Weather in Yokohama

Yokohama, just south of Tokyo, was one of the first Japanese ports opened to foreign trade in the 1850s, and that history shows in its sweeping waterfront promenades, the largest Chinatown in Japan, and a skyline of futuristic towers around Minato Mirai. It's an easy, relaxed counterpoint to central Tokyo - good for a harbourside walk, a ramen museum, and some of the country's best Chinese food.

Best areas to stay in Yokohama

Minato Mirai 21

Yokohama's futuristic waterfront district, with the Landmark Tower, a giant Ferris wheel and harbour-view parks.

Yokohama Chinatown

The largest Chinatown in Japan, packed with restaurants spanning Cantonese, Sichuan and other regional Chinese cuisines.

Yamashita Park & Bay Area

A long seafront park with views over the bay, cruise ships and the historic Hikawa Maru ocean liner.

Motomachi & Yamate

A stylish shopping street and historic foreign residential district with preserved Western-style houses on the hill above.

Getting to Yokohama

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Flights

Fly into Tokyo Haneda (HND), which has direct train connections to Yokohama in around 25 minutes, or Narita (NRT) with a longer transfer.

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From London

~12-13 hours total from London

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Getting around

Yokohama's subway, JR lines and a scenic waterfront monorail (Minato Mirai Line) connect the main districts easily.

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to visit Yokohama?

Spring and autumn are pleasant for walking the waterfront; the Cosmo World amusement park and harbour views are enjoyable year-round, including evenings when the towers light up.

How do I get to Yokohama from Tokyo?

Frequent trains from Tokyo and Shinagawa stations reach Yokohama in around 25-40 minutes, making it an easy day trip or short stay.

What is Yokohama known for?

Its historic port area, Japan's largest Chinatown, the Minato Mirai waterfront with its Ferris wheel and Landmark Tower, and the Cup Noodles Museum.

Is Yokohama worth an overnight stay?

It can work well as a quieter alternative base to Tokyo with good transport links, though most visitors treat it as a day trip.

What food should I try in Yokohama?

Chinatown offers a huge range of Chinese regional cuisines, while the city is also considered one of the birthplaces of modern ramen.

Traveler reviews

★★★★☆

Great day trip from Tokyo - the waterfront views from Landmark Tower are excellent and Chinatown has an amazing range of food, less hectic than central Tokyo.

Oliver T. · May 2024

★★★★☆

The Cup Noodles Museum is more fun than it sounds, and the harbour area lit up at night with the Ferris wheel is really photogenic.

Mika S. · January 2024

★★★☆☆

Pleasant but felt a bit like a smaller Tokyo - worth a half day if you've already covered the main Tokyo sights, not essential if time is tight.

Greg P. · September 2023