20 Things To Do in Yokohama

Yokohama is a large and vibrant city just south of Tokyo, with a population of over 3.7 million. Japan’s second-largest city is an economic and cultural hub. It was one of Japan’s first open ports, which has driven the city’s development. After opening its port to foreign trade in 1859, Yokohama transformed into a diverse and cosmopolitan city known for its rich cultural heritage, unique cuisine and lovely natural surroundings.

Explore museums, temples and parks or enjoy the sights and sounds of the city’s bustling streets. Yokohama is a city that has a lot to offer, from strolling along a promenade to watching an intriguing Kabuki performance. From exciting activities to popular attractions, there are lots of fun things to do in Yokohama that will make your visit unforgettable.

Yokohama, Japan

20 Things To Do in Yokohama

1- Take A Walk Along The Kishamichi Promenade

The picturesque Kishamichi Promenade is a 500-metre walkway in Yokohama, stretching from Sakuragicho Station to Yokohama World Porters Mall.

While strolling along this beautiful seaside walkway, you’ll enjoy a spectacular view of Yokohama Bay and the modern Minato Mirai 21 skyline.

Minato Mirai is a massive redevelopment area with the Cosmo World amusement park, several shopping centres and the second-tallest building in Japan, Landmark Tower.

The Kishamichi Promenade is also home to food vendors and souvenir shops, where you’ll have fun sampling local delicacies and shopping for souvenirs.

Whether you’re looking to eat a tasty meal or take in stunning views, this promenade is a great place to spend an enjoyable evening in Yokohama.

Kishamichi Promenade is at 2 Chome-9 Shinko, Naka Ward, Yokohama, Kanagawa 231-0001.

Recommended tour: Yokohama Private Full-Day Tour

2- Attend A Show At The Yokohama Noh Theater

The Yokohama Noh Theater has earned a reputation as one of the top theatres in Japan, renowned for its blend of traditional performing arts and innovative productions as a result of international collaborations.

Expect to enjoy a mixture of Noh and Kyogen, two classical forms of drama considered among the world’s oldest performing arts.

Noh is a musical, dance-style performance, while Kyogen offers a comical theatrical experience rooted in Japanese tradition.

The theatre also has a museum showcasing Noh costumes, masks and artifacts, which you can explore on days when there are no performances.

If you’re looking for an immersive experience of tradition and a glimpse into history, the Yokohama Noh Theater is the place to go.

Yokohama Noh Theater is located at 27-2 Momijigaoka, Nishi Ward, Yokohama, Kanagawa 220-0044.

3- Go To A Game At Yokohama Stadium

Yokohama Stadium is the home field for the Yokohama DeNA BayStars baseball club.

The stadium has a seating capacity of around 30,000 and is designed with a unique aesthetic, including a retractable roof that allows games to be played regardless of weather conditions.

Yokohama stadium has become an iconic landmark in Yokohama, attracting thousands of fans annually for thrilling baseball games during the professional season, which runs from late March to October.

The stadium’s atmosphere is lively, with fans singing the team song and launching rocket balloons into the sky to show their support for the team’s victory.

If you can’t make it to a game, the stadium offers guided tours on non-game days, allowing you to explore the field and locker rooms and learn more about the stadium and the team.

The Yokohama Stadium is located at Yokohamakoen, Naka Ward, Yokohama, Kanagawa 231-0022.

4- Visit The Shin-Yokohama Ramen Museum

The Shin-Yokohama Ramen Museum is the world’s first food-themed amusement park dedicated to the history and regional variations of ramen.

With its design inspired by a food court from the Showa era, you are transported back in time as they explore the museum’s exhibits and interactive displays.

There are different regional styles of ramen in Japan.

Popular ramen types include Tonkotsu ramen, a pork broth that originated in Fukuoka, and Wakayama ramen, made with soy sauce and pork bones from the Kansai region.

The Yokohama region is particularly famous for its ie-kei ramen, which features thick, straight noodles in a soy-flavoured pork broth with various toppings.

Taste various types of ramen at the nine different ramen shops within the museum.

Each shop serves a different style of ramen from a different region of Japan, allowing you to explore and compare this popular dish’s diverse flavours and variations.

The Shin-Yokohama Ramen Museum is located at 2 Chome-14-21 Shinyokohama, Kohoku Ward, Yokohama, Kanagawa 222-0033.

5- Visit The Yokohama Cup Noodles Museum

The Yokohama Cup Noodles Museum in Japan is focused on the history of instant noodles, Cup Noodles, and their inventor and founder, Momofuku Ando.

This museum provides insight into the history of instant noodles and Cup Noodles through exhibits and interactive activities.

You can experience the art of making chicken ramen through a hands-on workshop and personalise your cup noodles by selecting a range of soup and topping options.

The museum also showcases a sweeping 58-metre (190 ft) panorama with pictures and illustrations to offer a glimpse into the life of Momofuku Ando.

Enter a recreated version of Momofuku’s Work Shed, the birthplace of Chicken Ramen and the world’s first instant ramen, to experience the atmosphere of this historic location where a culinary revolution began.

The Yokohama Cup Noodles Museum is at 2 Chome-3-4 Shinko, Naka Ward, Yokohama, Kanagawa 231-0001.

Recommended tour: 2-hour Japanese Food Tour

6- Enjoy The Views From The Yokohama Landmark Tower

Yokohama Landmark Tower is a massive complex building in the Minato Mirai 21 district of Yokohama.

At 296 metres (972 feet), it is the second-tallest building in Japan and the tallest in Yokohama.

The tower has offices, a hotel and a shopping mall.

You can access the Sky Garden observation deck on the 69th floor in less than 40 seconds via Japan’s fastest elevator to enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view of the city.

The view is exceptionally breathtaking at night.

The Yokohama Landmark Tower is at 2 Chome-2-1 Minatomirai, Nishi Ward, Yokohama, Kanagawa 220-0012.

7- Explore The Yokohama Hakkeijima Sea Paradise

Off the coast of South Yokohama, the Yokohama Hakkeijima Sea Paradise is a unique amusement park and aquarium where you can immerse yourself in the world of marine life.

The island is accessible by a ferry and open to the public for free, allowing visitors to explore its parks, stroll along its promenades, shop at the various stores, eat in excellent restaurants and enjoy the scenery.

The park also has a range of activities and attractions.

A popular highlight is its Aqua Resorts, where you can see marine species like exotic tropical fish and dolphins in an arch-shaped pool with a walk-through tunnel.

Another popular attraction is Pleasure Land, a theme park with exciting rides and attractions such as the Blue Fall (a heart-pumping free-fall experience from 107 meters), Surf Coaster roller coaster with a loop over the sea and the Merry-go-round. This lovely carousel becomes even more enchanting when it’s lit up in the evenings.

Hakkeijima Sea Paradise is at Hakkeijima, Kanazawa Ward, Yokohama, Kanagawa 236-0006.

8- Explore The Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse

Located on Yokohama Bay, the Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse is a historic building that has been transformed into a thriving commercial complex.

Built in 1911, it consists of two buildings initially designed as a customs house and a storage facility for goods traded through Yokohama.

The warehouse has undergone several renovations, but its historical significance and architectural style have remained intact.

The complex houses shops, restaurants and event spaces, offering something for everyone.

You can browse unique boutiques, sample delicious local cuisine, and attend concerts, exhibitions and other cultural events.

Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse is at 1 Chome-1 Shinko, Naka Ward, Yokohama, Kanagawa 231-0001.

9- Stroll Through Sankeien Garden

Once owned by wealthy silk merchant Tomitaro Hara this vast classical Japanese garden opened to the public in 1906 and offers enchantment for every season.

A stroll through Sankeien Garden is a peaceful experience and a feast for the eyes, with bridges, streams, small waterfalls, bamboo groves and ponds scattered in the garden.

The garden is home to historical buildings, such as the Sankei Memorial Hall, a traditional Japanese mansion that used to be the residence of Tomitaro Hara.

Take a leisurely walk and enjoy the natural beauty and serenity of the garden, tea garden and Japanese tea houses.

Sankeien Garden is at 58-1 Honmokusannotani, Naka Ward, Yokohama, Kanagawa 231-0824. Book a private full day tour to discover the garden and other sights.

10- Admire The Displays At The Yokohama Doll Museum

The Yokohama Doll Museum is a distinctive museum that showcases an intriguing collection of dolls from all over the world.

The museum’s collection includes dolls from more than 100 countries, including ethnic dolls and traditional Japanese dolls made by famous doll makers.

Admire displays of traditional Japanese dolls, such as hina dolls that play a role during the Hinamatsuri festival and kokeshi dolls made in North-East Japan.

European dolls, such as porcelain dolls from Germany and France, are also on display.

Yokohama Doll Museum is at 〒231-0001 Kanagawa-ken, Yokohama-shi, Naka-ku, Tsuruya-cho, 17-1.

11- Visit The Nogeyama Zoological Gardens

The Nogeyama Zoological Gardens, also known as the Yokohama Zoo, opened in 1951 as the city’s first zoo.

It houses animals – such as tuften capuchin, kagu, penguins and red pandas – housed in enclosures designed to mimic the animals’ natural habitats.

The zoo also has interactive exhibits, such as the Nakayoshi area, where children can freely interact with smaller animals, and educational programmes, such as a ‘Night Zoo’ during summer.

Nogeyama Zoological Gardens is at 63-10 Oimatsucho, Nishi Ward, Yokohama, Kanagawa 220-0032.

12- Visit Yokohama Cosmo World

In the heart of the vibrant Minato Mirai 21 district, the Yokohama Cosmo World is an exciting and entertaining destination for visitors of all ages.

A main attraction of the park is the Cosmo Clock 21, the world’s largest clock-style Ferris wheel.

With a diameter of 110 meters, the Ferris wheel offers riders a panoramic view of the city during a 15-minute ride.

Four of the 60 gondolas have transparent walls and floors, giving riders the feeling of floating in the air.

There are exciting rides, an extensive selection of game booths and various food options, making it the perfect place to spend a day filled with fun and adventure.

Yokohama Cosmo World is at 2 Chome-8-1 Shinko, Naka Ward, Yokohama, Kanagawa 231-0001.

13- Discover The Vibrant Culture Of Yokohama Chinatown

Yokohama Chinatown is in the heart of the city and one of Japan’s largest and most vibrant Chinatowns.

The lively streets of this Chinatown are filled with Chinese shops selling traditional items alongside restaurants and food stalls that serve authentic Chinese food.

This Chinatown also hosts various events and festivals throughout the year, including the Chinese New Year, the Lantern Festival and the Yokohama Chinatown Chinese Festival.

These festivals offer a fantastic opportunity to immerse oneself in Chinese culture and tradition, with highlights such as lion dances, dragon dances, and traditional Chinese music performances.

The Kanteibyo Temple is dedicated to the Chinese god of business and prosperity.

This Chinatown is worth visiting for a break from Japanese food and culture.

Yokohama Chinatown is at Yamashitacho, Naka Ward, Yokohama, Kanagawa 231-0023.

14- Visit The Yokohama Port Museum

The Yokohama Port Museum is dedicated to the history and culture of the port of Yokohama, one of Japan’s most important ports.

With a range of exhibits and interactive displays, the museum offers a glimpse into the port’s history through models and images, a virtual reality theatre for a captivating port experience, and even a hands-on gantry crane simulator.

The museum also has a section that focuses on the Port of Yokohama’s international exchange, with a display of photos and commemorative gifts.

You can snap a souvenir photo in front of scenic backdrops of different ports.

For those interested in a more immersive experience, the museum is next to the Nippon Maru museum ship, another attraction that showcases the maritime history of Japan.

Visiting these attractions together is an interesting way to spend a few hours.

The Yokohama Port Museum is at 2 Chome-1-1 Minatomirai, Nishi Ward, Yokohama, Kanagawa 220-0012.

15- Stroll Through Yamashita Park

Yamashita Park is a popular park stretching along Yokohama’s waterfront.

In 1930, the park was a recovery project after the 1923 Great Kanto Earthquake.

Yamashita Park offers a scenic promenade along the water with a flower garden housing 400 plants of 60 varieties.

This is where locals gather to enjoy the stunning bay views and watch passing ships.

The park is adorned with art pieces and statues and houses the historic Hikawamaru, a former cargo and passenger ship.

It’s perfect for outdoor activities like biking, rollerblading, and jogging, and there’s a playground and children’s park, making it ideal for families.

It is open year-round and a great place to relax, soak up the sun, or take a stroll, offering a respite from frantic city life.

Yamashita Park is at 279 Yamashitacho, Naka Ward, Yokohama, Kanagawa 231-0023.

16- Shop In Yokohama Motomachi Shopping Street

Yokohama Motomachi Shopping Street is a popular shopping destination with a variety of shops, from high-end brands to local brand stores, restaurants, cafes and souvenir shops.

It also has a historic ambience, being one of the city’s oldest and most charming neighbourhoods.

Many buildings on the street are over a century old and have been converted into museums and art galleries.

The street holds the Motomachi Charming Sale in February and September, where Motomachi-original brand products go on sale for discounted prices attracting shoppers from all over Japan.

Yokohama Motomachi Shopping Street is at 〒231-0861 Kanagawa, Yokohama, Naka Ward, Motomachi, 1 Chome−8.

17- Explore The Nissan Global Headquarters Gallery

The Nissan Global Headquarters Gallery is the global headquarters of the Nissan Motor Company.

The gallery is open to the public and is an excellent destination for anyone interested in cars and technology.

The gallery’s first floor displays Nissan’s portfolio of vehicles, including current and past models (electric, hybrid, autonomous, classic, and vintage).

The cars on display offer a fascinating glimpse into the company’s evolution and commitment to innovation through sleek designs, cutting-edge technology and advanced features.

In addition to the vehicles on display, the gallery has various interactive exhibits and educational activities that explore the company’s technology, history and products.

There’s a wealth of information about the history of Nissan, from the company’s origins and its journey over the years to the present day.

The Nissan Global Headquarters Gallery is at 〒220-8686 Kanagawa, Yokohama, Nishi Ward, Takashima, 1 Chome-1-1 1F.

18- Relax And Rejuvenate In An Onsen

Japanese Onsens are known for their therapeutic benefits and are a popular destination for relaxation and rejuvenation.

A visit to an Onsen is a relaxing experience and an opportunity to immerse oneself in traditional Japanese culture.

Experience the benefits of an Onsen in Yokohama by visiting popular destinations like Raku Spa Tsurumi and Spa Eas.

Raku Spa Tsurumi offers options like bubble baths, jet baths, carbonated baths and electric current baths.

You can enjoy a unique aroma sauna and relaxation treatments like stone spas, massages, facials and acupuncture at Spa Eas.

Manyo-Club is another notable spa facility offering various hot springs like sodium chloride springs, sulphur springs, and radium springs, each with distinct properties and benefits.

One unique feature is the top floor, “ashiyu”, where you can soak your feet and watch the city, including Mt. Fuji, on clear days.

19- Shop And Dine At Yokohama World Porters

Yokohama World Porters in the Minato Mirai 21 district is an extensive shopping, dining, and entertainment complex with six themed floors.

The mall has a supermarket, several shops, and numerous dining options, including restaurants, cafes and food courts.

There’s also a movie theatre, an arcade and a rooftop garden, making it an ideal destination for those looking to take a break from shopping.

The mall’s convenient location, varied offerings and modern facilities make it an excellent choice for a fun day with friends or family.

Yokohama World Porters is at 2 Chome-2-1 Shinko, Naka Ward, Yokohama, Kanagawa 231-0001.

20- Visit the Soji-ji Temple 

Soji-ji Temple is a Buddhist temple in the Tsurumi area and one of the two main temples of the Soto Zen sect.

Soto Zen is one of the main types of Zen Buddhism in Japan and this is one of the largest Zen training centres in Japan.

The temple has a grand ambience, with beautiful grounds housing a large pond surrounded by lush green gardens.

There are several Japanese-style temple buildings, with the main hall being the largest and the centre for religious activities.

Take a guided tour in English to learn about the temple’s history and the Soto Zen sect of Buddhism.

You may also want to take Zen meditation classes led by experienced Zen monks.

Soji-ji Temple Yokohama is at 2 Chome-1-1 Tsurumi, Tsurumi Ward, Yokohama, Kanagawa 230-8686.

For more about Japan, read: