There are many places to visit in Japan and it can be difficult to choose just one. Check out our article on Yokohama to help you make a decision.

There are so many exciting places that you can visit in Japan, that it can seem impossible to choose just one. If you would like to stay near Tokyo but experience a slightly lesser-known part of Japan, you can try Yokohama. It is near Tokyo and has many famous places to see. It has a large number of activities to enjoy and great places to experience. We will look at some of the top places to visit in Yokohama and some of the activities you can join in.

Minato Mirai

Minato Mirai has become the city center of Yokohama. It was originally a large shipping yard in the 1800s and was eventually transformed into the city center it is today. Since it was a harbor, it is positioned next to the water and has many things for visitors to enjoy. There are shopping centers, an amusement park, hotels, a large convention center, hot springs, museums, and relaxation areas. You can see a clear view of the Yokohama skyline as well as the large Ferris wheel. There is enough here to keep you busy for multiple days, and it is close to Tokyo.

Chinatown

This is the largest of Japan’s big three Chinatowns and it has become a featured attraction for the city. There are many events in the area and it has some of the best restaurants to get traditional Chinese food.

Yokohama Chinatown began in 1859 while the harbor was still in operation and the area has shifted from predominantly residential to more business-oriented.

There are four main gates to enter the area and five more gates in the main area. There are stores to buy souvenirs and other local items to take home, but the main reason to visit the area is the food. It is easy to find the gates as they stand out against the rest of their surroundings. They are also near some of the more popular areas of the city.

Cup Noodles Museum

One of the biggest attractions of the area is the Cup Noodle Museum. Visitors can enter and see the visual timeline of the Cup Noodle company and its products. You can also view new artwork that is meant to show the company’s approach to making new products.

One of the most popular attractions is the ability to make your cup ramen that you can take home and eat. Since it is so popular, you will need to make a reservation beforehand. There is a large kids section that allows children to play in a small version of the factory and they sell small portioned foods as well.

Yamashita Park

This is a large open park with its standout attraction being a large ship off the shore. It used to be a large liner that had rooms that would bring in wealthy families, but it has since been retired and now serves as a museum. You can visit the Yokohama Marine Tower and get a full 360 view of the area. The path that runs along the water’s edge sees many visitors walking among it. There are nice views of the city as well as the ocean. The park has a large number of fountains and statues for people to enjoy as well.

Ramen Museum

This is an entire museum dedicated to the tasty noodle dish that was first introduced to Japan from China. The museum follows the history of ramen from its introduction to Japan to when the instant noodles were first invented.

There is a full replica of an old Japanese town that saw ramen rise in popularity and it contains seven ramen restaurants that you can try. A special feature is the mini ramen that allows visitors to try the different stalls’ ramen. It is a short walk from Shin-Yokohama station and is a great place to experience one of the most popular dishes in Japan.

Hakkejima

Hakkejima is located on a small island off of Yokohama and can be reached by train. Visitors are allowed to use the park and its facilities for free. You only pay to enjoy the attractions and the aquarium. They have many aquatic attractions there like a lagoon and dolphin show. The Pleasure Island part of the park has attractions like the surf coaster, merry-go-round, and the blue fall.

Sankeien Gardens

This famous garden has had multiple historic buildings transported to its grounds. It is a picturesque area that has small ponds and a river that runs through it. It was opened to the public in 1904 and has seen an influx of people over the years.

These were just a few areas that we recommend you see if you consider Yokohama as your travel destination. They are great places for the entire family or a simple couples’ getaway. There are other smaller spots you can visit in Yokohama, and if you ever want a little more to do, you can always take a train into Tokyo. But Yokohama is a beautiful and vibrant city that can entertain anyone.