Is It Price Staying in Yokohama?

Yokohama isn’t a suburb of Tokyo, although it could look like one on the map. Conversely, I’ve by no means absolutely accepted the thought of Yokohama a full-fledged metropolis; the assertion that Yokohama (not Osaka) is the second-largest metropolis in Japan is nonsense.

Simply as Britney Spears declared in her timeless 2002 hit that she was “Not a Lady, Not But a Girl,” Yokohama sits someplace between being a principal act and being one in all Tokyo’s backup singers. Yokohama is a spot the place you could possibly keep the night time, however that most individuals see on a day journey as an alternative.

The query of what number of days in Yokohama, to make sure, is irrelevant typically. Nevertheless it’s nonetheless useful to concentrate on all there’s to do right here, even when you solely come for a morning or afternoon.

Why Most Folks See Yokohama on a Day Journey from Tokyo

While you analysis get to Yokohama from the Tokyo space, it’s simple to see why most individuals merely come for the day. It takes lower than an hour from each Tokyo Station (on the JR Yokosuka Line) and Shinjuku or Shibuya (on the JR Shonan-Shinjuku Line), which makes it a comparatively senseless tour. When you’re there, the elements of town that aren’t walkable are well-connected by the Yokohama Municipal Subway and native buses.

One more reason most individuals decide to not spend an evening in Yokohama? They merely aren’t conscious of all there’s to do there. In truth, I’ve met many vacationers who thought there was nothing extra to see in Yokohama than the Cup Noodles Museum or the Gundman statue, when it was there. The good information is that you simply discovered this text—and I’m about to shine a bit highlight on Yokohama’s greatest points of interest.

My Favourite Issues to Do in Yokohama?

Loosen up in Sankei-en backyard

 

It might sound unusual to go to one in all Japan’s largest cities after which ensconce oneself in a panorama backyard. However to me, vegging out in Sankei-en is definitely among the best methods to make a visit to Yokohama price it, notably when you’re approaching a day journey from Tokyo.

Discover Japan’s greatest Chinatown

 

One other spotlight, whether or not or not you’re taking a Tokyo to Yokohama day journey, is to go to Chukagai, aka Yokohama Chinatown. In some methods, that is one of the best and most full of Japan’s three large Chinatowns, the others being in Kobe and Nagasaki. It’s lovely at night time, too, which makes me really feel you most likely ought to spend the night time.

Make your personal ramen

 

Whereas I’ve at all times discovered ramen to be essentially the most overrated of Japan’s mainstream meals, I can’t lie that Yokohama’s Cup Noodles Museum is a enjoyable time. Not solely are you able to study concerning the historical past of cup noodles, however you may make your personal. After which, while you’re accomplished, sit down and eat your approach by way of a worldwide noodle bar.

Get pleasure from a unique city vibe

 

Opposite to what you would possibly consider a map, Yokohama isn’t a part of Tokyo. There’s a singular city vibe right here, which is tough to explain till you emerge onto the streets and really feel it for your self. For some vacationers, that is fast; for others, it requires staying the night time and waking up right here.

Proceed onward to Kamakura or Kawasaki

 

When I plan customized Japan journeys for folks, I usually nest a half-day in Yokohama in with one in close by cities. For instance, I generally advocate spending the morning amid the temples of Kamakura, or on Enoshima island simply down the coast. An much more off-the-beaten-path choice is to go to Daishi Shrine is industrial Kawasaki.

The place to Keep in Yokohama

Is it price staying in Yokohama? It truthfully depends upon what you propose to do there, and whether or not you have got time in you Japan itinerary for it. Some vacationers are solely in a position to carve out a number of hours away from Tokyo, which makes it tough to think about spending an evening. Nevertheless, if in case you have an extended journey—say, two weeks or actually a month in Japan—overnighting in Yokohama turns into a significantly better worth proposition.

So far as Yokohama motels are involved, they run the gamut. From big-box, high-luxury motels just like the bayside Intercontinental Yokohama Grand, to smaller enterprise motels equivalent to Daiwa Roynet Lodge Yokohama Koen, you’ll be spoiled for selection. Do have in mind, nevertheless, that most of the “greatest” areas are a bus or subway journey from each Yokohama Station and the Shin-Yokohama Shinkansen hub.

Different FAQ About Your Journey to Yokohama

Is Yokohama price visiting?

Yokohama is totally price visiting—it’s removed from simply Tokyo’s little brother! I really like planning a visit that mixes that city points of interest (such because the Crimson Brick Warehouse) with one thing extra pure or cultural, like Sankei-en backyard or Yokohama Chinatown. Exploring Yokohama’s eclecticness is the best method to admire it.

Is in the future in Yokohama sufficient?

You may cowl numerous floor with a day in Yokohama. Nonetheless, I believe it’s greatest to remain in a single day when you can. This may let you delve extra deeply into the culinary scene, and in addition to see Chinatown (which, if I’m trustworthy, seems to be greatest at night time) lit up in colours.

Are you able to do a day journey to Yokohama?

It’s simple to do a day journey from Yokohama to Tokyo. Merely journey the JR Yokosuka Line from Tokyo, Shimbashi or Shinagawa Stations, or the JR Shonan-Shinjuku Line from Shinjuku or Shibuya. Observe that whilst you may additionally journey the Shinkansen from Tokyo or Shinagawa to Shin-Yokohama, this station is a little more distant from town heart.

The Backside Line

Irrespective of what number of days in Yokohama you spend—or certainly, when you even keep a single night time right here—I’ve a sense town goes to impress you. Although it’s been perpetually within the shadow of Tokyo, Yokohama may be very a lot its personal entity. It’s obtained an thrilling central core, distinctive neighborhoods, singular architectural and cultural websites and even locations which might be arguably higher as day journeys from Yokohama, relatively than Tokyo. Whether or not you come for the day or decide to sleep on it, you’ll discover that Yokohama punches above its weight. This may show very true when you rent me to plan your journey to Japan.