Top 10 Things To Do In Yokohama

Ride the Ferris Wheel at Cosmo World

For those seeking a dose of adrenalin, and only a stone-throw away from Yokohama Tower, lies a Yokohama attraction fit for the fam, a group of friends, even worth a trip if you a solo-traveler. Yokohama’s Cosmo World – marked by its gigantic ferris-wheel, dubbed locally as Cosmo Clock 21 – reminds us of the time during the bustle of the day-to-day and illuminates the sky in a plethora of color at night. It also boasts a really cool roller-coaster and many other exhilarating rides; but what is even more cool is that entry is free! You only have to pay for the attraction you want to try. Girls in Yokohama joke that you know a guy is a hopeless romantic if he treats you to a nighttime view of Yokohama, all lit up in techni-color wonder from the ferris wheel; it is spectacular, a perfect date stop.

Photo Credit: 3.bp.blogspot.com

Visit the Red Brick Warehouse (Akarenga)

Less than 10 minutes away from the Cupnoodles Museum, the beautiful Red Brick Warehouse stands out like a sore thumb, entirely different from the backdrop it rests against. Take a scenic stroll, absorb the views of the pier and beyond and enter what was once the first customs building of Japan. The warehouse now occupies a variety of restaurants, bars and boutique-type stores. A definite stop if you want to buy something more unique to take back home from Japan. It is usually quiet during the weekdays, but often hosts a festivals over weekends, which is always well-worth checking out.

Photo Credit: s3-ap-northeast-1.amazonaws.com

Adventure at Yokohama Hakkeijima Paradise

For a dive into the underwater world I highly recommend a day or even a few days at Yokohama Hakkeijima Sea Paradise. It is a whole island, divided into four unique ocean life experiences: Dolphin Fantasy, Fureai Lagoon, Umi Farm and Aqua Museum. Packed with sea creatures of all shapes, sizes and color, often swimming around you , as you tread through one of the aquarium’s tunnels. There’s ample chance to learn about and even interact with sea life. Dolphin Fantasy puts on an explosive show, with dolphins and other sea creatures the real stars of the performance. Umi farm puts your fishing skills to test and provides you with an opportunity to eat your your catch - bringing new meaning to the phrase ‘catch of the day’. Pleasure island occupies the amusement park, with rides fit for all ages. The Surf Coaster is the only rollercoaster in Japan that spreads out into the sea, it is an exhilarating experience as you loop across the ocean at a frightening speed. The Blue Fall is also quite popular, a free fall ride with the highest drop of 107m, definitely not one for the faint hearted! Children and adults alike will be satisfied with an adventure to Hakkeijima, parents can always allow their kids to try the Giant Cubic Maze with its interactive playground, if they need a chance to catch their breath.

Eat, Shop and Visit a Temple in Yokohama Chinatown

Yokohama Chinatown is another dimension to this already juxtaposed city; it’s a symbol of a successful migration and relationship between the people of China and Japan. Only two minutes walk from Motomachi-Chukagai Station, enter one of the four outer gates into a tiny, or rather, large piece of China. Welcome to Yokohama Chinatown, Japan’s largest Chinatown and one of the largest in the world. You can’t miss the lavishly ornate entrance, each gate colored differently based on the ancient Chinese Feng Shui, standing guard since 1859. The sweet and savory aromas of nikumaan, okonomiyaki and ramen entice you, with the sound of fireworks, drums and colorful displays of gastronomic greatness to blow you away. If you need a little Zen, escape the bustle, quiet down and give thanks at the Kanteibyo Temple or Ma Zhu Miao Temple situated in Yokohama Chinatown. Each temple is worth the visit, besides the intrinsic, well-sculpted designed temples that the Chinese are known for, both temples provide insight into Yokohama's rich history. I recommend a visit weekdays for less bustle, as it is a popular hangout for locals and tourists alike. No Yokohama site-seeing will be complete without a trip to Chinatown as it encapsulates over 150 years of history and resonates the “never give up” attitude of the Japanese and Chinese alike.

Photo Credit: gaijinpot.scdn3.secure.raxcdn.com

Meditate in the Sacred Sankeien Gardens

Yokohama site-seeing will not be complete without a visit to the sacred Sankeien Gardens. Each time I visit I appreciate the much-needed dose of ancient Japanese heritage and serenity the visit provides. It is my number one place to visit in Yokohama, and it wouldn’t be fair to return home without getting a taste of raw, unfiltered Japan. Beautiful pagoda’s, temples, and buildings of varying historic and national importance sit in harmony with lush vegetation, song complimentary of the birds and bees, aromas of sweet and earthy tones wafting in the air, beautiful bridges crossing glistening ponds occupied by flocks of birds and scores of turtles. Sankeien Gardens is a sensory overload, enough to heighten your spirits to the next realm. Prepare to walk through an earth-filled network of pathways and to do a fair amount of stair climbing, participate in a traditional tea ceremony or just grab a bench to soak in the true essence of the region. Sankeien Gardens is one of the few authentic pre-World War II Japanese gardens that survive. It encompasses an inner and outer garden and if lucky, you may catch a free English guided tour. Opening times are 09:00- 17:00. Don’t be surprised to see many locals taking their wedding pictures there - it’s a Yokohama rite of passage, guaranteed stunning pictures regardless of the season.

Photo Credit: www.la-viephotography.com