10 Great Things to Do in Yokohama

Built in 1910, part of the Italian Garden, this house has a collection of artifacts and period dwellings from the Meiji period. This famous landmark was once the family home of Japanese diplomat Uchida Sadatsuchi. The Diplomats house is one of the most Important Cultural landmarks of Japan. This American-Victorian style foreign residence located in the Yamate Italian Garden resided the diplomats of the Meiji Government, who served as the New York consul general. The rooms, such as the dining room, the reception room, the study, and the bedrooms, depicts the life and living style of the residents during the Meiji period. There is a quiet and serene space overlooking the beautiful view of the Yamate Italian Garden. This place is one of the famous touristic sites in Tokyo, and there are a lot of things to do in Yokohama, nearby the Diplomat House, such as visiting Art Gallery Yamanote, Bayjungle, Akiba Kart Yokohama and many more.

Opening Hours: 9:30am - 5:00pm. And it is open until 6:00 pm in July and August months. It is closed on every 4th Wednesdays (open if holiday), closed on year-end & new year holidays.

Address: 16 Yamatecho, Naka-Ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa

Transport: Ishikawacho Station (Negishi line), Motomachi (south) exit

Kanagawa prefecture has a warm climate and abundant natural views. Kanagawa Prefectural Museum of Cultural History is one of the most famous landmarks and things to do in Yokohama. Houses thousands of relics and artifacts from the ancient times, this museum shows the history and culture of ancient Japan like no other. Some of the permanent exhibitions here are :

Theme 1: People who Lived in Ancient Sagami Area: This exhibition introduces the prehistoric and ancient period (paleolithic period, Jomon period, Yayoi period, Kofun period, Nara period, Heian period) and life of people, with the artifact from various places within Kanagawa-prefecture.

Theme 2: Contemporary Kanagawa and Traditional Culture: These exhibits show the development of Kanagawa Prefecture, from the Great Kanto Earthquake and the reconstruction, the military facilities used during the 15 years of war and post-war era. Exhibits of materials, including tools and artifacts used by the people and things related to religious beliefs.

Theme 3: Modernization and the Opening of Yokohama's Port: The exhibit provides insights into different aspects of Kanagawa's modernization and development, the treaty port of Yokohama to the rest of the world. Some displays also exhibit the ukiyo-e prints with Yokohama scenes, modern paintings, old photographs, related to Yokohama's culture and customs during that time.

Information for Visitors: During your visit, photography is not allowed regarding any exhibit or artifact, flashlights, sound, tripods, and selfie sticks are not allowed as it may disrupt other visitors.

Opening hours: 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (last admission at 4:30 p.m.); Closed on Mondays; Year-end/New Year holidays

Admission Fee: For the permanent exhibitions, the ticket is for 250~300 Yen for 20yrs. and older. And 150~200 Yen for under 20yrs and visitors over 65yrs 100 Yen. Free for all the junior high school age students and below, as well as people who have disability certificates.

Note: A separate fee applies to all special exhibitions.

Access: By train, it is a one-minute walk from exit 5 of Bashamichi Station on the Minatomirai Line.

Yokohama Port Opening Memorial Hall, also called "Jack's Tower," is a building in Yokohama that has neo-renaissance style and was opened in 1917. The building is affectionately nicknamed "Jack" by the locals. Yokohama Port Opening Memorial Hall is designated as a historical heritage building, and also serves as the Nakaku Ward Hall. It has a clock tower, and the tip of the tower is lit with glorious lights that over-pass the intersection. The fascinating light show on the red bricks takes you back in time to a different age, the golden era of Yokohama. The orange reflection from the lighting on the bricks looks superbly beautiful and is bound to make you smile in excitement. It was also nominated as a Japan Heritage Night View. This prefectural building that is called "King's Tower", is open for the public, and the tour is free of charge. Here you can learn about the interesting history of Yokohama. It is close to a Minatomirai Line station, which makes this place a convenient starting point for visiting Yokohama night views and all the exciting things to do in Yokohama.

Address: 1-6, Honcho, Naka-ku, Yokohama, 231-0005

Closest Railway Station: Kannai Station (JR Keihin-Tohoku Negishi Line, Yokohama Municipal Subway); Nihon-Odori Station (Minatomirai Line)

Opening Hours: 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Closed on every 4th Mondays (the following day if holiday), Dec.29 - Jan.3

The Yokohama Archives of History was established on June 2, 1981, at the historic site where, in 1854, Japan and the U.S. signed the Treaty of Kanagawa. The purpose of this place is to preserve and exhibit things and tools from the Edo period to the Taisho-Showa era. These Archives are to facilitate the understanding and knowledge across generations and interaction among the people. The Archives provides a unique opportunity for you to understand Yokohama's role in the world and in Japanese history. And that is why this place should be in everyone’s list of things to do in Yokohama.
In addition to permanent exhibitions, they also hold special exhibitions four times a year in its Special Exhibition Room, to make your visit even more exciting.
Also, if you are looking for a particular book or document or have any questions about the history of Yokohama, you can visit the Reading Room here. The generous staff will assist you in finding the right book or document among thousands of documents and materials.

Opening Hours: From 9:30 am - 5:00 pm (Last admission 4:30 pm)
Closed on Mondays (open if holiday), year-end & new year holidays, maintenance day

Admission fees: 200 Yen for adults, 100 Yen for primary and junior high school students, and 100 Yen for Reading Room.

Address: 3, Nihonodori, Naka-Ku, Yokohama, 231-0021

Closest Railway Station: Kannai Station (JR Keihin-Tohoku Negishi Line, Yokohama Municipal Subway Line); Nihon-Odori Station(Minatomirai Line)

The NYK Maritime Museum is a museum in Yokohama, Japan, and is dedicated to the maritime history of Japan and to the museum's operator, the shipping company Nippon Yūsen Kabushiki Kaisha (NYK Line). It was opened in 1993. Through various displays from the Meiji period, this museum depicts the history of how ships used to transfer people, goods, and culture has helped opened up the sea route from Japan to overseas countries.

This is a small museum, but it is worth visiting as it gives you an insight into Japan's growth to the most developed country it now is. The ship models and artifacts on display here are worth visiting. All the exhibits here are well laid out and tell the story of the maritime history of Japan. The second world war section is sobering. For every marine history lover and travel enthusiast, this place is a must-visit and one of the most exciting things to do in Yokohama.

Since this artistic building has been used as the Yokohama branch of a shipping company, Nippon Yusen Kaisya (NYK Line), visitors can also enjoy videos and a display of a large scale model of a luxury liner of the 1920s. There is also a free tea service provided in the resting area.

Opening Hours: 10:00am - 5:00pm
Closed on Mondays (the following day if it's a holiday)

Address: 3-9, Kaigandori, Naka-Ku, Yokohama, 231-0002

Closest Railway Station: Kannai Station (JR Keihin-Tohoku Negishi Line, Yokohama Municipal Subway); Bashamichi Station(Minatomirai Line)

Yokohama Marine Tower is arguably one of the most beautiful and romantic places in Japan near the Yokohama Bayside area. It is one of the famous landmark and one of the highlight spots in Yokohama, Japan. It was built in 1961 in order to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Yokohama port’s inauguration. It is recommended to get there on time, at least 15 minutes before sunset begins. Visitors can buy your tickets on the 1st floor then take the elevator to the top from the 2nd-floor. As you will go all the way to the top, you’ll witness the most beautiful scenic view of Yokohama Bay. The 30th floor is approx — 100 meters above the ground. When you walk around the deck, you will be able to see a clear view of Mount Fuji against the sunset. After this, if you walk down to the 29th floor, you’ll get a nice place to sit or stand for Yokohama’s night views. All the seats facing the Minato Mirai are recommended and are the best. You will see the tall Landmark Tower, the Queen's buildings, Cosmo 21, and the Intercontinental Yokohama Grand from the above. You can also enjoy the view of Hikawa-Maru Ocean Liner and the Yokohama Bay Bridge from the top of the tower. And this why this place should be on the list of every travel enthusiast for the best places to visit and things to do in Yokohama.

Opening Hours: 10:00 am - 10:30 pm (last entry is 10:00pm);

Closed due to renovation from April 2019.

Address: 15, Yamashita-Cho, Naka-Ku, Yokohama, 231-0023

Closest Station: Ishikawacho Station (JR Keihin-Tohoku Negishi Line); Ishikawacho Station, JR Line; Municipal Subway Line; Motomachi-Chukagai Station: Minatomirai Line

Yokohama Landmark Tower is a large complex building with a shopping mall, restaurants, and an Observation Deck where you get a breathtaking view of the entire city from the 69th floor. This tower is 296 meters in height and is the symbol of Yokohama city. You can enjoy spending a whole day at Yokohama Landmark Tower as it has everything for the entire family. And the view from the 69th floor is exceptionally breathtaking at night. Some of the most exciting things to do in Yokohama Landmark Tower are:

Visit the Pokemon Center: This Pokemon Center is one of the most recommended of all the shops in the Landmark Tower. This is the must-visit place and the most exciting things to do in Yokohama Landmark Tower if you are anime and manga fan. You can find different items, souvenirs, and toys inspired by Pokemons.

The Dockyard Garden: Sitting at the foot of the Landmark Tower, the Dockyard Garden should definitely be on everyone’s lists of the things to do in Yokohama. This garden preserves the construction of Japan’s oldest stone-built commercial shipping dock, the ‘Old Yokohama Senkyo 2nd Dock’. It is recognized as a modernized industrial heritage.

Enjoy the views from Observation Deck on the 69th Floor: This highest observation deck in Yokohama can be reached via Japan’s fastest elevator in the Landmark Tower. It will whisk you up to the 69th floor in just under 40 seconds. Once you’ve arrived at the top, you can enjoy the 360-degree panoramic view of the city. Also, the night view from the 69th-floor observation deck is breathtakingly beautiful. It gives you an even more magnificent view during the winters as the night sky looks clear at that time.

Address: Kanagawa, Yokohama, Nishi-ku, Minatomirai 2-2-1
Opening Hours: 11:00-20:00 (Shopping); 11:00-22:00 (Cafe and Restaurants); 10:00-21:00 (Observation deck last admission at 20:30)
Nearest Station: Sakuragicho station,JR Negishi Line; Minatomirai station, Minatomirai Line

The Yamashita Park is a seaside Park in Japan located right in front of Yokohama Port. This park, stretching almost 700 meters from the east side of Osanbashi to Yamashita Pier, is Japan's first Western garden. It was opened in 1930 as a recovery project from the 1923 Great Kanto Earthquake, and 70,000m square of waterfront rubbles were buried to create the park. From this seaside park, which faces Yokohama Bay, you can also see the view of Yokohama Bay Bridge and Osanbashi Pier.

The park is famous for its flower garden of which roses, of approximately 400 plants of 60 types are planted in flower beds.

This park includes a grass field, a rose garden, the statue of "Little Girl With Red Shoes On", the " Guardian of Water fountain" statue, which was a gift from San Diego, Mission Bells of El Camino Real, water stairs and a stage. The former cargo and passenger ship Hikawamaru is also anchored here.

It’s one of the main tourist spots in Yokohama with the museum ship Hikawa Maru, and surrounded by grand architecture such as the Hotel New Grand should be on everyone’s list of things to do in Yokohama, Japan.

Address: 279, Yamashita-Cho, Naka-Ku, Yokohama, 231-0023

Closest Station: 3min. walk from Motomachi-Chukagai Station (Minato-Mirai Line); 20min. walk from Ishikawacho (JR Negishi Line)

The Sankeien garden was once the home of Tomitaro “Sankei” Hara, from 1869-1939, who was an extremely wealthy silk merchant in Japan. This garden was finally opened to the public in 1906. And now, this vast classical Japanese garden covers the area of over 175,000 square meters and is famous for its scenic views during different seasons. Which is why is it one of the most exciting things to do in Yokohama. During the spring, you can enjoy the beautiful views with cherry blossoms. During July and August, there is a pond inside the entrance that bursts with the beauty of thousands of pink lotuses. And in late autumn, you can enjoy the changing color of the leaves.

Sankeien resides in many traditional and historic houses and structures that are recognized as culturally significant by the Japanese government. These historic structures were brought to the park from different locations all over Japan, which also include a three-storied pagoda located high up on a hill, deep inside the garden. You will see bridges, streams, small waterfalls, bamboo groves, and ponds scattered in the garden. You will see the big house where Hara and his family lived in (Kakushokaku). It is a flat overlooking a private green lawn, dwelling with dozens of very spacious, interconnected tatami rooms.

Opening Hours: From 9:00 am-5:00 pm (Last entry 4:30 pm)
Closed: year-end holidays

Address: 58-1, Honmoku Sannotani, Naka-Ku, Yokohama, 231-0824

Closest Railway Station: From Negishi Station (JR Keihin-Tohoku Negishi Line), Bus Platform No.1]
Take the municipal bus (Route No.58, 99 or 101) to the bus stop Honmoku, and 10 min. walk to the Garden.

With a rich and vibrant cultural history, spanning back to 1859, Yokohama Motomachi Shopping Street is not to be missed among all the things to do in Yokohama list! Historically, Motomachi is known as one of the most famous shopping streets in Japan. It is situated by the Yokohama portside. Initially, this marketplace was started by local Japanese for foreigners who were living and working here. They provided imported items as well as daily necessities to them. Later a few international schools were established here, which still exist in the neighborhood of this place. There is also a classic residential area and a large cemetery for foreigners at a 10-minutes walk.

For those looking for variety shopping, you can find high-end luxury fashion and traditional Yokohama bags, accessories, and clothes here. There are many European high street retail outlets and some high-end jewelry shops. The street is filled with many well-known brands of Yokohama Traditional Fashion, as well as other quality goods, antiques, cutlery, jewelry, and famous foreign brand, nice restaurants, and cafes. There are benches for resting, and water holes for pets are placed, which offers a convenient environment for both. At the end of every February and September, there is a large-scale sale, known as "Charming Sale", which is held for a week. People from all over Japan come to Motomachi for this shopping event.

Address: 1-14, Motomati, Naka-Ku, Yokohama, 231-0861

Closest Station: Ishikawacho Station( JR Keihin-Tohoku Negishi Line), Motomachi-Chukagai Station (Minato-Mirai Line)

The combination of western influences and the need for development led to the modernization of Yokohama before any other place in Japan. For instance, it started Japan’s first daily newspaper, first gas-powered street lamps, and the first railways. This was also the place where Japan was introduced to Western fashion, food, and Western sports like cricket and rugby union for the first. And this is why this is one of the most significant places in Japan which are worth visiting. And it should be on the list of things to do in Yokohama of every travel enthusiast. Apart from the sites mentioned above, the Cup Noodle Museum, Yokohama Museum of Art, Shomyoji, Yokohama Chinatown are also some of the other popular places to visit in Yokohama.

Whether you are visiting Yokohama to experience the culture, history, or shopping if you are making the list of the most exciting things to do in Yokohama, you can take help from this guide. And to make it a hassle-free experience, you can refer to the list, we have put together, and you can book your tickets with Trip.com for a fantastic experience in Yokohama, Japan.