One Day In Yokohama - The Ultimate 24 Hour Itinerary

Mealtimes in Yokohama are very exciting for visitors as it gives you the chance to get to know the very extraordinary style of Yokohama food. Choosing one place to go for lunch is difficult, but I think I have somewhere that is very special indeed. On the seventieth floor of the Landmark Tower is the bar Sirius, and they do a great lunch buffet. Try real Yokohama ramen whilst you look down on Minato Mirai and beyond from the second highest building in Japan. The price for all of this is about fifty thousand Yen, which isn’t exactly an everyday, affordable price, but sometimes people want to go to a high-end place like this every once in a while. You might never get another chance to have the experience – plus it’s one of the best restaurants in Yokohama!

When lunch is over, stretch your legs at the Yamashita Park and enjoy the views out over the impressive port and bay side. I think this park is a must-see Yokohama attraction because of the street performers that display their extraordinary talents here every single day. Have a seat next to the fountain and watch the dancers and musicians perform, or just take in your colorful surroundings and feel the sea breeze on your face. The gardens are particularly impressive during the springtime when the flowers start to blossom! Then, maybe try some food from one of the stalls selling many different types of traditional Yokohama food. Or, if you want something sweeter, take a short walk to Cinnamon’s where can experience the city’s special American influence with the best stacked pancakes that you can imagine.

Next, walk towards the Yokohama Chinatown; it is by far the biggest in Japan! Enter the area through one of the four gates and explore the colorful and exciting streets on foot, taking in the sights and smells of this special part of the city. I think I’m talking about food too much (is that possible though?), but one of my favorite Yokohama hidden spots called Kowseiwa is here – they do the best dim sum. Shop for gifts in the stalls that run along every street – you will get clothes, jewelry, stationary and many, many other interesting things here. Something else that should be on your Yokohama itinerary is the Kanteibyo Temple right in the center of Chinatown. In the daytime, the temple is a colorful historic building with a very calming atmosphere, but by night it shines bright with the help of many beautiful Chinese lanterns. It is one of the most special sights in Yokohama at night for me, so you should wait until the sun goes down to see it.

Continue your twenty-four hours in Yokohama by travelling to the Noge area of the city. It’s not too far to walk, but if you begin to get tired you can always get a train from the Ishikawacho Station and get off at Takashimacho Station. Of everywhere in Yokohama, Noge is my favorite place for many, many reasons. It’s an area that contains endless restaurants and izakaya, and it is actually bigger than Shinjuku in Tokyo, but tourists never really come here! Spend your evening bar hopping around this area, making sure to try as many of the small and traditional independent izakaya as you possibly can. Many of my favorite hidden gems in Yokohama are in these streets, but Iwaki is my number one. It has so much character inside that is really cool to see, especially for visitors, plus they serve a traditional Japanese stew called oden - one of the must try foods in Yokohama. The master of this izakaya always serves the food that she has made that day, so you can be sure you are getting the very best dishes.

Photo Credit: metropolisjapan.com

For anyone trying to work out what to in Yokohama at night that will give you that very special Japanese experience you are looking for, you should go to the Chigusa Jazz Café. Even if you are not interested in jazz too much, you should still come here to take in the atmosphere and to experience a real-life Japanese jazz cafe. Unfortunately, they are beginning to become quite rare in Japan so there is even more reason to come to this must visit nightlife spot. Request your own records or just let the café choose which songs you should listen to – it is up to you. Take my advice and get a whiskey and soda in a classic highball glass – this is the best way to end your one day in Yokohama like a true local. Make sure you take some time to talk to the bartenders, staff or even the locals because we are all very friendly and would enjoy practicing our English with you!