Yokohama, Japan’s second-largest city with a population of approximately 3.77 million, is organized into 18 administrative wards (ku). Each ward has its own unique character, blend of urban and residential areas, and attractions. This guide provides an overview of each ward and highlights key tourist destinations.
Overview of Yokohama’s Ward System
The city has a government seat in Naka Ward and serves as one of Japan’s designated cities with special administrative powers. The wards range from highly urbanized commercial centers to suburban residential areas, offering diverse experiences across the city.
The 18 Wards
1. Naka Ward
The historic heart of Yokohama, Naka Ward is where the city government is located. This central ward features mixed urban landscapes with busy commercial areas near train stations and residential neighborhoods.
Key Attractions:
- Yokohama Cosmo World with the iconic Cosmo Clock 21 Ferris Wheel
- Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse
- Yamashita Park
- Yokohama Chinatown
- Silk Museum celebrating Japan’s silk heritage
2. Nishi Ward
Nishi Ward is the smallest of Yokohama’s wards in terms of area but includes the city’s major commercial hub and the Minato Mirai 21 complex, home to the Yokohama Landmark Tower.
Key Attractions:
- Yokohama Landmark Tower (second tallest building in Japan)
- Minato Mirai 21 development
- World Beer Museum Yokohama
- Yokohama Station area
3. Tsurumi Ward
Located in the northeast, Tsurumi is both industrialized and culturally rich. Sojiji Temple was founded in 740 and is one of the two biggest head temples of the Soto school of Zen Buddhism, with temple grounds covering nearly 50,000 square meters.
Key Attractions:
- Sojiji Temple
- Mitsuike Park with 1,600 cherry trees
- Namamugi Fish Market
- Tsurumi River Summer Festival with fireworks
4. Kohoku Ward
Kohoku Ward has the largest population of Yokohama’s 18 wards and ranks second to Naka Ward in the total number of workplaces.
Key Attractions:
- Nissan Stadium (venue for the 2002 FIFA World Cup Final)
- Kozukue Castle ruins
- Shin-Yokohama district with the Shinkansen station
- Yokohama Arena
5. Aoba Ward
Located in the northwest corner, Aoba is a bedroom community with modern residential developments.
Key Attractions:
- Aobadai and Tama Plaza commercial centers
- Archaeological sites from the Yayoi and Kofun periods
- Residential developments reflecting modern urban planning
6. Kanagawa Ward
Kanagawa is a regional commercial center with a coastal area that is part of the Keihin Industrial Zone, making it the most industrialized region within Yokohama.
Key Attractions:
- Historic post station site along the Tōkaidō
- Convention of Kanagawa historical location
- Industrial heritage sites
7. Kanazawa Ward
Located in the southeast corner bordering Tokyo Bay, Kanazawa is home to major attractions and historical sites.
Key Attractions:
- Kanazawa Zoo with diverse animals from around the world
- Kanazawa Bunko Museum with classical Japanese and Chinese literature
- Hakkeijima Sea Paradise theme park
- Sankeien Garden
8. Isogo Ward
The coastal area of Isogo is part of the Keihin heavy industrial zone with numerous chemical and petrochemical plants.
Key Attractions:
- Yokohama Science Center
- Santonodai archaeological park with Yayoi period ruins
- Negishi Shinrin Park
- Yokohama Stadium
9. Minami Ward
One of the most densely populated wards in terms of per capita area, Minami is a regional commercial center.
Key Attractions:
- Gumyō-ji Temple, the oldest Buddhist temple in Yokohama
- Ōoka River with cherry blossom viewing in spring
- Wakamiya Hachimangu Shrine
- Yokohamabashi Shopping District
10. Totsuka Ward
The largest ward by area, Totsuka has a rich history as a former post station along the Tōkaidō.
Key Attractions:
- Kashio River Promenade with cherry blossom belt
- Former Tokaido Highway historical sites
- Tozuka-juku post station ruins
- Historic architecture and natural landscapes
11. Hodogaya Ward
A residential ward with a mix of urban and quieter neighborhood areas, Hodogaya celebrates its 100+ year history as a ward.
Key Attractions:
- Tachibana Shrine
- Hodogaya Park
- Yokohama English Garden
- Historic residential neighborhoods
12. Sakae Ward
A smaller ward offering residential comfort and local charm.
Key Attractions:
- Various neighborhood attractions and local shopping areas
13. Seya Ward
Located in the southern part of Yokohama, Seya is primarily residential.
Key Attractions:
- Local parks and recreational areas
- Residential neighborhoods with community charm
14. Midori Ward
Formed from a reorganization of Kohoku Ward, Midori is a relatively newer administrative division with growing development.
Key Attractions:
- Residential and commercial developments
- Parks and green spaces
15. Tsuzuki Ward
Located north-central, Tsuzuki features both residential and historical elements.
Key Attractions:
- Yokohama History Museum with collections spanning 30,000 years
- Otsuka/Saikachido Relics Park with ancient pit dwellings
- Tsuzuki Private House Garden with reconstructed Edo-era mansion
16. Konan Ward
A residential ward with modern suburban development.
Key Attractions:
- Local parks and shopping areas
- Residential neighborhoods
17. Asahi Ward
Asahi Ward is about 1 mile from downtown and features vibrant neighborhoods.
Key Attractions:
- Local shopping and dining districts
- Parks and community spaces
18. Izumi Ward
The newest of Yokohama’s wards, created from a reorganization of Totsuka Ward, Izumi maintains suburban character.
Key Attractions:
- Residential neighborhoods
- Local parks and facilities
Visitor Tips
Most of Yokohama’s major tourist attractions are concentrated in the central wards, particularly Naka, Nishi, and neighboring areas. The Yokohama Landmark Tower in Nishi Ward and the Minato Mirai complex represent major modern developments. For those seeking cultural experiences, the temples in Tsurumi Ward and historical sites in various wards offer insights into Japan’s heritage. Commuter wards like Kohoku and Aoba showcase modern suburban living and are less crowded alternatives to central attractions.
Transportation between wards is convenient via multiple railway lines, subway, and surface streets, making it easy to explore different neighborhoods during a visit.