Yokohama
Discover Yokohama
On the western coast of Tokyo Bay directly south of Tokyo, Yokohama (横浜) is the second largest city in Japan and one of the cities most used to seeing foreigners. First a fishing village, Yokohama developed into a bustling port city following the establishment of foreign trade after the opening of Japan in 1854. It was the site where Commodore Matthew Perry landed and signed the Kanagawa Treaty ending over 200 years of isolationalism by the Tokugawa Shogunate. At the forefront of the Meiji restoration, the first train line in Japan connected Tokyo and Yokohama. However, Yokohama was devastated by the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923 and again by the firebombings of World War II, and never really regained its prominence. It remains a maritime city to this day and retains an international flavor.
What to Experience in Yokohama
Taste of Yokohama...
The three main hotels in the Minato Mirai area are the ultimate in local luxury, and occasionally offer their rooms on sale at bargain prices. While Yokohama, like most of Japan, is very safe, the Kotobuki-cho area is one of Japan's largest slums with a large number of mostly male homeless people, and numerous yakuza-run businesses. While violent crime is still generally rare, sexual harassment tends to be more common than elsewhere, so women in particular might want to avoid visiting that area alone. Chinatown offers free WiFi under the network name "YOKOHAMA CHINATOWN Wi-Fi".
Essential Information
Getting There
Multiple OptionsYokohama is half an hour away from Tokyo, and effectively forms a part of the giant conurbation. Yokohama does not have its own airport. You can reach Yokohama from Tokyo's two main airports. Some Narita Express trains from Narita Airport go through to Yokohama (1½ hours, ¥4290 or free with JR Pass). Limousine Buses run frequently from Narita to the Yokohama City Air Terminal (YCAT) in 2 hours (¥3600). The cheapest access from Narita Airport involves a Keisei train. The Keisei Main Line train, with one across-the-platform transfer at Aoto, will cost ¥1500 to Yokohama. The Sky Access line train will cost ¥1690. Most Sky Access trains run to Keisei Ueno, but there are a handful each day which run through to Yokohama (and beyond; generally to Kanazawa-Bunko) on the Keikyu Main Line. From Haneda Airport, take the Keikyu Line's Express (急行) to Yokohama station in 30–35 minutes for ¥480....
Getting Around & Staying
Getting Around
Yokohama is not a very automobile-friendly place, especially for foreigners. Public transit and walking works best. The official guide site has some maps in English. The Minato Mirai 21 subway line from Yokohama station down the harborfront to Chinatown is the best method of accessing the main tourist haunts. The main subway line is useful primarily for transfers between central Yokohama and the Shinkansen station. JR Negishi Line (根岸線) is also available for Chinatown and Minato Mirai Area. All Negishi Line Trains with the blue line are direct service via the Keihin-Tohoku Line. For suburban areas, Yokohama has a subway and extensive commuter rail lines that crisscross the city from every direction and to all neighboring cities. Yokohama Subway (横浜市営地下鉄) has two lines: the main Blue Line from Azamino to Shonandai and the short Green Line from Hiyoshi to Nakayama. You can get around Yokohama easily using the subway lines.
Where to Stay
The three main hotels in the Minato Mirai area are the ultimate in local luxury, and occasionally offer their rooms on sale at bargain prices. While Yokohama, like most of Japan, is very safe, the Kotobuki-cho area is one of Japan's largest slums with a large number of mostly male homeless people, and numerous yakuza-run businesses. While violent crime is still generally rare, sexual harassment tends to be more common than elsewhere, so women in particular might want to avoid visiting that area alone. Chinatown offers free WiFi under the network name "YOKOHAMA CHINATOWN Wi-Fi".
Money & Budget
The three main hotels in the Minato Mirai area are the ultimate in local luxury, and occasionally offer their rooms on sale at bargain prices. While Yokohama, like most of Japan, is very safe, the Kotobuki-cho area is one of Japan's largest slums with a large number of mostly male homeless people, and numerous yakuza-run businesses. While violent crime is still generally rare, sexual harassment tends to be more common than elsewhere, so women in particular might want to avoid visiting that area alone. Chinatown offers free WiFi under the network name "YOKOHAMA CHINATOWN Wi-Fi".
Safety Information
Safety Overview
While Yokohama, like most of Japan, is very safe, the Kotobuki-cho area is one of Japan's largest slums with a large number of mostly male homeless people, and numerous yakuza-run businesses. While violent crime is still generally rare, sexual harassment tends to be more common than elsewhere, so women in particular might want to avoid visiting that area alone. Chinatown offers free WiFi under the network name "YOKOHAMA CHINATOWN Wi-Fi".
Glimpses of Yokohama
street 08: cold winter night
Yokohama, Aug, 2018.
people walking in front of china town
a large body of water with a city in the background
a view of a city at night from across the water
row boat on body of water
city skyline during night time
a city skyline at night with lights reflecting in the water
Long exposure looking over Yokohama city, Japan.
Yokohama Landmark Tower
street 08: cold winter night
Yokohama, Aug, 2018.
people walking in front of china town