Yokohama Travel: 100 Questions Answered based on NeemTime research
⛩️ General & Logistics
Is Yokohama worth a day trip from Tokyo? Yes, it’s only 30 minutes away and offers a completely different seaside vibe.
Should I stay in Yokohama instead of Tokyo? Many travelers recommend it for cheaper hotels and a slower pace.
How long does it take to get there? Approximately 25–30 minutes from Shibuya (Tokyu Toyoko Line) or Tokyo Station (JR Tokaido Line).
Is it walkable? The waterfront areas (Minato Mirai to Chinatown) are very walkable.
What is the best train station to arrive at? Yokohama Station for shopping; Sakuragicho or Minatomirai for sightseeing.
Can I use a Suica/Pasmo card? Yes, for all trains, buses, and most shops.
Is the JR Pass worth it just for Yokohama? No, local tickets are cheap ($3–$5).
Is one day enough? One day covers the highlights (Chinatown, Minato Mirai), but two days allows for museums and Sankeien Garden.
Is Yokohama safe at night? Extremely. Even the nightlife district (Noge) is generally friendly.
What is the best time of year to visit? Spring (cherry blossoms in Yamashita Park) and Autumn are favorites.
Does it feel like Tokyo? It feels more spacious, with more sky and sea views.
Is there a luggage storage area? Yes, large coin lockers are available at Yokohama and Sakuragicho stations.
Is English widely spoken? In tourist areas like Minato Mirai, yes.
What’s the “Air Cabin”? A new urban ropeway (gondola) connecting Sakuragicho Station to the World Porters mall.
Is the Air Cabin worth it? It’s a bit pricey for the short distance, but great for the night view.
How do I get to the Ramen Museum? It is near Shin-Yokohama Station, which is different from Yokohama Station.
What is the weather like? Very similar to Tokyo—humid summers and mild winters.
Is it kid-friendly? Very. The Cup Noodle Museum and Cosmo World are hits with families.
Can I see Mt. Fuji? Yes, on clear days from the Landmark Tower or even the waterfront.
Is there a hop-on-hop-off bus? Yes, the “Akai Kutsu” (Red Shoes) bus loops through major sites.
🍜 Food & Dining
Where is the best place for street food? Yokohama Chinatown is the go-to for steamed buns and skewers.
What should I eat in Chinatown? Nikuman (pork buns) and Xiaolongbao (soup dumplings).
Is the Shin-Yokohama Ramen Museum worth it? Yes, for the 1950s-themed atmosphere and mini-bowls of ramen.
What is the difference between the two Ramen museums? Shin-Yokohama is for eating; the Cup Noodle Museum is for history and making your own cup.
Do I need a reservation for the Cup Noodle factory? Yes, they sell out early. Book online in advance.
What is “Iekei” Ramen? Yokohama’s signature style—thick noodles in a salty pork and soy sauce broth.
Is Chinatown crowded? On weekends, it is “shoulder-to-shoulder” according to travelers.
Where can I find craft beer? The Noge district or the Kirin Brewery tour.
What is Noge like? It’s a retro “shitamachi” area with over 500 tiny bars and eateries.
Is the Kirin Brewery tour free? It usually requires a small fee but includes tastings.
Can I find vegetarian food in Chinatown? Yes, but you often have to look for specific Buddhist vegetarian spots.
What is the Red Brick Warehouse for? It’s a historical building turned into a trendy mall with many cafes and restaurants.
Is there a good place for a “fancy” dinner? The Royal Park Hotel in Landmark Tower has top-tier restaurants with views.
What is “Tabearuki”? It means “walking and eating,” a popular way to experience Chinatown.
Where is the best sushi? Near Yokohama Station or the central wholesale market.
Are there themed cafes? Yes, including various Pokémon and character-themed spots in Minato Mirai.
Can I drink the tap water? Yes, it is perfectly safe.
Is tipping required? No, tipping is not part of Japanese culture.
What is the “Marine & Walk”? An open-air mall next to the Red Brick Warehouse with great brunch spots.
Are restaurants cash-only? Many small stalls in Chinatown are; larger restaurants accept cards.
🎡 Sightseeing & Activities
What is the “Moving Gundam”? A giant 18-meter robot at Gundam Factory (Note: Check if current exhibitions are active, as it was a limited-time event).
Is Sankeien Garden far? It’s about a 35-minute bus ride from the center, but highly recommended for traditional architecture.
What is the Cosmo Clock 21? A giant Ferris wheel that acts as a clock—great for photos.
Is Cosmo World a full theme park? It’s more of a “pay-per-ride” carnival style.
What is the Landmark Tower? The second tallest building in Japan with a 69th-floor observatory.
Is the Sky Garden worth the price? Yes, especially at sunset for the 360-degree views.
What is the Hikawa Maru? A retired 1930s ocean liner you can tour at Yamashita Park.
What is there to do in Yamashita Park? Strolling, watching ships, and enjoying the rose gardens.
What are the “Western Houses”? In the Yamate district, you can tour old colonial-style homes from the 1800s.
Is there a zoo? Zoorasia is one of the best and largest zoos in Japan, though it’s a bit of a trek.
What is the Anpanman Museum? A museum for children based on the popular “Bean Bun Man” character.
Can I go on a boat cruise? Yes, many “Sea Bass” boats run between Yokohama Station and Minato Mirai.
Is there a museum for cars? The Nissan Global Headquarters has a free gallery of cars.
What is the “Hammerhead”? A passenger ship terminal with a mall and a great “shop-factory” concept.
Are there any hidden gems? The Japan Coast Guard Museum (features a recovered North Korean spy ship).
What is the Doll Museum? A museum showcasing over 1,300 dolls from around the world.
Where can I see cherry blossoms? Along the Ooka River or in Sankeien Garden.
Is there a beach? Yokohama is a port city; for beaches, head 20 minutes further to Kamakura.
What is the Marine Tower? A lighthouse-shaped observatory near Yamashita Park.
Can I visit a baseball stadium? Yes, Yokohama Stadium is home to the DeNA BayStars.
🛍️ Shopping
Where is the best shopping? Minato Mirai (Queen’s Square, Mark Is) or Yokohama Station (Sogo, Takashimaya).
What is “World Porters”? A mall known for international goods and a great Hawaiian-themed floor.
Are there vintage shops? The Motomachi Shopping Street has a more European, upscale-boutique feel.
Can I find 100-yen stores? Yes, Daiso and Seria are in most major malls.
Is there a Pokémon Center? Yes, one of the largest is in the Landmark Plaza.
What should I buy as a souvenir? Ariake Harbour (chestnut cakes) or Chinatown tea.
Is shopping cheaper than Tokyo? Generally the same, but malls are less crowded.
Is there an outlet mall? Mitsui Outlet Park Yokohama Bayside is a short train ride away.
Where can I buy electronics? Yodobashi Camera or Bic Camera near the main station.
Are there tax-free shops? Yes, look for the “Tax-Free” sign and bring your passport.
🌙 Nightlife & Culture
What is the best night view? From the Osanbashi Pier looking back at the Minato Mirai skyline.
Are there jazz clubs? Yokohama has a long history of jazz; check out “Windjammer” or “Chigusa.”
Is there a red-light district? Koganecho used to be one but has been transformed into an artsy neighborhood.
Can I see fireworks? There are often weekend displays at Yamashita Park in the summer.
What is “Manyo Club”? A massive onsen (hot spring) facility in Minato Mirai with a rooftop footbath.
Is the onsen tattoo-friendly? Manyo Club generally is not, but check their current policy.
What happens in Chinatown for Lunar New Year? Lion dances, parades, and massive crowds.
Is there a museum for history? The Yokohama Archives of History is located where Commodore Perry landed.
Are there any art galleries? The Yokohama Museum of Art is a major institution (check for renovation closures).
What is the vibe of Motomachi? Quiet, sophisticated, and very “Old Yokohama.”
🗺️ Day Trips from Yokohama
Can I visit Kamakura from here? Yes, it’s only 25 minutes by train.
Is Enoshima easy to reach? Yes, via the JR line to Fujisawa, then the Enoden.
How far is Hakone? About 1 hour to 1.5 hours via the Shinkansen or Odakyu line.
Can I do a day trip to Disney? Yes, there is a direct bus from Yokohama Station (about 1 hour).
Is it easy to get to Haneda Airport? Very; about 30 minutes by limousine bus or Keikyu train.
Is it easy to get to Narita Airport? The Narita Express stops at Yokohama Station (about 90 minutes).
Can I take the Shinkansen from Yokohama? Yes, but you must go to Shin-Yokohama station.
How do I get to Odawara? It’s a 30-minute ride on the JR Tokaido line.
Is Yokosuka worth visiting? Yes, for the naval history and “Navy Burger.”
Can I visit a farm? “Kodomo no Kuni” is a large park/farm great for kids.
💡 Top Travelers Tips
Avoid the trains during rush hour (8–9 AM / 5–7 PM).
Walk the “Greenway” from the station to the port.
Osanbashi Pier is free and has the best architecture.
Check the cruise ship schedule; big ships docking is a local event.
The basement of Sogo department store is a food paradise.
Buy a “Minato Burari Ticket” for unlimited bus/subway use in the tourist zone.
Go to the rooftop of the Red Brick Warehouse for photos.
Noge is better for foodies than the touristy part of Chinatown.
The Sky Cabin is best at night when the city lights up.
Don’t rush; Yokohama is best enjoyed at a slow pace.