This Yokohama Travel Guide helps you make the most of your day in the city. It features a well-crafted itinerary and a detailed budget for the trip.
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Introduction
To create room for the Tokyo Disney Park, I did not include Yokohama in my initial schedule for Japan. Owing to sold out Disney tickets, I had to take a detour in Yokohama, the second largest city in Japan.
Tokyo and Osaka receive more attention than the Harbour city. However, Yokohama’s expanse public spaces and breathtaking skyline make it a must-see city in Japan.
Yokohama is much more than just its upscale restaurants and lifestyle shopping centers. Many places of historical importance in the city serve as reminders of the modest beginnings of this old town.
In addition, take in the expansive views of the city from above the Landmark Tower and Cosmo Clock 21 Ferris Wheel. And marvel at the transformation of this sleepy fishing village into a sophisticated port metropolis.
Yokohama Travel Guide Contents
- Quick Fact About Yokohama
- Visa in Japan
- Standard Time in Yokohama
- Climate in Yokohama
- Best Time to Visit Yokohama
- Language in Yokohama
- Currency in Yokohama
- Modes of Payment in Yokohama
- Ways of Getting to Yokohama
- Getting Around Yokohama
- Areas to Stay in Yokohama
- Internet in Yokohama
- Power Adaptor in Yokohama
- Yokohama Travel Guide Itinerary
- Budget for Yokohama Trip
- Travel Resources
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Quick Fact About Yokohama
In 1859, the Port of Yokohama opened its doors to international trade. Thus, foreign settlements were established in the harbor city, including Japan’s largest Chinatown.
Visa in Japan
Holders of foreign passports intending to visit Japan should contact the Embassy of Japan with regards to entry requirements. Otherwise, consult iVisa.com, a reputable and trusted visa service provider.
Philippine passport holders are required to apply for a tourist visa when traveling to Japan for tourism purposes. The Embassy of Japan does not accept in-person Japan visa applications. Thus, an accredited agency collects all the needed visa requirements.
On the other hand, travelers must undergo stringent immigration procedures before departure. Read ‘How to Avoid Getting Offloaded at Philippine Immigration?’
Standard Time in Yokohama
The Coordinated Universal Time, or UTC, in Yokohama is UTC +09:00.
Thus, Yokohama is an hour ahead of Manila, five hours ahead of Dubai, and seven hours ahead of Paris. Moreover, Yokohama is eight hours ahead of New York. Conversely, the city is two hours behind Sydney.
Climate in Yokohama
Yokohama has a warm temperate climate. It is hot and humid during the summers and slightly cold during the winters.
Best Time to Visit Yokohama
Yokohama is a year-round destination. However, the port city is more inviting during the spring and autumn. Experience the more charming Yokohama as cherry blossoms and the warm-shade leafage ornate its landscapes during its busiest seasons.
March to May
Like in many parts of Japan, the spring season in Yokohama starts from March to May. Hence, the best time to visit the city is for its pleasant weather and swarming cherry blossoms. Sakura trees thrive in mid-March and reach their fluorescence in April’s first week.
However, the city’s well-known attractions may likely be thronged by tourists, especially during Japan’s ‘Golden Week.’
Yokohama Travel Guide Tip: Japanese observe a national holiday or the ‘Golden Week.’ To avoid the crowd, skip this week-long holiday break from the last week of April until the first week of May.
June to August
The summer season in Yokohama happens from June until August. Visitors may experience a slight summer heat and rainfalls, especially in June and July – the wettest months.
September to November
The autumn season is also the best bet to visit Yokohama. Green foliage transfigured into a fiery-colored leafage, which adds to the city’s attractive atmosphere. Moreover, the season’s fair and cool weather is best for a stroll around the vast city.
December to February
Experience Yokohama’s wintry atmosphere in December, which lasts until February. Unlike in many portions of Japan, the city receives rare snow.
Language in Yokohama
Japanese is the widely spoken language in Yokohama and the rest of Japan. Most locals are not so conversant in English but are well-disposed and helpful. Visitors may approach them or their tourist information centers and rely on the metro’s English public signs for directions.
Here are essential Japanese words and phrases to learn before your trip to Yokohama, Japan.
- Ossu? – What’s up?
- Ii desu yo – It’s good
- O namae wa nan desu ka? – What is your name?
- Watashi no namae wa … desu – My name is..
- Yoroshiku onegai shimasu – Nice to meet you
- Tasukete – Help
- Kudasai – Please
- Chikatetsu wa doko desu ka? – Where is the subway?
- Soto – Outside
Currency in Yokohama
The Japanese yen, abbreviated as JPY, is the official currency in Japan. As of May 31, 2023, the exchange rate is JPY 1, PHP 0.40, or USD 0.0072.
Yokohama Travel Guide Tip: To save money, convert your currency to yen in downtown Yokohama, which offers better exchange rates. Or, convert enough cash at the destination’s airport to cover the fare to the city center.
Modes of Payment in Yokohama
Hard cash, debit and credit cards, and stored-value cards are accepted modes of payment in Yokohama.
Cash
Yokohama City remains a cash-oriented society. Most commercial facilities and establishments prefer cash transactions, especially purchases made in shops, convenience stores, and tourist attractions.
Bank Cards
In addition to cash, debit and credit cards are accepted in most upscale hotels, malls, and high-end restaurants in Osaka.
Transit Pass
Pay fares in Yokohama using IC or Integrated Circuit Card. This convenient and rechargeable smart card is also used in various modes of transport, like trains and buses. Moreover, the stored-value card is a payment option in select establishments and most vending machines in Yokohama.
Hence, using Suica and Pasmo smart cards are time and money-saving tools for navigating the city.
Yokohama Travel Guide Tip: A commuter pass can also be used as an alternative to cash for fares in Yokohama.
- The Yokohama-Minato Mirai Pass is an all-exclusive for the Japan Rails (JR). It grants unlimited access to local and rapid trains on the JR-East for one day.
- Otherwise, grab the Minato-Burari Pass, which offers one-day unlimited rides on municipal subways and city buses.
- Commuter passes, like Minato Mirai and Seaside Line, provide unlimited trips on the Minato Mirai and the Seaside Lines. These exclusive passes can be used for a day.
- Are you visiting Tokyo and far-off cities in Japan? Book JR Tokyo Wide Pass or JR Nationwide Pass instead.
Ways of Getting to Yokohama
Yokohama, Kanagawa’s prefectural capital, is located in the Kanto region on the island of Honshu. The port city has no dedicated airport. Hence, Japan’s major airports, such as Haneda, Narita, Chubu, and Kansai, are the entry points for international passengers.
Tokyo to Yokohama
Located south of Tokyo, Japan, Yokohama is about a 45-minute land journey from its nearest airport, Haneda International Airport in Tokyo. Passenger transports head toward Yokohama Station, like JR Kyuko and Keiko trains, airport limousines, shuttle services, and taxis.
Moreover, JR Airport Kyuko and Keikyu trains approach Shinagawa train station, a pitstop for Nozomi, Kodama, and Hikari. These bullet trains run to Shin-Yokohama for about ten minutes.
Chiba to Yokohama
Japan’s busiest, the Narita International Airport, is roughly an hour and thirty minutes journey to Yokohama Station. Narita Express, as well as airport limousines, and shuttles, run non-stop to Yokohama.
In addition, board the Narita Express to Tokyo Station and take one of the JR Shinkansen trains, approaching Shin-Yokohama in less than 20 minutes.
Nagoya to Yokohama
Aside from the more expensive flights and longer journeys via bus, boarding the train is the preferred method to reach Yokohama. Get in the Meitetsu Nagoya and JR Shinkansen Nozomi or Hikari trains toward Shin-Yokohama Station. The travel time between the two cities via rail is around two hours.
Osaka to Yokohama
If arriving from Kansai International Airport in Osaka, the travel time to Yokohama may require about eight hours via bus. However, opt for the fastest way to reach Yokohama via high-speed train, JR Shinkansen Nozomi. The bullet train runs between these two cities for about three hours.
Moreover, direct flights are also serviceable in Osaka’s Kansai and Itami airports bound for Narita and Haneda.
Getting Around Yokohama
Top tourist attractions in Yokohama are in the central areas, such as Minato Mirai 21 and Chinatown. Although both are walkable to each other, the city has a variety of reliable public transport for added convenience.
Train
Yokohama and Shin-Yokohama are the two major rail stations in Yokohama. The former station is closer to many attractions, while the latter has only a few. However, Shin-Yokohama Station serves as the stop-off point of the JR Tokaido Shinkansen Line, which runs between Osaka and Tokyo.
Moreover, the two municipal subway lines run across the metro; the blue and green lines. Japan’s second longest subway line, Blue Line, has 32 stations, which run to various tourist attractions. It also links the two main rail hubs in Yokohama.
The minimum fare for adults is JPY 210, PHP 84.60, or USD 1.50, while discounted tickets are offered to children. Otherwise, use the Suica and Pasmo smartcards or Minato-Burari Pass for all-day subway use.
Bus
Another convenient means of getting around Yokohama is through the city and tourist buses. Most municipal buses depart at the Yokohama Station’s east and west exits and follow specific routes.
Sightseeing buses are intended for tourists for ease of access to several tourist sights and attractions. Hence, get on the ‘Akai Kutsu’ Bus – an old-fashioned-styled red bus, and ‘Burari Bus,’ which circumvents central Yokohama.
The minimum fare is JPY 220, PHP 88.63, or USD 1.57 for adults, while children are offered discounts. Municipal buses are covered in the Minato-Burari Pass.
Taxi
A convenient yet expensive mode of getting around Yokohama is riding a taxi. Hailing a cab is not a problem as taxis are plentiful in the city.
At the train station’s exits are cabstands where taxis are lining up while awaiting their turn to fetch passengers. The flat-rate taxi fare for four-seaters is JPY 730, PHP 294.17, or USD 5.22 for the first 2 kilometers. And an additional JPY 90, PHP 36.27, or USD 0.64 for every succeeding 293 meters.
Boat
Yokohama Sea Bass is a water bus service that can be an alternative to the more expensive sightseeing cruise. From its ferry terminal in Bay Quarter at the east exit of the Yokohama Station, the sea bass makes three stop-offs.
While traversing to Minato Mirai, Akarenga, or Yamashita Park, behold the metro’s skyline from Yokohama Bay. Moreover, it is more stunning at night as waterfront buildings are illuminated.
Yokohama Sea Bass departs every 30 minutes, from 10:00 a.m. till 7:00 p.m. Fare starts at JPY 360.00, PHP 145.07, or USD 2.57 for each way. Children are granted a 50% fare discount.
Bicycle
In a city with expansive public spaces, such as Yokohama, riding a bicycle or an e-bike is a pleasurable option for getting around. Electric bikes are available for rentals in downtown Yokohama and offer a one-day tourist pass or membership plan.
Areas to Stay in Yokohama
Yokohama is composed of 18 wards. And most accommodations are in the central areas such as Naka, Nishi, and Kohoku. Spend in these neighborhoods to get closer to the metro’s most tourist attractions, shopping and dining places, and main train stations. Here are the best areas to stay in Yokohama:
Minato Mirai 21
Located in Nishi ward, Minato Mirai 21, or ‘Port of the Future,’ is Yokohama’s central business district. This ultramodern neighborhood with an imposing skyline is home to upmarket shopping malls, attractions, and lavish hotels.
Similar to the downtown Marina in Singapore, accommodations are a bit expensive. However, staying in one of its first-rate hotels gives closer access to the iconic landmarks in Yokohama. Yokohama Landmark Tower and Cosmo Clock 21 are among the must-see attractions in the Minato Mirai 21.
Kannai
Located in Naka Ward, Kannai became the hub of foreign settlement when Yokohama opened to international trade. Hence, several western-architectures were built in the area. Thus, the largest Chinatown in Japan was established, the Yokohama Chukagai.
Kannai is a vibrant district with countless shops, cafès, and restaurants. Thus, a spot for endless shopping, food tours, and even nightlife in the city. Get closer to Yokohama Chinatown and Bashamichi Shopping Lane while staying in Kannai.
Yokohama Station
Surrounding the Yokohama Station are various hotels adjacent to the Yokohama’s main rail stations. Unlike Minato Mirai and Kannai, this hectic neighborhood offers a few attractions, however, shares top-notch shopping and dining experience.
Shin-Yokohama Station
Spend in hotels around the Shin-Yokohama Station for convenient intercity transfers. It is the Shinkansen’s pit stop in Yokohama, offering direct access to Tokyo, Osaka, and other parts of Japan.
Before leaving Yokohama, visit the world’s first ramen-themed museum, the Shin-Yokohama Raumen Museum. It is around a 2-minute walk from Shin-Yokohama Station.
Internet in Yokohama
There are wifi-connection apps offered for free to foreign visitors and are accessible in various areas, such as airports and stations. Moreover, Yokohama provides free internet access within select locations in Minato Mirai 21.
Power Adaptor in Yokohama
Yokohama operates on a 100 V supply voltage with a frequency of 50 Hz and has two types of power adaptor:
- A or has two flat parallel pins
- B or has two flat parallel pins and a grounding pin
Explore the ‘Land of the Rising Sun’ in 9 days! But first, read the Osaka Travel Guide for a complete and comprehensive Japan itinerary.
Yokohama Travel Guide Itinerary
09:09 pm Arrival in Yokohama from Hakone
09:09 pm – 09:15 pm Head to accommodation
- From Yokohama Station
- Walk toward accommodation
09:15 pm – 10:30 pm Confirm reservation and check-in at Capsule Plus Yokohama Sauna & Capsule, and have dinner
10:30 pm Prepare and sleep
Day 1 - Minato Mirai 21
Yokohama Travel Guide Reminder: It takes roughly 750 meters to walk from point A to point B.
06:30 am – 07:40 am Wake up, prepare for the tour, have breakfast, check out, and drop off the luggage at the hotel
07:40 am – 08:00 am Head toward Yokohama Chinatown
- From Yokohama Station – Platform 3
- Take the JR Negishi Line toward Ofuna/ Isogo Station
- Alight at Ishikawacho Station
- Walk toward Yokohama Chinatown
08:00 am – 12:30 pm Explore Yokohama Chinatown and have breakfast and lunch
Yokohama Chinatown
Established in the 1800s when Japan opened its doors to foreign trade, Yokohama Chinatown, or ‘Chukagai,’ is the largest Chinese settlement. This vibrant neighborhood boasts around 600 shops, which include many authentic Chinese restaurants, side-street vendors, and specialty shops.
Yokohama Travel Guide Reminder: Whether you are a devotee or simply a temple visitor, you should treat religious beliefs and sacred places with reverence. When visiting a worship place, be mindful of temple etiquette.
Besides being Yokohama’s famous food spot, a leisurely walk through the colorful streets lead you to Chinatown’s major temples, Kanteibyo and Masobyo.
12:30 am – 01:00 am Head to Minati Mirai 21
- From Yokohama Chinatown
- Walk toward Motomachi-Chukagai Station
- Take the Minatomirai Line toward Shibuya Station, etc.
- Alight at Minatomirai Station
- Walk toward Yokohama Cosmoworld 21
01:00 am – 07:30 pm Explore Minato Mirai 21
Cosmoworld Amusement Park
Roughly 750 meters from Minato Mirai Station is a closed-packed funfair – the Cosmoworld Amusement Park. It features a variety of rides for children and adults, including a towering Ferris wheel with a clock, the Cosmo Clock 21.
This 112.5-meter high with a diameter of 100 meters observation wheel is among the tallest in the world. At night the park’s centerpiece gleams with its color-changing LED lights.
Entering Cosmoworld Amusement Park is free. However, entry tickets are sold per attraction. Gates are open daily, from 11:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m.
Cup Noodles Museum
Established by Nissin Foods, the Cup Noodles Museum showcases the history of instant ramen noodles. Aside from the art displays, the interactive and fun-filled themed museum lets visitors to create and design their cup noodles.
Nissin Cup Noodles Museum is open from Wednesday to Monday, from 10:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. The museum is closed on Tuesday or the next day if Tuesday is a public holiday. Its entrance fee is JPY 500, PHP 201.33, or USD 3.58, while other galleries require a separate fee.
Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse
Also known as Akarenga Soko, the Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse was a former customs inspection hub when Yokohama opened its doors to foreign trade. The identical European-Japanese-style architecture houses specialty shops, cafès, restaurants, and an event hall.
Yokohama Red Brick Museum is open between 10:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m.
Yokohama Port Museum
Opened in 1989, Yokohama Port Museum, formerly Yokohama Maritime Museum, exhibits various displays about Yokohama’s history as a harbor city. The two-floor gallery, located next to the Nippon Maru Museum Ship, is divided into two zones; the history and recovery sections.
Yokohama Port Museum is open to visitors from 10:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. The exhibition is closed every Monday or the following day if Monday is a national holiday. The entrance fee is JPY 400.00, PHP 161.07, or USD 2.86, while children and seniors are given discounted entry.
Sail Training Ship Nippon Maru
The Nippon Maru was built as the training ship for nearly 12,000 maritime cadets until her retiral in 1984. This enormous vessel, with stunning white sails, is now accessible to the public. Visitors can stroll its decks and learn about the ship’s history and interesting facts.
The Nippon Maru Museum Ship is open to visitors from 10:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m., from Tuesday to Sunday. It is closed on Monday or the following day if a national holiday falls on Monday. The entrance fee is JPY 400, PHP 161.07, or USD 2.86 for adults, while discounts are given to children and seniors.
Yokohama Travel Guide Tip: Benefit from discounted admissions when you bundle Yokohama Port Museum and Nippon Sail Training Ship Nippon Maru. Both are priced at JPY 600.00, PHP 241.67, or USD 4.29 for adults versus the combined costs of the two museums.
Yokohama Landmark Tower
Rising at 296 meters, the Yokohama Landmark Tower is Japan’s second tallest building, next to Osaka’s Abeno Harukas. The 70 floors mixed-use skyscraper has corporate offices, retail, restaurants, and a five-star hotel, the Yokohama Royal Park Hotel.
Its main draw, the Sky Garden Observation Deck on the 69th floor, offers expansive views of the entire cityscape. Moreover, on a clear day, the iconic Mount Fuji is visible from this vantage point.
The Sky Garden Observation Deck is open to visitors daily, from 10:00 a.m. until 8:30 p.m. Admission fee costs JPY 1,000, PHP 402.57, or USD 7.15 for adults, while discounts are granted to children.
Yokohama Travel Guide Fact: Elevators in Yokohama Landmark Tower are among the world’s fastest. How fast? 12.5 meters per second, or about 40 seconds, to reach its 69th floor.
07:30 pm – 08:36 pm Head toward Yokohama Station and get luggage at the hotel
- From Yokohama Landmark Tower
- Walk to Minato Mirai Station – Platform 2
- Take the Minato Mirai Line toward Yokohama Station
- Alight at Yokohama Station
08:36 pm – 09:03 pm Head to Tokyo
- From Yokohama Station – Platform 10
- Take JR Shonan-Shinjuku Rapid Line toward Takasaki (Kagohara, Utsonomiya etc.)
- Alight at Shibuya Station
Budget for Yokohama Trip
In 2022, I spent P 2,371.57 for a one-full day in Yokohama. However, costs may vary depending on your travel lifestyle. Read ‘35 Excellent Tips to Save Money on Travel.’
Below is the Yokohama travel guide budget for your reference.
Pre-Departure
- 1D1N accommodation in Yokohama, PHP 1,880.53 x 2, PHP 940.27
- Yokohama Landmark Tower – Sky Garden Observation Deck admission fee, PHP 390.00
1st Day
- Breakfast, PHP 195.00
- Lunch, PHP 195.00
- Motomachi-Chukagai Station to Minato Mirai Station via Minato Mirai Subway Line, PHP 74.10
- Nissin Cup Noodles Museum entrance fee, PHP 195.00
- Nippon Maru Museum Ship and Yokohama Port Museum entrance fees, PHP 234.00
- Minato Mirai Station to Yokohama Station via Minato Mirai Subway Line, PHP 74.10
Travel Resources
To help you with your travel plans, I’ve gathered a checklist of carefully chosen travel resources. These are the trusted online marketplaces that I highly endorse because of their excellent deals.
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Yokohama Travel Guide Question: What does Minato Mirai mean?
Please drop your answers or messages in the comment section. Thank you, and see you on the road!
About the Author
J. Sac is the author of ‘Yokohama Travel Guide: An Excellent Guide to the World.’ He is also the founder of Traveledictorian – a travel blog that publishes well-thought-out travel content.
His passion for writing, photography, and travel fueled him to explore Asia and the rest of the world. He also plans to undertake humanitarian work in his travels. Read his inspiring story and follow him on social media!
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