Things to Do in Yokohama

Yokohama, as the second biggest city in Japan and one of the most cosmopolitan Japanese cities, is clearly a great tourist attraction for anyone who’d like to visit the Land of the Rising Sun.

As any big city, Yokohama brims with travel attractions and sightseeing opportunities. Here we’ll list some of the main things to see in Yokohama and then, in time, we’ll present each separate tourist attraction.

Things to Do in Yokohama

As any decent museum buff, you’l surely want to visit all Yokohama’s Museums. We have good news for you, there are enough to keep you busy 🙂

Visit Yokohama Parks

Yamashita Park

The most famous park in Yokohama, Yamashita Park is an amazing tourist attraction that costs nothing to visit. It was made by reclaiming debris from the Great Kanto Earthquake.

It is a park with a lot of highlights such as a view to the sea, roses in a flower bed, a monument and a memorial.

Enjoy Nature and History Sankeien-en Garden

Step into a living masterpiece at Sankeien-en Garden. Stroll through traditional Japanese gardens showcasing ponds, bridges, teahouses, and meticulously manicured landscapes. Immerse yourself in the serene beauty and rich history of this hidden gem.

Visit Yokohama Museums

Yokohama History Museum

Besides real artifacts that chronicle Yokohama‘s history, there are numerous, models, exhibits and displays for further learning. Of particular interest is the model of a teahouse from the Tokaido highway. The seven-floor building includes the following facilities: a library, reading room, auditorium, seminar room and a gallery for special exhibitions.

Hasseiden Museum Yokohama

An ethnological museum with typical regional displays on the fishing and farming communities. It was built back in 1933 by Kenzo Adachi who was a politician at the time.

The museum is mostly known for the interesting set of statues, those of the Eight World Sages, namely Nichiren, Shinran, Socrates, Christ, Prince Shotoku, Kobo, Confucius and Sakyamuni. A mirror, which symbolizes the universe, is in the middle of this group of life-size images.

Kanagawa Prefectural Kanazawa Bunko Museum

Here you can find  the collection of the foundation which was established in mid-XIII century by the Hojo family. Since the mid-XIV century it has been maintained by the Shomyo-ji Temple. The specialist in Kamakura era paintings will find a number of Shomyo-ji priests and Hojo family portraits represented.

The Kamakura sculpture is in the standing exhibit. There is some amazing celadon from Song period and pottery from Tang and Han. In the library are priceless classical Buddhist writings for you to enjoy.

Yokohama Silk Museum

The Silk Museum is an outstanding museum that portrays the role that silk has played in the history of Yokohama. In the years after Japan opened its doors to the world, silk was its major export, and Yokohama was the primary port for the silk shipping industry.

It  houses a wonderful collection of silk kimonos and antique costumes fashioned from silk. There is also an exhibit illustrating how silk is obtained. This includes a display of live cocoons and silkworms from April to October. All the exhibits are well documented in English.

Yamate Museum

The museum was built in 1909, is known for been the only wooden house extant from the Meiji period. It houses a collection, which is a hodgepodge of Victorian-era, foreign residents’ mementos.

On the second floor there is a scale model of the Foreigners’ Cemetery, which is placed across the street from the museum. A pamphlet provides brief biographies of some of the prominent foreign residents who are buried in the cemetery, and also gives a chronological rendering of Yamate‘s history.

Cup Noodles Museum

Unleash your inner ramen master at the Cup Noodles Museum. Discover the fascinating history of instant noodles, from Momofuku Ando’s humble beginnings to the global phenomenon it is today. Create your own custom cup noodles and savor the instant delight!

Yokohama Port Museum

Embark on a maritime adventure at the Yokohama Port Museum. Explore interactive exhibits that chronicle the city’s transformation from a sleepy fishing village to a bustling international port. Witness fascinating artifacts and delve into the rich maritime heritage of Yokohama.

Hamagin Space Science Center Yokohama

A highly recommended place to take the little ones, especially of they are into technology and space.

In this museum you will find lots of sections such as: Space Captain, Space City Yokohama, Space Gym, Space Laboratory and Space Theatre.

The exhibits are “hands-on,” and the interactive games, videos and planetarium shows will provide a very nice experience for the kids and parents as well.

Speaking of kid related travel attractions …

Yokohama Tin Toy Museum

From Emperor Meiji’s contribution of a spinning wheel called “ito-hiki hazumiguruma” to American car models from the 1940s, this collection of about 3,000 pieces amassed by Kitahara-san is funky and eclectic.

Not to mention steeped in nostalgia! The examples of racing cars, fire-trucks and motor bikes have been well maintained and are very eye-catching for the youngsters (or the young inside).

If we keep up with the modern buildings and developments, here are other touristic attractions to visit in Yokohama:

Enjoy Some of Yokohama’s Main Landmarks

Yokohama Marine Tower

Built in 1961 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Yokohama port’s opening, Yokohama Marine Tower is a great attraction to have in mind.

Over 25 million people have since visited it and it stands as one of Yokohama’s most recognizable symbols. Go to the top level floor in time for the sunset and you’ll delight yourself with amazing views (including Mount Fuji).

If you are crazy about taking hundreds of photos from your travel, this is clearly a good place to start with.

Minato Mirai 21 Yokohama Pavilion

Minato Mirai 21 Yokohama Pavilion was originally constructed for the 1989 Yokohama Exotic Showcase, or YES Expo, which unveiled the details for the Minato Mirai 21 project. The central feature was Gulliver Land, a model of what Minato Mirai 21 and the Yokohama Waterfront will look like in the 21st century.

Gulliver Land contains scale models of over 3,500 buildings with 20,000 people walking through this futuristic vision. The lighting in Gulliver Land changes to simulate day and night. And, of course, the models illuminate in the darkness to create an image of a magnificent “City of Light.”

Kishamichi Promenade

Kishamichi is a promenade that is located in the Minato Mirai 21 seaside park area. One end of Kishamichi Promenade starts next to the Nippon Maru Memorial Park.

The promenade travels along abandoned rail tracks and crosses an old truss-style railroad bridge. The walkway is well lit and connects with Unga Park, a base for waterfront recreation.

Inside Unga Park is the Train Road that leads to the old terminal island. In the past this man-made island served as an important warehouse and shipping area.

The island’s role in the history of Yokohama harbor is being commemorated by Aka-Renga Park. Other attractions on the island include the Hotel Navios Yokohama, Yokohama World Porters commercial complex, and the Yokohama Cosmo World.

Yokohama Golf Courses

Tee off at one of Yokohama’s many picturesque golf courses. Challenge yourself on championship-level layouts surrounded by lush greenery and stunning views. Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or a casual enthusiast, Yokohama’s courses offer a perfect blend of challenge and scenic beauty.

Visit Yokohama’s Temples

One cannot visit Japan without spending some quiet and inspiring time seeing its gorgeous temples. So, if you happen to visit Yokohama, here are few temples to put in your ‘to visit’ list:

Shomyoji Temple Yokohama

Shomyo-ji Temple was established in 1252 on Mutsuura. Placed near Kamakura, the estate was formerly widely known as a learning center for the Ritsu school’s Saidai sect of Buddhism.

The priest Eizon from Nara’s Saida-ji was brought to Kanazawa to head the Hojo-backed school. In addition to the large temple, the complex includes the Kanazawa-bunko library, a public park and a garden.

Emperor Guan’s Shrine in Yokohama

Kantei-byo, or the Kuan Ti Miao Temple, has been the spiritual heart of Chinatown ever since it was built in 1887. It is dedicated to Kuan Yu, a mythical hero from the legendary “Tale of Three Kingdoms.”

During the Song Dynasty Kuan Yu was officially recognized as the “God of War.” The Kuan Ti Miao Temple burned down three times.

Somewhat miraculously the three statues inside survived each time. Rebuilt in the late 1980s, the Kuan Ti Miao Temple is the starting point for New Year parades, and is the temple where local Chinese pray for prosperity and the health and happiness of their families.

Yokohama’s Cemeteries

Yokohama Commonwealth War Cemetery

This is a cemetery in a breathtaking suburban Yokohama site, which has more than 2,000 graves of British Commonwealth citizens. The area covers more than 73,000 square meters. Land for the British Commonwealth cemetery was appropriated in 1946 for the military graves at Hodogaya. The distinguishing feature is the rows and rows of predominantly plain white wooden crosses.

Yokohama Foreign General Cemetery

Yokohama has 4 cemeteries for foreigners, but the Gaijin Bochi is the best known and is also the oldest one. Established in 1859 when two Russian marines were interred on the grounds of Zotokuin Temple.

Now there are about 4,500 graves, which include those of Meiji government employees, missionaries, teachers, journalists, traders, ships’ crewmen, and military.

There is an exhibition space with panel displays and photographs that outline the history of the foreign community in Yokohama.

Visit Some of Yokohama’s Coolest Attractions

Yokohama Landmark Tower

Ascend to new heights at the Yokohama Landmark Tower, the second-tallest building in Japan. Enjoy breathtaking 360-degree views of the city from the observation deck, and marvel at the architectural marvel that is this iconic skyscraper.

Taya Caves Yokohama

If you are into cemeteries and caves, don’t miss Taya Caves.

Taya Caves are adjacent to Josen-ji Temple and are located on the side of a hill. One story regarding the history of the caves is that the Hojo family excavated them in the mid-twelfth century as a safety natural box.

Note the Buddhist drawings on the walls and ceiling which include some characters in Sanskrit.

Yamate Residence 234

Any history buff knows how ‘closed in’ Japan has been for centuries, so having a city as cosmopolitan as Yokohama is clearly a record in itself. And, since Yokohama was welcoming foreigners for such a long time already, it was to be expected for the Western architecture to also have a place here.

Yamate Residence 234 is a Western-style apartment building located on the Bluff across from Motomachi Park.

Built in 1927, a time when Yokohama was fighting to rebuild after the disaster of the Great Kanto Earthquake in 1923. Yamate Residence 234 was a beautiful structure designed as an upscale apartment building.

In later years the old building fell into disrepair, and it was bought by the City of Yokohama. Many assumed it would be torn down and replaced by a new construction.

Yokohama Zoo “Zoorasia”

I have a kid who loves zoos. OK, I’ll admit it, I love them too and have tried to visit any zoological garden possible in my travels.

Zoorasia is one of Japan‘s largest zoos, and also the most child-friendly zoo in the country. It covers an area of about 53 hectares and host more than 1,500 animals of over 150 species; everything from elephants to alligators, and tropical birds to piranhas.

The exciting thing of this zoo is that the animals are housed in environments that are as close as possible to the wild habitats. Even the vegetation and terrain are as natural as possible.

Enjoy True Japanese Tradition

Yokohama Noh Theater

Witness the captivating art of Noh, a traditional form of Japanese drama, at the Yokohama Noh Theater. Experience the hypnotic rhythms, haunting melodies, and mesmerizing masks of this centuries-old performance art.

Get Your Adrenaline Pumping

Cosmo Clock 21 Ferris Wheel

Soar above Yokohama on the iconic Cosmo Clock 21 Ferris wheel. Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the city skyline, harbor, and Mount Fuji on a clear day. This giant timepiece will leave you awestruck with its sheer scale and stunning vistas.

Tama River Rafting

Paddle your way through the rapids of the Tama River on an exhilarating white-water rafting adventure. Navigate around bends, conquer small waterfalls, and soak in the stunning scenery of the surrounding mountains and forests. This thrilling experience is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and adrenaline seekers.

Do you know about other things to do in Yokohama? Let us know in the comments.