Yokohama (横浜) is a port city in Kanagawa Prefecture, located about 30 minutes from Tokyo Station via JR Tokaido or Sobu Line. It’s a popular day-trip destination thanks to its easy access and scenic waterfront views.
Language note: The word 横浜 (Yokohama) breaks down as:
- 横 (よこ/yoko) = side, horizontal
- 浜 (はま/hama) = beach
This gives the city its name, evoking images of open, horizontal seascapes—which you’ll actually experience while walking around.
Must-Visit Spots
① Minato Mirai (みなとみらい)
This iconic waterfront area features the Landmark Tower, shopping malls, a giant Ferris wheel, ropeway, and museums.
- みなと (港) = port
- みらい (未来) = future
📌 Note: The word みらい (mirai) often appears in ads or slogans to give a dreamy, futuristic vibe.
Example: 「未来にタイムスリップ！」 (Travel into the future!)
② Yokohama Chinatown (中華街)
The largest Chinatown in Japan, where you can enjoy dishes like dim sum, tantanmen (spicy noodles), and mapo tofu. Great for both full meals and snacks.
📝 Common menu items:
| Japanese | Meaning | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 五目炒飯 | Mixed fried rice | 五目 = “five items” → means “variety” |
| 麻婆豆腐 | Mapo tofu | Phonetic borrowing from Chinese |
📌 Tip: Japanese menus often use kanji-only or non-English names, so some reading skills can help.
③ Yamashita Park (山下公園)
A relaxing seaside park ideal for walks with a great ocean view. Nearby, the historic ship “Hikawa Maru” is docked.
- Common local phrase: 海沿い (うみぞい) = along the sea
You’ll see expressions like: 「海沿いを歩く」(Walk along the seaside).
④ Cup Noodles Museum
An interactive museum run by Nissin, where you can make your own custom cup noodles!
- Useful word: 体験 (たいけん) = hands-on experience
Example: 「カップラーメン作り体験」 (Cup noodle-making experience)
🧒 Great for kids and tourists alike!
Getting There
From Tokyo or Shinjuku Station, take the JR Tokaido Line, Sobu Line, or Yokosuka Line directly to Yokohama Station.
📌 Look for signs with のりかえ (乗り換え) = transfer/change trains
- 乗る (のる) = to ride
- 換える (かえる) = to switch
English signs are widely available, so transfers are easy to manage.
Handy Words You Might See
| Japanese | English | Usage |
|---|---|---|
| 打ち上げ | Fireworks / After-party | Fireworks show or a gathering after an event |
| 観覧車 | Ferris wheel | Iconic in Minato Mirai |
| 桟橋 (さんばし) | Pier / Dock | Near Yamashita Park |
| ご利用の際は〜 | When using… | Polite phrase in public notices |
Common Signs You’ll Encounter
- 「出口はこちら」= This way to the exit
- 「立入禁止」= Do not enter
- 「エレベーターをご利用ください」= Please use the elevator
- 「観覧車のりば」= Ferris wheel boarding area
Language tip: Short and formulaic signs like these are ideal reading practice for beginners!
Final Tip
Yokohama feels less like a bustling city and more like an open, slower-paced space. Even on a short visit, paying attention to menus, signs, and station boards can turn your trip into a natural Japanese study session.
Bonus Travel Insights
| Situation | Tip |
|---|---|
| 🚌 Getting Around | The “Akai Kutsu (赤いくつ)” city bus is great for moving between tourist areas like Minato Mirai, Yamashita Park, and Chinatown. |
| 🛍️ Local Shopping | Big malls near Yokohama Station (JOINUS, SOGO, LUMINE) are mostly for locals—not tourists. |
| 🥬 Budget Eats | Try the Isezakicho (伊勢佐木町) shopping street—cheap, authentic, and local. |
| 🧺 Hidden Gems | Walk 10 mins from tourist zones like Minato Mirai, and prices drop significantly. Bashamichi (馬車道) has many local cafés. |
| 🚇 Transit Tips | Besides JR, Yokohama also has many private railway lines (e.g., Minato Mirai Line). Suica / PASMO cards work well across systems. |
Local Secrets & Culture Spots
| Hidden Gem | What’s Special |
|---|---|
| Sky Garden (Landmark Tower) | Free on your birthday; rainy days mean fewer people—ideal for quiet night views. |
| MARINE & WALK | Trendy Instagram spot by the sea, but on weekdays it’s a haven for freelancers—laptop-friendly terrace cafés. |
| Kishamichi (汽車道) | Instead of using the train, walk this direct route from Yokohama Station to Minato Mirai—scenic and peaceful. |
| Nihon Odori Area | Historic buildings and government offices; locals visit on weekends to watch wedding photoshoots. |
| Central Market | Occasionally open to public on Saturdays—cheap seafood and unknown to most tourists. |
| Yokohama Station “North Exit” | Western (sea-side) exit is for tourists, but the North exit is a local zone—markets, bookstores, ¥500 lunches. |
Try These Combinations!
| Weather / Mood | Itinerary |
|---|---|
| Rainy day | Sky Garden or MARINE & WALK terrace cafés |
| Solo travel | North Exit → local market → Yamashita Park bench |
| Avoid crowds | Walk via Kishamichi instead of riding trains |
| Weekend fun | Visit Nihon Odori for scenic wedding photo walks |
LANGLOBE Official - English, Japanese & Languages（英語・日本語中心の語学ブランド） 