Japan is an island country of East Asia in the northwest Pacific Ocean, known worldwide for its traditional arts, including tea ceremonies, calligraphy and flower arranging.
The country has a legacy of distinctive gardens, sculpture and poetry. Japan is home to more than a dozen UNESCO World Heritage sites and is the birthplace of sushi.
The second largest city in Japan with a population of over three million and one of the most internationalized areas in the country, is Yokohama.
It is far beyond picturesque sights, bayside attractions, hilly neighborhoods and mix of architectural styles.
Yokohama's port was one of the first to be opened to foreign trade in 1859, which helped Yokohama to quickly grow from a small fishing village into one of Japan's major cities.
Wondering where to start with in this beautiful city of Japan?? Here’s our Top 10 picks for activities and destinations in our favorite city by the bay.
#1. Chinatown
It is one of the largest and cleanest Chinatown in the world with over 150 years of history and more than 500 restaurants and shops.
From Chinese food to clothing, handicrafts to temples you’ll find it all here.
Encompassing 175,000 square meters of space and 17 historic buildings, this traditional Japanese garden was established in 1906.
#2. Sankeien Garden
Sankeien features ponds, streams, winding paths and beautiful architecture, all of which make for a relaxing and peaceful day out.
#3. Cup Noodles Museum
Ever thought of creating your own unique ramen by mixing and matching various soups and ingredients in an iconic cup noodles package?
This kooky interactive museum, allows your kids to so and imagine themselves going through the noodle production process at the cup noodles Park.
#4. Minato Mirai
Minato Mirai has over 600 shops, more than 200 restaurants, a theme park with some nail-biting rides that also provide fantastic seaside views.
Hotels, a convention center, and Yokohama Landmark Tower, ‘Minato Mirai’ is Yokohama’s central hub for everything from business to shopping and tourism.
#5. Yokohama Cosmo World
This amusement park located in Minato Mirai has, 112.5 meter-high Ferris wheel with seats for 480 passengers, roller coasters (one that plunges into a pool of water), and a log raft ride.
There are also several children’s attractions, plenty of food stalls and both indoor and outdoor game areas.
#6. Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse
Red Brick Warehouse is divided in 2 buildings, one includes a concert and performance hall and a handful of artisanal shops, including a glass workshop and pottery and silk shops.
The 2nd one houses approximately 40 shops and restaurants. An ice skating rink erected each winter is popular with both families and couples.
#7. Shin-Yokohama Ramen Museum
This food hall dedicated to ramen has various shops spread across three floors which serve ramen from different regions of Japan.
Each using a different type of noodles, broth, and toppings. There is also a kitchen in which customers can create their own ramen combinations.
#8. Yamashita Park
Unlike the traditional Japanese gardens of Sankeien, Yamashita Park is full of manicured lawns and European-style garden areas, as well as various statues, monuments and fountains.
It stretches nearly 700 meters along the waterfront and entrance is free & open to the public, making it the perfect place to rest and recuperate after a long day of sightseeing.
#9. Kirin Yokohama Beer Village
Yokohama has a rich history of beers. Kirin’s beer factory is a major commercial brewery where visitors can know about the history and production of beer.
The tour ends with a tasting of freshly brewed beer, and visitors can then choose to stick around for a meal or drink at the restaurant or pub area.
#10. Yokohama Hakkeijima Sea Paradise
Sea Paradise is an amusement park that is also home to one of Japan’s top aquariums. Over 500 varieties of fish and a total of 100,000 sea creatures on display.
With an undersea viewing tunnel providing a unique perspective. The park also has rides, including a large carousel and a roller coaster that takes passengers out over the water.
“The whole of Japan is a pure invention. There is no such country, there are no such people... The Japanese people are... simply a mode of style, An exquisite fancy of art.” - Oscar Wilde