One Day in Yokohama Itinerary
Japan’s second-largest city Yokohama elates the heart of its tourists with its abundant sightseeing destinations and the cheerful hustle-bustle. With its massive port, Yokohama earned its name as the entrance to Japan in the western world, and thus gained diversity in both oriental and occidental cultures and cuisines. For a heart-warming experience, Yokohama has a plethora of things to do that you would not like to miss when you visit the Land of The Rising Sun, a.k.a. Japan.
What’s the Best Time to Visit Yokohama?
Although Yokohama is blessed with charming weather throughout the year, which is neither too hot nor too cold, you might want to visit near Christmas to be part of the exited tourist crowd. Yokohama sees rainfall in June and July, making them the most unenjoyable months. However, summers are equally good as winters with temperature not rising beyond 30°C. Why we prefer you to visit Yokohama in winter is because of the hype of numerous festivals and decorations that you get to see in December. If you want to enjoy swimming then, August and September are very pleasant months.
Few Facts about Yokohama
Yokohama is one of Japan’s 15 cities that are designed by the government. With a population of over 3.7 million people and wide exposure to world cultures, Yokohama is often compared to Japan’s most popular city Tokyo. With a buzz about food and fun all around the year, Yokohama market bazaars are characterized by noodle shops, meat shops, Chinese shops, electronics stores, and souvenir stores. For tasting a lip-smacking bowl of hot noodles that blend with various sauces, soups, and meat, Yokohama is also renowned for its ramen museum. Easily accessible public transport and tourist sights at a walking distance make Yokohama a mesmerizing place for visitors.
One Day in Yokohama Itinerary:
Top things to do in Yokohama, Japan
Let’s start with the guide to make your one-day trip in Yokohama most delightful.
Arrive Early and Catch a Bus to the Yokohama Station
This idea might sound redundant, but not when you know the beauty and popularity of this tourist attraction. The Yokohama Station connects all the subways and rail line terminals and gives you a brief of what can you expect in the city. The underground area of the station is a happily booming place full of multiplexes and restaurants.
The fair number of food and fashion stores present there provides you an insight into the series of art and culinary shops that will welcome when you visit the town.
Head off to the Minato Mirai Street, Which is the Hub of Major Tourist Attractions
After devouring some heavenly snacks at the station, you can directly head off south towards the Minatori Mirai Street, where the Landmark Tower is located. The Landmark Tower is the second-highest building in the country from where you can get a 360-degree view of Yokohama if you visit its Sky Garden observation deck on the 69th floor. The tower is so high that you can even identify Mt. Fuji from its observation deck. Along with the Landmark Tower, the Anpanman children’s museum is the place to visit if children are accompanying you. For reference, Anpanman is Japan’s iconic cartoon character like Astro Boy, equivalent to the USA’s famous characters, Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck. For a lavishing option, you can visit the humongous Nippon Maru ship which has traveled around the world since its inception in 1930. Now, it is open to the public as a tourist attraction.
Visit Kishamichi Promenade and Shinko Pier
Right across the Landmark Tower, you will find Kishamichi Promenade that gives you a delightful view of the harbor and the giant Ferris wheel of Cosmo World theme park. From the Kishamichi Promenade, head off to the Shinko Pier, which is the largest pier of Yokohama and a lively commercial center. Here, you can also shop gifts for your family and friends at its popular shopping malls.
Get All the Chills and Thrills at the Cosmo World Amusement Park
The Cosmo World amusement park is the home to several roller coaster rides, and the former world’s largest Ferris wheel, Cosmo Clock 21. It is the same Ferris wheel that you get to see on your way from Kishamichi Promenade to Shinko Pier. However, no matter how delighting the amusement park is, you’ll have to leave within 2-3 hours if you don’t wanna skip on the fun places mentioned below.
Taste the History and the Flavor of the Delightful Gourmet Delicacies of Ramen Museum
For a savory lunch, you can grab not one but several bowls of hot and delicious ramen noodles. One thing that tourists never miss in Yokohama is its ramen museum where you can taste ramen in the blend of several spices and flavors. Along with the food, you are also informed of the jaw-dropping history of ramen and how it became an essential part of Japan’s cuisine.
Shop more at the historic Red Brick Warehouse and Enjoy a Walk in the Zo no Hana Park
If you were not satisfied at the shopping districts of Yokohama station, Red Brick warehouse brings to you more options. After strolling in the vicinity, you should travel south towards the Zo no Hana Park for a short leisurely walk. The park isn’t so big but very beautiful, which makes it an unskippable spot for tourists and visitors. At the end of the park, you can also enjoy its wonderful ice cream flavors at Zo No Hana Cafe.
Time to Visit the Chinatown
If the sun is about to set, it is the time to explore the streets of Yokohama Chinatown, which is also considered as the world’s largest Chinatown. Here, you can shop traditional Chinaware, or choose your options from an enormous number of 300 shops. If you can save some time, you can visit the traditional Sankeien Garden, which covers an area of over 75,000 square meters.
Where to stay in Yokohama, Japan?
Yokohama Royal Park Hotel
Yokohama Royal Park Hotel is located in the Minato Mirai area in Yokohama Landmark Tower, making it the perfect place to stay for tourists. You will love the cleanliness,
hospitality, and ambiance of this hotel. Moreover, there is no reservation fee charged. You can enjoy a spacious room, air-conditioned with Wi-Fi enabled.
Hiromas Hostel
You can reach this hostel via metro, and rest in their spacious rooms. Hiromas Hostel provides a luggage area to its guests, and free wi-fi enabled rooms. Moreover, its rooms are also air-conditioned, and it is near to the Sankeien Garden, making it a very convenient option to stay at night.
Day trips from Yokohama
Plan a Short Trip To Tokyo to See the Skytree Tower
Tokyo is Japan’s most renowned city with its futuristic infrastructure. Similarly, the Skytree Tower present in this city is also the country’s tallest building, which is a must-see if you are visiting Yokohama. The distance between Yokohama and Tokyo is just 30-40 minutes, making it a perfect one day trip. If you don’t have a time constraint, you can even make it to Tokyo Disneyland.
Enjoy the Museums of Kawasaki
Kawaski is an industrial town that is in the way of Tokyo from Yokohama.
The city is just 20-30 minutes away from Yokohama station, and the historical museums or the Yomiuri Land amusement park in your visiting destinations.
Check out the Eastern Outskirts of Japan at Chiba
Chiba is 60-80 minutes away from the city of Yokohama and promises a lot of fun to visitors. It is famous for its seaports and the renowned Chia Zoological Park. Along with its wonderful beaches and adventurous activities, you can also visit the Katori Shrine.
Extra tips for visiting Yokohama
- Save Japan’s emergency numbers in your contact list before visiting.
- Keep a map and a first-aid kit handy
- Buy travel insurance before visiting Japan.
Josh Beck
