Approximately 30 minutes from southern Tokyo lies Yokohama. Yokohama is a famous and stimulating city full of a plethora of attractions. This vibrant city, which has a population of approximately 3.7 million people, has certainly grown in leaps and bounds over the years. In fact, the city was historically a small fishing village. Today the city has dramatically turned into the second largest city in Japan. In this article, I will share with you 7 things you can do in 3 Days in Yokohama.
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DAY 1
#1: Tour the Cup of Noodles Museum
You have just arrived in Yokohama. Your exciting journey in Yokohama is about to commence. The first thing I would higly recommend you do in Yokohama is tour the Cup of Noodles Museum. I would recommend doing this attraction on your first day. This popular museum is about a 5 minute walk from the Cosmo World, an amusement park area. When you enter through the front doors of the museum, you will be asked to pay an entrance fee of 500 yen or $4.66. The entrance fee secures you a time slot for the noodle factory.
Once you enter into the noodle factory area, there is a process to get your noodles. First, you will purchase a cup from a vending machine. The cup costs about 300 yen or $2.79.
Following that, you will sanitize your hands. A staff member will then escort you to a table where you may observe a variety of colorful markers. The markers are utilized to draw on the cup. You can design the cup in any way you desire. You can also write a note to someone or even just doodle on the Styrofoam cup. While sitting at the table, pondering over what I was about to draw, I observed a Japanese family pull out their cellphones and they started searching on the internet. In about 3 minutes, they had found a picture of the Noodle factory theme character Hiyoko-chan. Most people draw the character on the cup. Once your artwork is complete, you will then proceed to the Noodle processing factory where you can select the flavor of your soup as well as 4 ingredients. Some of the ingredients offered include corn, fish sausage, egg, green onions, crab, and so forth. The final step of the process involves placing the sealed cup of ramen noodles in a protective bubble bag. There are directions on pink platforms in front of you. Or you can just copy someone else. That is what I did.
The museum tour is very cool and full of history. Prior to starting the tour, you have an opportunity to get access to some headphones which are available in different languages. When the museum tour commences, you will notice over 3,000 different kinds of ramen bowls displayed on the wall. It is overwhelming at the number of ramen bowls made since 1958. This display is what is called the history cube. As you walk past that, you will notice a small box like area painted orange. There are many different prominent figures including Babe Ruth, Albert Einstein, and so forth. You can have your photo made behind these figures — including Momofuku Ando, who is deemed as the inventor of instant ramen noodles.
Following the interesting interactive museum tour, you have a great opportunity to try some international foods. You will proceed to the Noodles Bazaar where you can find a lively atmosphere full of food stalls representing China, Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, South Korea, Italy, Malaysia, and Kazakhstan.
The dishes are as follows: (1) The Lanzhou Beef ramen from China consists of popular fine noodles made out of chili peppers, five spice powder, Sichuan peppers, and beef. This spicy stew originated from the Yellow River Basin and Lanzhou. 2) The Mie goreng or fried yakisoba noodles from Indonesia is made out of a sweet and sour Indonesian soy sauce called Kecap Manis. 3) The Pho from Vietnam is basically glass noodles made out of beef, an assortment of vegetables, nuac nam fish sauce and cilantro. The noodles have a smooth and refreshing taste. Traditionally, Pho is a breakfast food. 4) The Tom yum goong noodles from Thailand is a sour and spicy soup that consist of nam pla (fermented fish sauce) lemon grass, and lime. The soup is then drenched with some delicious thai mango juice. After all of the ingredients are added, and the soup is stirred, you can quickly observe a bright red tint to it. That is an indication that soup is flaming hot. The soup is regarded as three of the world’s most popular noodles. Personally, I have tried Tom yum goong noodles in Thailand. They are amazing, but very spicy! 5) The cold ramen from South Korea consists of beef bone, flour noodles, roasted pork slices, kimchi, and vegetables. The Japanese cold ramen noodles originated from South Korea. 6) The pasta noodles from Italy consists of durum wheat flour, and a unique flavor of tomatoes. Italy is king when it comes to pasta. 7) The laksa from Malaysia includes coconut milk and curry. The laksa is a sweet curry. 8) Lagman from Kazakhstan consists of silk road noodles that are topped with delicious mutton and oyster sauce. This is a traditional dish in Kazakhstan. Of all of the choices, I selected the Lagman. The food was oishi and very unique! These noodles were considered my lunch.
The Cup of Noodles Museum is the second museum in Japan. The first Cup of Noodles Museum is found in Osaka. I highly recommend you and your family visit this exciting place in Yokohama where you can experience not only the Japanese culture, but other cultures as well. The hours of operation are normally from 1000 to 1800. The last admission is 1700.
DAY# 1
#2: EXPLORE COSMO WORLD AT NIGHT
Situated in the heart of Minato Mirai and the bay area of Yokohama is a fun and energetic amusement park. The Cosmo World park is keenly recognized by its large Ferris wheel, which is beautifully lit up at night. I would recommend you explore this cosmo world at night on Day 1. This is the second attraction I would recommend you doing. At the Yokohama Cosmo world, both adults and children can explore various attractions. The price for adults is about 700 yen ($6.52) and between 300 yen ($2.79)and 500 yen ($4.66)for children. There is no entrance fee.
The Cosmo World has an arcade and many other exciting attractions. The area is divided up into 3 zones: (1) Carnival Zone, (2) Burano Street Zone, and the (2) Wonder Amuse Zone. The first zone is reserved for the children. The second zone is reserved for the adolescents, and the third zone is reserved for the adults. There are three very popular rides at this park. The first popular ride at the Cosmo World is the iconic Cosmo Clock 21 Ferris wheel, which is the world’s largest ferris wheel with a clock. This 112.5 meter or 369 feet giant clock faced ferris wheel (attached with 60 passenger cars) allows you to capture the spectacular and mesmerizing panoramic views of Yokohama — especially the sparkling bay area. The ride takes about 15 minutes and it costs about 800 yen or $7.50. Inside the ride there is an interactive touchscreen that has “English” settings. The second prominent ride is the Diving Coaster: Vanish. This thrilling roller coaster dives straight into the water and vanishes. Hence the name of the coaster.
The third popular ride is the Flume Ride: Cliff Drop-Zekkyo-GP. The Zekkyo-GP translates as “Screaming Grand Prix!” It is basically a ride that ascends about 18 meters (59 feet) and then suddenly plummets to the bottom.
The Yokohama Cosmo world is located next to the Bashamichi Station on the Minato Mirai line, the Minato Mirai Station (Minato Mirai Line), and the Sakuragicho Station (which covers the Yokohama Munipal Subway Blue Line, Jr Negishi Line, and JR Keihin-Tohoku Line).
For lunch and dinner, here is a list of restaurants from both the Marine Walk and World Porters.
Marine Walk Mall
1) Peanuts Diner
2) Kaka’ako dining and Café
3) Good spoon
4) Yokohama bay
5) Pie Holic
6) Japan Ramen Food Hall
World Porters Mall
1) Yokohama Motomachi Doria
2) Miura Misaki
3) The BBQ Beach
4) Porticello
5) Manoa Pancake House
6) Blue Water Shrimp
DAY# 2
#3: GO ICE SKATING
The third thing you can do in Yokohama is go ice skating at the Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse. I would recommend you go ice skating on Day 2. You could start the morning off with ice skating with your family or friends. This famous open air ice skating rink is located next to the Red Brick Warehouse event plaza. Every year the rink is designed by an artist who portrays different themes. The artist utilizes the rink as a canvas for the year. For instance, the theme in 2019 for this art rink was the ‘Sweet Ice Rink,” which featured Mamuang, a kawaii (cute) character created by Wisut Ponnimit a Thai Illustrator. With the combination of ice skating and art, tourists can have a wonderful and exhilarating experience. The rink is constantly crowded especially during the winter time, in which you can find Christmas decorations.
At the Art rink there are a variety of sizes in ice skates. The price of skate rentals is 500 yen ($4.66), which is very reasonable. If this is the first time skating, you are not alone. In fact, there are a lot of novice skaters at the rink. It is very common to observe clumsy families falling down. Nevertheless, ice skating is a great way to relax from the pressures of life.
The night I went to the skating rink, there were an innumerable number of people including kids and adults. One of the awkward scenes I caught while observing the skating rink was a female wearing white clothing. She appeared to be lonely and she just starred at the other skaters.
The hours of operations are typically 1300 to 2100 on weekdays and 11:00 and 2100 on weekends and holidays. There is an admission fee of 700 yen ($6.52) for adults, 500 yen ($4.66) for children over than 3 yrs of age to high school. There is also an accompanying fee of 200 yen ($1.86). The art rink typically opens in December and closes in the month of February. The monthly season though is contingent upon the weather.
DAY# 2
#4: Tour the Marine Walk
The fourth thing I would recommend you do in Yokohama is tour the Marine Walk, which is located several minutes from the Red Brick Warehouse. I would recommend touring the Marine Walk immediately after the ice skating. This open-air mall is perfect for relaxation as the place presents such a serene ambiance on the sparkling bay front. You can peruse a number of unique boutique shops and eat at trendy food outlets including the delicious pie shop. I love the trio pie shop.
Around Christmas time, you can find numerous bushes surrounding the Marine Walk illuminated by a string of beautiful bright lights. This time of the year and frankly any time of the year is the best time for night photography. If you have time allotted to visit the Marine walk at night, I highly recommend it. Otherwise, you can view it during the day. If you decide to eat lunch or dinner at the Marine Walk or World Porters, you have a variety of options to choose from (as listed above).
Marine Walk Mall
1) Peanuts Diner
2) Kaka’ako dining and Café
3) Good spoon
4) Yokohama bay
5) Pie Holic
6) Japan Ramen Food Hall
World Porter’s Mall
1) Yokohama Motomachi Doria
2) Miura Misaki
3) The BBQ Beach
4) Porticello
5) Manoa Pancake House
6) Blue Water Shrimp
In the past, l have focused my night photography at the Marine Walk area and I have been able to produce some stunning shots. Furthermore, the Marine Walk is a superb place and a magnet for couples. The bubble of romance fills the air especially since the walk is on the glassy waterfront. Many couples congregate to this place to escape from the hustle and bustle of Tokyo. One of the times I was touring the Marine Walk, there were about 20 couples meeting.
DAY# 2
#5 Shop at the World Porter’s Mall
The fifth thing you can do in Yokohama is shop at the World Porter’s Mall. The mall has over 200 different kinds of shops. You can find food (1st floor), fashion and hobbies (2nd and 3rd floors), interior design (4th floor), an amusement and cinema area (5th floor), and interior design and relaxation (6th floor) at this large mall. What is impressive about the cinema is that there are 8 large screens. One my favorite aspects about this particular mall when it pertains to food is the Hawaiian theme. On the first floor of the mall is a Hawaiian themed area that sells delicious Hawaiian food. One of the Hawaiian food restaurants stalls is called the Loco Moco. Additionally, there are a number of other restaurants to choose. You can find the Men-taisho or Noodles General restaurant, which specializes in tonkotsu ramen. You even find a sushi-go around restaurant called Miura Misaki-ko.
DAY#2
#6 Capture the Stunning Views at the Landmark Tower
The sixth thing you can do in Yokohama is capture the stunning views of the Landmark Tower. Following dinner, I would recommend proceeding to the Landmark Tower. The (横浜ランドマークタワ)Landmark tower is a famous sightseeing spot in Yokohama. If you decided you want to eat dinner somewhere else, I would recommend eating at the Landmark Tower Plaza, which has about 170 stores. The Tower Dining area is located on the 5th floor. There are a variety of Japanese as well as Western style restaurants on this floor. Nevertheless, measuring a remarkable 296 meters high or 971 feet, the impressive landmark tower beautifully symbolizes the city of Yokohama. Located in the Minato Mirai area is a large 5 story Landmark plaza that offers a plethora of amazing stores and restaurants. This area is definitely worth exploring. Once you finish your enjoyable fashion and dining shopping spree (locating all kinds of oishii authentic Japanese foods including savory Japanese flavor desserts), I would recommend you visit the 69th floor, where you will find the Landmark Sky Garden Tower Observation Deck.
The entrance fee of the Observation Deck is 1000 yen ($9.31) for adults, 800 yen ($7.45) for high school students, 500 yen ($4.65) for elementary and junior high school students, and 200 yen ($1.86) for infants over 4 years of age. After paying the entrance fee, you will proceed to the elevator. Congratulations! You have just stepped on the fastest elevator in Japan and arguably the second fastest elevator in the world. The 750 meter a minute speed (28 mph) is just inconceivable when riding in an elevator. You will quickly shoot up like a rocket from the 3rd floor to the 69th floor in just about 40 seconds. That is shockingly fast.
Once you arrive upon the 69th floor, your staff will welcome you. The 360 panoramic view of the glamorous port city of Yokohama is absolutely stunning, breathtaking, and picturesque. On a clear day, you can catch a nice glimpse of the towering and mystical Mount Fuji, Tokyo Tower, Tokyo Skytree, and Izu Peninsula. This is a perfect sightseeing opportunity for your friends and family. While on this floor, you can enjoy a coffee at the Sky café, which is open from 10 a.m to 21:00.
When you visit the Landmark Tower observation deck, I would recommend you go around night time. However, make sure you arrive prior to 20:30, which is the last entry to the tower. Having viewed the Landmark tower both in the day and night time, I can attest to the fact that night is definitely better. There is just a magical glow emanating from below, especially the beautifully lit Cosmo world Ferris Wheel. The Landmark Tower experience completes Day 2. You have spent 2 exhilarating and lively days in Yokohama. Now you are on your third day.
DAY#3
#7: VISIT CHINATOWN
The seventh thing you can do in Yokohama is visit China Town. I would recommend visiting China Town the last day so that you can invest ample time there. You can easily spend an entire day in China Town. China Town is considered the largest China Town in Japan. When you arrive in China Town, you can pass through one of the four towering and artistic Chinese gates.
Admire the Gates
In the China Town area, there are four main entrance way gates that are represented of the four directions — 1 West gate Enpeimon, 2) East Gate Choyo-mon, 3) North Gate Gembo mon, and 4) South Gate Sazukumon.
The East gate pertains to the dragon god named Azure who is the giver of prosperity. Unlike the flaming bird, Azure signifies the element of wood. The east gate is regarded as the largest of the gates and it was opened in 2004.
The South Gate pertains to the god Sazaku, which is a vermillion bird that is engulfed with fire. The bird represents the summer season, the direction of South, and it signifies fire as well as good fortune from destruction. The Suzukumon south gate is beautifully and intricately decorated. The unique design is that of a vermillion bird, which is essentially a peasant engulfed in flames. From an astrologist standpoint, the bird is symbolic of one of the Chinese constellations and it represents the summer season, southern direction, as well as a fire element.
The North Gate is symbolic of the god Genbu (Japanese) or god Xuanwuwhich (Chinese) relating to the black tortoise, the direction of North as well as the winter season.
The West Gate is symbolic of the god Byakko, or Baihu (Chinese), which is a white tiger. According to legend, the gods of both the West and the South Gates were brothers and generals as well. They just reincarnated into the animal forms. Reincarnation is the belief of both Buddhism and Shintoism. The West Gate symbolizes eternal peace.
SOAKING UP THE CHINESE ATMOSPHERE
The gates themselves are immersed in Chinese history. After admiring the gates, you can soak up the Chinese atmosphere by exploring the heart of China Town. Given the breadth of this majestic place, you could easily invest hours exploring the myriad of cultural shops and eating at the different restaurants. In fact, there are over 600 unique Chinese restaurants and stores in the China Town area. There are also tons of food vendors on the streets. I highly recommend you try the varieties of foods they sell.
When you are strolling through China Town, you feel like you are in China. You find yourself all of sudden saying “Ni Hao,” instead of “Konnichiwa.” Everything is very unique there. You can find all kinds of sumptuous and mouthwatering nikumans (steamed buns) that are bursting with different flavors — everything from pork to seafood. You can even find shark nikuman buns here. They are very delicious too. Additionally, you can find a Taiwanese black pepper bun, Shumai (pork dumplings), Xiaolongbao (fried soup dumplings), Peking duck, egg tart, fried dumplings, panda shaped steamed buns, and many more tasty foods. You can also find a myriad of souvenir stores, tea shops, dried goods, and so much more. Some of my favorite souvenirs include the Bruce Lee Keychain, Bruce Lee deck of cards, Nunchucks, panda memorabilia, and cool Chinese art t-shirts. I have been to China Town over 6 times and I am amazed by the gems that you can find there — not to mention the beautiful temples. One of the spectacular temples is the Ma Zhu Miao Temple, which is regarded as the largest temple in Yokohama’s China Town.
The best time to visit this vibrant China Town is at night. The authenticity of China Town becomes even clearer when you observe the bright and colorful orange lanterns neatly strung from one building to another. The LED lights on each of the buildings wonderfully illuminate the China Town streets.
How to Get to China Town
If you are coming from Tokyo, which is likely the case, I recommend taking a train. If you are traveling from Shibuya, for instance, I recommend taking the Tokyo Toyoko line. You will exit at Motomachi-Chukagai station. This is the route I usually take after spending a morning in Tokyo. The total time will be about 45 minutes.
In this article, I have recommended seven things to do in Yokohama in a three day period. There are many other things to do in Yokohama. However, they will likely take more than three days to complete. Every time I explore this lively city, I am captured in awe by the towering and stunning buildings, the amazing foods, the various kinds of statues, the cordial Japanese people, and just the uniqueness that lives in the heart of this incredible city.