A trip to Yokahama — Japan’s second largest city, is a trip to one of the best cities in the world that never fails to entice visitors with its scenic beauty, modern lifestyle, architectural delights, and vivacity mingled with the mesmerizing Japanese culture. And though the city somehow pales in comparison to neighboring Tokyo for sheer quantity of sightseeing options, however, there are more than a handful of fascinating sites and attractions worth a visit, showcasing a pretty picture of this destination.
Minato Mirai 21
A new urban development overlooking the Yokohama Bay and best described as a blend of skyscrapers, shopping streets, museums, promenade and historical sites, the majestic Minato Mirai 21 is an absolute must-see in Yokohama with much to offer its visitors, especially those who enjoy scenic views from majestic edifices. This is where visitors will find Yokohama Landmark Tower – Japan’s highest building, from where visitors can enjoy breathtaking views over the Yokohama city, as well as Mt. Fuji and Yokohama Bay on a clear day. The cost to get to the top is only 1,000 yen per person.
The area is also home to Japan’s biggest Chinatown with hundreds of shopping and dining venues, offering authentic Chinese cuisine and wares, as well as a myriad of attractions, including a convention center, a relaxation center with hot spring baths, museums and park space, not to mention the stunning Kantei-byo temple (built in 1873) and Daska, a popular theme park that evokes the feeling of Shanghai in the 1920s. It’s truly enjoyable to walk around Chinatown and observe how Chinese culture is blended into Japanese. The district is within easy reach of the present capital Tokyo, and the ancient capital of Kamakura.
Harbor View Hill Park
Ideally nestled atop a hill, the striking Harbor View Park welcomes romantics and nature lovers looking for a tranquil getaway. Here visitors can enjoy pleasant views of harbor and Yokohama Bay, walk through the fabulous rose garden and watch ships passing in and out of the harbor.
Yokohama Zoo Zoorasia
The city of Yokohama is also family-friendly with many zoos and amusement parks sure to delight every member of the family. One of the most popular zoos in the city is Zoorasia, housing animals such as douc langurs, koalas and Vietnamese pheasants you can rarely see in American zoos. Visitors here will find several climatic zones, including a Japanese mountain village.
Yokohama Cosmo World
Boasting a nice setting in Minato Mirai, with a central canal running right through the middle, Cosmo World is a popular amusement park in the city, featuring a wealth of action-packed rides and numerous attractions, along with a cool simulation theatre and a roller coaster that plummets out of sight into eater. However, the highlight of the park remains the amazing Ferris wheel, which is considered one of the largest on the planet. The park is open from 11:00am to 10:00pm daily (seasonal variations apply).
Shin-Yokohama Ramen Museum
Even if you visit the city for a short trip, make sure to be in the amazing Ramen Museum, a unique Japanese noodle museum with a history museum and 9 ramen restaurants from all around Japan, each famous for its mild broth and sharp flavor. The entry fee is 300 yen.
Sankei-en Garden
The spectacularly beautiful expansive grounds of Sankei-en garden in Honmoku, Yokohama are one of Japan’s top spots of scenic natural beauty. Sprawling across approximately 175,000 square meters, this authentic garden is famed for its seasonal plum blossoms, cherry blossoms and azaleas. Within the garden visitors will find 17 buildings designated as cultural properties, which showcase the interweaving of historical buildings with natural seasonal gardens. The Rinshukaku villa with paintings by Kano-school masters is well-worth a note.
Sky Walk
A fantastic walkway designated exclusively for pedestrians on Yokohama Bay Bridge, Sky Walk is also in the list of the city’s best tourist attractions. Starting at the Sky Tower on Daikoku Pier and continuing along over 315 meters of the Yokohama Bay Bridge, Sky Walk leads to a circular observatory, known as the Sky Lounge, from where visitors can enjoy a magnificent 360-drgree view of Yokohama and beyond.
There is nothing to dislike about Yokohama. It’s a truly interesting and welcoming city with no shortage of things to do and see. It’s worth noting that along with Singapore (Singapore), Munich (Germany), Copenhagen (Denmark) and Tsukuba, Yokohama is included in the list of top 5 cities with the best infrastructure.
The best way to experience the best of the city is to take a leisurely guided tour of the city. Checking some of the many museums of the city and interacting with locals, will help you to get acquainted with the city’s history and culture.