fuji. At night, however, you can see the entire city of Yokohama light up in bright lights. The perfect instagram moment to show off to your friends!
|
Area |
Minato Mirai |
|
Station |
Minatomirai Station |
|
Price |
Adult; 1000yen High School/65+; 800yen Elementary - Junior High; 500yen Under 4; 200yen |
|
Opening Hours |
10am - 10pm |
|
Address |
2-2-1 Minatomirai, Nishi-ku, Yokohama |
Museum of Art
Located beside Landmark Tower is the Yokohama Museum of Art. Anime fans are sure to recognise the front of this building, but inside holds just as much treasure. There are a wealth of famous western artists such as Dali and Picasso, as well as Japanese artists with strong ties to Yokohama to see inside the Museum of Art. Whilst the collections change often, up to 6 times per year, it is always worth seeing what is available. There is also a lot of photography present here as Yokohama was where photography was introduced to Japan.
|
Area |
Minato Mirai |
|
Station |
Minatomirai Station |
|
Price |
Adult; 500yen Student; 300yen Junior High; 100yen Under 4; Free |
|
Opening Hours |
10am - 6pm |
|
Address |
3-4-1, Minato Mirai, Nishi-ku, Yokohama, 220-0012 |
Gundam Factory
For anime fans who are more mecha focused, a visit to the Gundam factory is a must! Not only is there a fantastic store brimming with all things Gundam like model kits and figurines, there is also a life-size moving Gundam statue outside overlooking the bay. You can ride up to the observation deck to get up close and personal as the Gundam activates and moves out of it’s launch pad. Truly an amazing sight to see for mecha or old school anime fans!
|
Area |
Chinatown/ Kannei |
|
Station |
Motomachi-Chukagai Station |
|
Price |
Adult; 1,650yen (factory) Child 7-12; 1,100yen (factory) Dock town viewing ticket 7+; 3,300yen |
|
Opening Hours |
10am - 8pm |
|
Address |
3-4-1, Minato Mirai, Nishi-ku, Yokohama, 220-0012 |
Music, Sports and Live Performances
If there is one thing that Yokohama is well known for it's its music scene. With a brand new world class concert hall set to open in 2023 and the current Yokohama Arena offering concerts and ice dance performances, it’s no wonder music lovers flock to the city. Other venues include the Kanagawa Kenmin hall, Yokohama Minato Mirai Hall and the Kanagawa Theater of the Arts. Don’t forget to check out the various small venues that Yokohama is packed with for more intimate local performers. You may just find a hidden gem before they rise to popularity.
Yokohama Jazz Promenade
Yokohama Jazz Promenade is a rather unique music festival as it is made with the slogan; “Let’s turn Yokohama into a music stage”. Take this slogan literally as performers, both amateur and professional take to the streets to share their love for jazz music With over 2000 performers on the streets, in bars and even in the concert halls, this festival is a must see for music lovers. Taking place around early October, this festival is at the perfect time of year to celebrate the beginning of fall and enjoy the weather as it begins to cool after the long summer.
|
Area |
Various Places |
|
Price |
Free |
|
When? |
Early October |
Yokohama Nigiwai-za
If you are more of a comedy fan than a music fan, then this is the perfect venue for you. For the first half of every month there are various performances here of traditional Japanese comedy, magicians and some variety shows. You can see both new, up and coming acts as well as old masters of their craft. It’s a theater that focuses on traditional entertainment and, even if you can’t quite understand Japanese humor, the atmosphere here will make it a memorable performance nonetheless.
|
Area |
Minato Mirai |
|
Station |
Sakuragicho Station |
|
Price |
Varies depending on the performance. Tickets can be purchased through the website. |
|
Opening Hours |
10am - 10pm depending on the show |
|
Address |
3-110-1 Noge-cho, Naka-ku, Yokohama |
If you want to learn more about the art of Japanese comedy check out our article; Ultimate Guide to Manzai; No Laughing Matter.
Yokohama Sports Stadiums
If you prefer sports over music, then you are in luck! Yokohama has two sports stadiums where you can watch the local team play baseball or soccer. Yokohama Stadium is home to the Yokohama DeNA Bay Stars baseball team, and catching a game is a treat! See if you can catch a ball here whilst you enjoy an intense game. The Nissin Stadium, you may already know as it was the grounds for the 2002 Fifa world cup and the 2019 Rugby World Cup. This is one of the largest stadiums in Japan and home to the Yokohama F. Marinos Soccer team. Football fans should definitely look into this one!
Free Things to do in Yokohama
Is it close to the end of the month and need your budget to stretch a little further? Bored but no payday in sight? We understand. It's difficult to find things to entertain yourself and the family at the end of the month, but instead of watching your 5th series on Netflix, check out some of these interesting places instead! I promise, you won't be disappointed! Don't forget your bento for the ultimate free day out!
Kuan Ti Miao Temple
Kuan Ti Miao Temple, also known as Yokohama Kantei Byo, is a temple housing the bodies of Guan You Shogun, the famous general from the History of the Three Kingdoms. His adopted child Guan Ping and his subordinate Zhou Cang are also enshrined here. The shrine is said to offer longevity in business if you make an offering of five incense sticks, in order from No.1 to No.5 and make a wish in front of each of the three bodies. Located in Chinatown, this colorful temple is worth a visit, especially if you’re already in the area.
|
Area |
Chinatown |
|
Station |
Motomachi-Chukagai Station |
|
Price |
Free |
|
Opening Hours |
9am-7pm |
|
Address |
140, Yamashita-cho, Naka-ku, Yokohama |
Iseyama Kotai Shrine
Iseyama Kotai Shrine is one of the most popular cherry blossom viewing spots due to the beautiful trees overarching the shrine doors. The shrine itself is historically significant for housing the guardian deity of Yokohama and the sun deity, Amaterasu Omikami. It was built in the face of rapid moderation and western influence as a symbol of the hearts of Japanese people. The shrine is built with multiple gray tori gates and a steep staircase at the rear of the shrine. It is also where ice cream was first successfully sold by the bashimichi ice, and made ice cream popular throughout Japan. You can enjoy many annual events here including setsubun and new years celebrations. Located in the Minato Mirai area this temple is a great add on to the redbrick warehouse where you can buy your own Bashimichi ice cream
Check out our Ultimate guide to Japanese Festivals to learn more about Setsubun, Obon and more!
|
Area |
Minato Mirai |
|
Station |
Minatomirai Station |
|
Price |
Free |
|
Opening Hours |
24hour |
|
Address |
64, Miyazaki-cho, Nishi-ku, Yokohama, 220-0031 |
Soji-ji Temple
Soji-ji Temple is the biggest temple on this list as it serves as the Buddhist headquarters. The main assembly hall interior is incredibly impressive with a 36 meter high ceiling and a floor covered with one thousand tatami mats. The temple itself is completely free to the public, but you can also take a guided tour with a monk for 400yen per person if you would like to learn more about the history and the day to day lives of the monks in the monastery. For those who are interested in guided meditation or ‘Zazen-kai’ the monastery will offer a morning meditation and tour once a month in both English and Japanese. Be aware, this is pre-booked and you need to book tickets at least one month in advance, maybe two months during busy periods, through their website. No experience of meditation is required, but it is asked that you wear loose and comfortable clothes. Other events here include Obon, Setsubun and Hatsumode.
|
Area |
Northern Yokohama |
|
Station |
Tsurumi Station |
|
Price |
Free, Guided tour 400yen per person |
|
Opening Hours |
10am - 4:30pm Closed; Thursday and Friday |
|
Address |
2, Shinko, Naka-ku, Yokohama, 231-0001 |
Kishamichi Promenade
If you don’t enjoy being up high to travel along the Yokohama Rope Way, you can still experience the harbor area through the Kisha-michi Promenade, which consists of three bridges connecting the area of Minato Mirai 21 and Sakuragi-cho. Constructed from an unused track of the former Japan National Railway in 1911, it stands as a useful historical structure, especially before the RopeWay opened in recent years. The 500m long walk gives fantastic views of the Yokohama skyline, especially at night as the bridge is lit up, it can make for a romantic walk for couples.
|
Area |
Minato Mirai |
|
Station |
Sakuragicho Station |
|
Price |
Free |
|
Opening Hours |
24hour |
|
Address |
2, Shinko, Naka-ku, Yokohama, 231-0001 |
Nogeyama Zoological Gardens
What’s better than a family visit to the zoo? A free family visit to the zoo. Nogeyama Zoological Gardens is located centrally, close to Minato Mirai, but in a quiet residential area, allowing you to briefly escape the hustle and bustle of the city. This was the first zoo opened in Yokohama City and offers a wide variety of animals from all over the world. There are around 100 different species of animal, with the main attraction being red pandas, which you will see both as you enter the park and exit it. The Panda’s enclosure allows you to get very close to them without actually touching them. Although there are also many small animals that children can interact with. It is very easy to lose several hours here staring at the animals enjoying their day.
|
Area |
Minato Mirai |
|
Station |
Hinodecho Station |
|
Price |
Free |
|
Opening Hours |
9:30am - 4:30pm |
|
Address |
63-10, Oimatsu-cho,Nishi-ku Yokohama, 220-0032 |
Planning Your Perfect Day
There is so much to see and do in Yokohama that there is certainly something for everyone! Some attractions you could get lost in for the whole day, and some will be part of a larger day out. If you want to stay in one area and see a lot, you can stick to either the Chinatown area or the Minato Mirai area where you can enjoy different activities for foodies, families or dates all in the same area! Here is an example itinerary for the Minato Mirai area;
Start by taking the train to Sakuragicho Station and riding the Yokohama Rope Way to Unga Park. Then walk towards the Red Brick warehouse for a little shopping and brunch. Don’t forget your ice cream before you leave to walk along the waterfront towards the cup noodle museum. Here, you can eat your fill of ramen or grab some cups on the go before heading to cosmo world in the evening whilst the lights are shining brightly. Ride the ferris wheel and enjoy some roller coasters! But maybe give it a little time after your ramen for those. From here you can end the evening walking along the Kishamichi Promenade and head to Landmark Tower for a spectacularly lit up view of the entire city at night.
3 Things to remember when planning for Yokohama
Whilst the example itinerary is a great day out for a dry sunny day, as it’s all outdoors it wouldn’t be so fun on a rainy day. Be mindful of the weather when planning your trip! There are plenty of indoor places that are perfect for rainy days, such as ASOBUILD, Planetaria or the Cup Ramen Museum, but it may take a little extra planning to fit multiple things into one day and keep dry!
It’s also important to remember to account for travel time! There is nothing stopping you from traveling between the harbor and Chinatown, but don’t set off too late that the attraction is closed for the day! Whilst it is certainly easier to stay in one area, it can also be more fun to go to multiple areas to really get a true feel for the city. Ample time will be very helpful!
You can always come back another day! If you live in the Kanto region it’s especially easy to visit Yokohama. Don’t feel like you need to cram everything into a single day or even a single week! Some attractions are best during different times of the year, such as spring for cherry blossom viewing or autumn for the festivals in chinatown. Winter is a great time to fill up on ramen whereas Sea Paradise is a perfect summer activity. Don’t be afraid to skip out on attractions due to the time of the year!
Final Thoughts
Yokohama is a fantastic city to visit, rich in history and culture, its unique buildings and activities offer a lot of enjoyable activities and instagrammable moments. Whether you’re a foodie tasting all the delights Yokohama has to offer, a family needing an exciting way to entertain the children on a rainy day, or a couple looking for a romantic date; there is ultimately a wealth of knowledge and fun to be shared.
You can also check out our other city guides! Our Favourite Things to Do in Ikebukuro and Top 20 Things to do in Shibuya.
From Beginner to Pro
Our bi-weekly emails for beginners to low intermediate students will give you the tips and motivation to self-study Japanese your way to Japanese fluency.
