THINGS YOKOHAMA

things to do in yokohama?

Discover the local rhythm, stories, and moments that make the city alive.

カテゴリー: Explore

  • Yorunoyo Yokohama — When the City Turns Into Light

    Yorunoyo Yokohama — When the City Turns Into Light

    A Winter Night You’ll Never Forget

    Every winter, Yokohama transforms into a city of light.
    The annual “Yorunoyo” illumination event turns the waterfront into a magical nightscape where light, sound, and the sea come together. Instead of a single venue, the entire harbor area shines — from Minato Mirai to the Red Brick Warehouse, Osanbashi Pier, and Yamashita Park.

    You’re not just looking at lights.
    You’re walking through them.
    Yorunoyo is the moment when Yokohama shows its most emotional and cinematic side.

    💫 What Is Yorunoyo?

    Yorunoyo is a large-scale illumination event held every winter along Yokohama’s waterfront.
    It features lighting installations, projection mapping, digital art, and a signature five-minute synchronized light-and-music show that turns the whole bay area into a stage.

    ✨ Highlights of the event:

    • The entire waterfront lights up in sync with music
    • Projection mapping at Osanbashi International Passenger Terminal
    • Light art and installations in parks and plazas
    • Photo spots everywhere — especially at the harbor

    Admission is free, and the experience is different every year, making it a reason to visit Yokohama again.

    🔍 What to See — Must-Visit Areas During Yorunoyo

    All spots are within walking distance, so you can enjoy them like a nighttime stroll.

    AreaWhy It’s Special
    Minato MiraiCity skyline + winter illumination
    Red Brick WarehouseWarm lights + historic brick buildings
    Osanbashi PierProjection mapping + open-air viewing deck
    Yamashita ParkQuiet, romantic walk along the sea
    Shinko / Port-sideLight installations & photo spots

    Note: Some shopping complexes may have their own winter lighting,
    but MARK IS Minatomirai is not officially listed as a Yorunoyo installation.

    🚶 Suggested Route to Enjoy Yorunoyo

    To enjoy the event without rushing:

    Minato Mirai → Red Brick Warehouse → Osanbashi Pier → Yamashita Park

    • Start just after sunset
    • Take photos at Akarenga
    • Watch the synchronized illumination show
    • End with a quiet seaside stroll at Yamashita Park

    A slow walk is the best way to feel the magic.

    🗺 Access & Transportation

    Yorunoyo takes place in Yokohama’s seaside district, where public transport access is easy.

    Closest stations

    • Minatomirai Line: Bashamichi / Nihon-odori / Motomachi–Chūkagai
    • JR or Yokohama Municipal Subway: Sakuragicho or Kannai

    Keikyu is not an official access route for Yorunoyo,
    so it is not included in recommended directions.

    Most locations are walkable once you reach the waterfront.

    🏨 Where to Stay — Hotels with Stunning Night Views

    Staying near the waterfront can turn Yorunoyo into an unforgettable experience.
    Some rooms offer panoramic views of the illuminated bay — perfect for couples or anyone who wants to enjoy the lights in comfort.

    Recommended hotels

    • Yokohama Bay Hotel Tokyu — Rooms facing the Ferris wheel and waterfront
    • Hotel New Grand — Classic atmosphere beside Yamashita Park
    • InterContinental Yokohama Pier 8 — Modern luxury right on the harbor
    • (optional) For budget travelers, staying near Sakuragicho offers easy access to the event

    Watching Yorunoyo from your room with a drink in hand is one of the most unforgettable winter moments in Yokohama.

    📸 Tips for First-Time Visitors

    • Best time: Just after sunset to 9:00 PM
    • It can get cold — bring gloves and a warm jacket
    • Tripods may be restricted in busy areas
    • Weekdays are less crowded than weekends
    • Comfortable shoes are a must (you’ll want to walk!)

    🌙 Final Thoughts

    Yokohama is beautiful during the day.
    But during Yorunoyo, the city becomes something more — calm, emotional, romantic, and full of light.

    Whether you’re with someone special, exploring alone, visiting with family, or photographing the night, Yorunoyo is the moment when Yokohama truly shines.

    If you’re visiting Japan in winter, don’t stop at Tokyo.
    Follow the lights — and Yokohama will welcome you.

  • Top 10 Places to Visit in Yokohama

    Top 10 Places to Visit in Yokohama

    🌅 Why Yokohama Is a City You Shouldn’t Miss

    Only 30 minutes from Tokyo, Yokohama offers a completely different rhythm of travel.
    Here, the sea meets the city, history blends with modern life, and time seems to slow down.

    Whether you’re visiting as a couple, with family, or on a solo adventure, Yokohama has experiences that stay in your memory long after you leave.

    🗺

    Yokohama is easy to explore because many of its most iconic spots are located close to each other.

    • Minato Mirai 21 → Modern skyline & waterfront
    • Yamashita Park / Osanbashi → Seaside walk & night views
    • Chinatown / Motomachi / Yamate → Food, culture & history
    • Sankeien Garden / Sea Paradise → Nature & family attractions

    これを前提として、ここからは 絶対に訪れるべき横浜の名所10選 を紹介します。

    🌟 Top 10 Places to Visit in Yokohama

    1. Minato Mirai 21

    The symbol of Yokohama. A waterfront district where shopping, cafes, parks, and photo spots are all connected.
    A perfect place to start or end your day.

    Best for: First-time visitors / couples / families
    Best time: Evening for night views

    2. Yamashita Park & Bayfront Promenade

    A seaside walkway loved by locals for generations.
    Sit on a bench, watch the ships pass, and enjoy the soft breeze from the bay — this is Yokohama at its most peaceful.

    Best for: Relaxed travel / slow walks / couples
    Best time: Sunset

    3. Yokohama Chinatown

    The biggest Chinatown in Japan, filled with color, aromas, and street food.
    Eat dim sum, shop for souvenirs, or dive into traditional Chinese cuisine.

    Best for: Food lovers / families / groups
    Best time: Lunch to evening

    4. Red Brick Warehouse (Akarenga)

    A red-brick historical building reborn into a cultural hub.
    Shops, cafés, seasonal events, and one of the best sunset views in the city.

    Best for: Shopping / dates / photography
    Best time: Late afternoon → sunset

    5. Cup Noodles Museum

    A fun and creative attraction for all ages.
    You can learn about instant noodle history and design your own original Cup Noodles to take home.

    Best for: Families / rainy days / anyone who wants something playful
    Best time: Daytime

    6. Sankeien Garden

    A large traditional garden with seasonal flowers, ponds, and historic buildings.
    A quiet escape from the busy city — it feels like another world.

    Best for: Nature lovers / history fans / relaxation
    Best time: Morning

    7. Landmark Tower — Sky Garden

    Take the elevator to the 69th floor for a breathtaking 360-degree panorama.
    The night view is one of the most romantic experiences in Yokohama.

    Best for: Dates / first-time visitors / photography
    Best time: Night

    8. Osanbashi International Passenger Terminal

    A wooden rooftop deck with ocean air, open space, and stunning views of the city skyline.
    Loved by photographers and couples — peaceful both day and night.

    Best for: Walks / quiet moments / photos
    Best time: Sunset or night

    9. Motomachi Shopping Street & Yamate Western Area

    European-influenced streets, historic mansions, and hillside views of the port.
    A beautiful area to wander with no plan — stylish yet calm.

    Best for: Couples / history lovers / café time
    Best time: Afternoon

    10. Yokohama Hakkeijima Sea Paradise

    An ocean-themed amusement island with an aquarium, attractions, and sea views.
    Perfect for families and anyone who wants a full-day adventure by the water.

    Best for: Families / couples / fun-focused trips
    Best time: Daytime

    🚶 Suggested Travel Routes

    横浜を全部回ろうとしなくても大丈夫。雰囲気ごとに楽しめるのが横浜の良さ。

    For first-time visitors

    Minato Mirai → Cup Noodles Museum → Osanbashi → Chinatown → Akarenga → Sky Garden

    For couples

    Yamate → Motomachi → Osanbashi → The Bar（ホテルバーで夜景を満喫）

    For families

    Sea Paradise → Minato Mirai → Cup Noodles Museum → 夜景撮影

    For photography lovers

    Osanbashi → Akarenga → Minato Mirai night view

    ✨ Final Thoughts

    Yokohama isn’t the kind of city you rush through.
    It’s a place where you slow down, look up, sit by the water, and enjoy being together.

    Whether you’re here for one afternoon or several days, Yokohama offers moments that stay with you —
    the

    Tokyo shows you excitement.
    Yokohama showspeace, connection, and beauty.

  • Yokohama Bars — The Ultimate 5

    Yokohama Bars — The Ultimate 5

    Where the Night Feels Different

    Yokohama is one of Japan’s most enjoyable cities for exploring bars. Instead of loud crowds or fast-paced nightlife, the city offers an atmosphere built around elegance, conversation, and scenery. It’s a place where you can drink slowly, talk deeply, and enjoy the moment rather than rush through it.
    Whether you’re here for a date, a business trip, or a solo night out, Yokohama has a bar for every mood — from harbor-view lounges to intimate cocktail bars and jazz clubs filled with history. It’s not just nightlife. It’s an experience of Yokohama itself.

    The History of Yokohama’s Bar Culture

    Yokohama opened its port to the world in 1859, becoming Japan’s gateway to international culture. Western architecture, music, and food arrived here long before they spread across the rest of the country, and with them came the roots of modern bar culture.
    In the early 20th century, sailors, merchants, diplomats, and travelers filled the harbor with life — and bars became places not only to drink, but to exchange stories, ideas, and cultures. Hotel New Grand, Yamate’s Western-style mansions, and jazz clubs around Kannai played a major role in shaping Yokohama’s unique atmosphere.

    Even today, the charm of that era remains. Many bars in Yokohama carry the spirit of international exchange, soft lighting, and refined hospitality — a mixture of nostalgia and sophistication that is hard to find elsewhere in Japan.

    ① Bar Sea Guardian II — The Icon of Classic Yokohama

    Located inside the historic Hotel New Grand, Bar Sea Guardian II captures the essence of old-world Yokohama. The dark wood interior, leather chairs, and quiet lighting create a timeless atmosphere where every drink feels like part of a story. This is not a trendy spot—it’s a place where elegance has been preserved. Signature cocktails and classic whiskeys are served with refined hospitality, making it ideal for couples and solo travelers who enjoy a mature, sophisticated night. If you want to feel the heritage of Yokohama through its bar culture, this is the place.

    ② Seamen’s Club — Harbor Lights & Hidden-Gem Lounge by the Red Brick Warehouse

    Seamen’s Club sits on the 3rd floor of Navios Yokohama, only a short walk from the Red Brick Warehouse. Through its large windows, you can enjoy sweeping night views over Yokohama Bay — the pier lights, Bay Bridge, and illuminated warehouses. The interior is cozy yet refined, with wood, leather, and dim lighting creating a relaxed harbor-town lounge vibe. Drinks are classic rather than flashy, and time passes gently here. Perfect for romantic evenings, quiet conversations, and solo visitors who want to soak in Yokohama’s port-city mood.

    ③ Bar Noble — Intimate, Beautiful, and Perfect for Two

    Bar Noble feels like it was designed for couples. Every detail—the warm lighting, the polished counter, the quiet music—creates a refined, intimate setting. The bartenders are masters of classic cocktails, yet the service never feels rigid or formal. It is the kind of bar where time slows down, where you can talk without raising your voice, and where the atmosphere itself becomes part of the experience. If you’re looking for the most “romantic bar in Yokohama,” Bar Noble is a strong contender.

    ④ BAR GREAT HARRY — International Vibes & Real Conversation

    BAR GREAT HARRY offers something unique: connection. It’s a relaxed space where tourists, locals, and expats naturally blend, and where conversations are just as enjoyable as the drinks. The owner speaks English and has a background in business beyond bartending, making the bar incredibly welcoming for international visitors and business travelers alike. Whether you want to talk about life in Japan, culture, or work, this is the kind of bar where people end up staying longer than planned. Comfortable, friendly, and international—Yokohama’s port-city spirit is alive here.

    ⑤ Bar Bar Bar — Jazz, Dinner, and a Taste of Yokohama’s Culture

    Bar Bar Bar combines live jazz with dining and drinks for a full cultural night out. Rather than background music, the performances take center stage—yet the atmosphere remains relaxed and accessible even for first-timers. The space is classy but never pretentious, attracting music lovers of all ages. Sipping a cocktail while listening to saxophone or piano captures a unique side of Yokohama: a city where Western influence and Japanese warmth blend seamlessly. If you want a night that becomes a memory, Bar Bar Bar is a perfect choice.

    What Makes Bars in Yokohama Unique

    Bars in Yokohama are not simply places to drink. They are spaces designed for feeling — spaces where the scenery, music, and interior all become part of the evening.

    What makes them special:

    • Scenery & Space: The waterfront, night sky, and open plazas create a relaxed environment that invites slow drinking.
    • Romantic Atmosphere: Many bars are intentionally quiet and elegant, perfect for couples and calm conversation.
    • International Spirit: Because Yokohama has long embraced global culture, people from many countries gather naturally and feel welcome.
    • Jazz & Culture: The port city has a strong jazz tradition, and live music remains a key part of its nightlife.
    • Hospitality: Service tends to be attentive but not formal — refined, yet warm.

    Unlike Tokyo, where nightlife can feel fast and crowded, Yokohama’s bar scene is about comfort, quality, and connection.

    Summary — A Night Out in Yokohama You’ll Never Forget

    Yokohama is a city that invites you to slow down — and its bars are the perfect way to experience that.
    Whether you choose a classic cocktail in a historic hotel, a romantic drink overlooking the harbor, an intimate bar for two, a cultural night with live jazz, or a friendly international spot where conversations flow naturally, every bar offers a different side of Yokohama.

    A night here is not about how many bars you visit.
    It’s about how the city makes you feel — relaxed, welcomed, and connected.

    If you want to experience Yokohama not just as a visitor, but with your heart, start with its bars.
    Your glass may empty, but the memory won’t fade.

  • Cup Noodles Museum Yokohama: Make Your Own Ramen & Discover Japan’s Most Iconic Food

    Cup Noodles Museum Yokohama: Make Your Own Ramen & Discover Japan’s Most Iconic Food

    Cup Noodles Museum Yokohama
    — The Most Fun Food Experience in Japan

    Cup Noodles Museum Yokohama isn’t just a museum — it’s a story of creativity, invention, and fun.
    Nestled in the Minato Mirai area, this interactive museum invites visitors of all ages to create their own instant noodles, explore the history of one of Japan’s most beloved foods, and rediscover the power of imagination that changed everyday life around the world.

    Whether you’re traveling with family, a partner, or simply exploring on your own, the museum is one of the most joyful and inspiring experiences in Yokohama — and a perfect half-day trip from Tokyo.

    What Is the Cup Noodles Museum Yokohama?

    Opened in 2011 by Nissin Foods, the Cup Noodles Museum celebrates the life and vision of Momofuku Ando, the inventor of instant noodles and founder of Nissin.
    His idea — “peace will come to the world when there is enough food” — led to the creation of instant ramen in 1958 and the world’s first Cup Noodles in 1971.

    The museum’s theme is “Creative Thinking and Invention.”
    Rather than just showing products, it invites you to experience the spirit of innovation yourself — through play, making, and design.

    Every corner feels alive with color and light: hand-drawn noodle cups line the walls, and gentle scents of soup drift from the kitchen labs. It’s not only educational — it’s pure fun.

    🍜 Highlights You Shouldn’t Miss

    1. My CUPNOODLES Factory

    This is the most popular spot in the museum, where you can design and create your own Cup Noodles.
    Choose your favorite soup base (like soy, seafood, chili tomato, or curry) and add four toppings from more than a dozen choices — everything from corn and shrimp to mystery meat cubes and even cheese.

    Then, decorate your cup with colorful markers before it’s sealed and packaged in front of you.
    Each cup costs just ¥500, and you get to take it home as a one-of-a-kind souvenir — your own culinary artwork in a balloon-shaped bag.

    2. Chicken Ramen Factory (Cooking Workshop)

    Here, you’ll make ramen noodles completely from scratch — kneading the dough, steaming it, and frying it just like Momofuku Ando did in his backyard shed when he invented instant noodles.

    The 90-minute class is guided (Japanese only, but easy to follow visually) and suitable for both kids and adults.
    Each participant leaves with their handmade noodles and a cute certificate.

    💴 Price: ¥1,000 per person
    📅 Reservation required — available through the museum’s official website.

    3. Noodles Bazaar: World Noodle Road

    This mini food court celebrates noodle dishes from around the globe.
    Walk through a lively “noodle street” with food stalls serving small portions of eight different noodle types — from Vietnamese pho and Italian pasta to Indonesian mie goreng and Malaysian laksa.

    Each dish costs about ¥400, and since portions are half-size, you can sample several at once.
    It’s a delicious and unexpected reminder that noodles truly connect the world.

    4. Instant Noodles History Cube

    A stunning wall of over 3,000 instant noodle packages — stacked by color and era — shows how the simple idea evolved into a global phenomenon.
    It’s a time capsule of design, culture, and nostalgia, perfect for photography and reflection.

    You’ll likely spot the cup design from your own childhood, no matter which country you’re from.

    5. Creative Thinking Room & Theater

    Before you leave, spend a few minutes in the Momofuku Theater — a short animated film about Ando’s creative journey.
    It’s charming, warm, and full of wisdom about never giving up on ideas, even when they seem impossible.

    Hours, Admission & Access

    InfoDetails
    🕓 Hours10:00 – 18:00 (Last entry 17:00)
    📅 ClosedTuesdays (and New Year holidays)
    💴 AdmissionAdults ¥500 / Kids under junior high free
    📍 Address2-3-4 Shinko, Naka-ku, Yokohama
    🚉 Access8-min walk from Minato Mirai Station or Bashamichi Station (Minatomirai Line)

    🧭 Nearby Attractions & Suggested Route

    Walking distance from the museum:

    • 🧱 Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse (5 min) – shopping, cafés, and events
    • 🌸 Yamashita Park (15 min) – seaside walking and sunset views
    • 🎡 Cosmo World (10 min) – the famous ferris wheel by night
    • ☕ Yokohama World Porters (3 min) – indoor mall with local restaurants

    🗓️ Suggested half-day course:

    Cup Noodles Museum → Red Brick Warehouse → Sunset at Yamashita Park → Dinner in Chinatown

    🏨 Where to Stay Near Cup Noodles Museum

    HotelStyleDistanceHighlights
    InterContinental Yokohama GrandLuxury10 min walkIconic sail-shaped hotel with bay views
    Hyatt Regency YokohamaUpscale15 minElegant interiors and high-end breakfast
    The Square Hotel Minato MiraiMid-range5 minModern, cozy, and perfect for couples