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Things to do in  Yokohama

Second-largest, not second-rate

Yokohama is Japan’s second-largest city, and while it is administratively and historically separate from Tokyo to its north, it’s essentially a southern extension of the sprawling capital. Easily accessible from Tokyo by train in under an hour, Yokohama makes a great day-trip destination or alternative base to central Tokyo. Even though you might not notice any border between the two cities, Yokohama does have a different feel: For a start, there’s the large Chinatown, and the skyline from the waterfront area, especially at night, is an impressive sight. There are many things to do in Yokohama, where second-largest certainly doesn’t mean second-rate.

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All about Yokohama

Local Currency
Japanese Yen (¥)
When to visit

Like much of the rest of Japan, the best times to visit Yokohama are the spring (March–May) and the fall (September–November), when temperatures are mild-to-warm and conditions mostly dry. Winters are cold, although snow is not too common in Yokohama, and summers are very hot and humid. In spring, visitors can admire the cherry blossoms and other spring flowers in Yokohama’s parks and gardens, while in fall, you can see the autumn leaves, even in this urban environment.

Getting around

Yokohama is very easy to get around. Many attractions are within walking distance of each other, but to travel further afield or save your energy, Yokohama’s trains, subway, and buses are quite easy to navigate. Day passes are available that let you use a hop-on, hop-off-type loop service around the main tourist attractions, but these can challenge non-Japanese speakers to navigate. Having change or a Suica/Pasmo card for payment can be easier.

Traveler tips

A highlight of visiting Yokohama is touring its Chinatown (Chukagai), the largest Chinatown in Japan and one of the largest in Asia. It’s easy to get there from central Tokyo: the quickest way is to take a direct train from Tokyo’s Shibuya Station to Yokohama Chinatown on the Tokyu Toyoko Line, which takes around 30 minutes. If possible, time your visit to Yokohama Chinatown to coincide with Chinese New Year (February–March), when the area is especially lively.

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People Also Ask
Q:Is it worth visiting Yokohama?
A:

Yes, Yokohama is worth visiting, especially for visitors to the greater Tokyo region who want to explore beyond Tokyo. Yokohama offers different sights and activities to Tokyo, with plenty to do.

Q:What is Yokohama best known for?
A:

Yokohama is famous as a port city near Tokyo and Japan’s second-largest city overall. In terms of tourist attractions, Yokohama is renowned for its vibrant Chinatown, the massive Yokohama Landmark Tower, and the Yokohama Cosmoworld Ferris wheel that is lit up with colorful lights at night.

Q:How many days do you need in Yokohama?
A:

One day in Yokohama is enough time to see and experience its main attractions, including Chinatown and the waterfront area where some of the city’s most prominent buildings are. Yokohama can be easily visited on a day trip from Tokyo. Three or more days are ideal for digging further into Yokohama’s culture and offbeat attractions.

Q:Is there a bullet train from Tokyo to Yokohama?
A:

Yes, a bullet train, the Tokaido Shinkansen, travels between Tokyo and Yokohama. The journey only takes around 20 minutes. However, because Yokohama is just south of Tokyo, taking a bullet train is unnecessary, as even local trains make the journey in 30-40 minutes.

Q:How many hours is it from Tokyo to Yokohama?
A:

Yokohama is less than an hour’s drive or train ride from Tokyo, depending on where in Tokyo you’re traveling from and which route or train line you take. Central Tokyo is around 18 miles (29 kilometers) north of Yokohama.

Q:Is Yokohama cheaper than Tokyo?
A:

No, Yokohama is not necessarily cheaper than Tokyo. It is a large city with various accommodations, dining, and activities, and prices are generally on par with Tokyo's. Whether on a small or a large budget, Yokohama and Tokyo have options to suit your needs.

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