Yokohama Itinerary: 1 Day in Japan’s Vibrant Port City

Here, you’ll find a wealth of attractions that offer a unique blend of modern innovation and historical charm.

From quirky museums to scenic waterfront parks, historic districts, and Japan’s largest Chinatown, Yokohama truly has something for everyone.

In fact, I recently visited the city on a day trip and was genuinely surprised by just how much it has to offer.

Add in the fact that it’s just a short train ride from Tokyo – and you’ve got yourself the perfect destination for a quick escape from the hustle and bustle of the capital.

Whether you’re a foodie, a history buff, or simply looking for a little bit of peace and quiet, Yokohama is a great destination to consider.

That being said, let’s dive right in and discover the perfect Yokohama itinerary for 1 day!

Here’s a quick breakdown for you to compare!

Spring: Like much of Japan, Yokohama is especially beautiful in spring when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom. Sakura season here typically peaks in late March to early April, though the exact timing can vary depending on the weather. While spring is a stunning time to visit the city, it’s also one of the most popular – so be prepared for larger crowds!

Summer: Although summer in Japan can be quite hot, humid, and rainy, Yokohama’s location along the coast helps to cool things down a bit. There are plenty of beaches and seaside parks that you can take advantage of. And, when the rain does come, it typically doesn’t last too long. In addition to this, the area is known for its vibrant summer festivals, which feature lively cultural gatherings and dazzling fireworks displays. 

Autumn: Fall season is a great alternative to spring, for those looking to escape the crowds. It offers similar weather (sunny, warm, and dry) as well as stunning natural scenery. The difference is instead of cherry blossoms, the city is blanketed in vibrant fall foliage. It’s truly a sight to behold!  

Winter: While winter in Yokohama can be quite cold (especially when you factor in the wind chill), it’s also significantly less crowded and quite festive. During the holidays, the city hosts a variety of events including winter illuminations, a Christmas Market, and celebrations for the Chinese New Year.

The second largest city in Japan, it’s situated just south of Tokyo, making it a convenient and popular day trip destination for those looking to explore beyond the capital.

In fact, the train ride from Tokyo Station to Yokohama Station only takes about 30 minutes on the local JR Line. 

Meanwhile, for those traveling from farther away, there’s the Shin-Yokohama Station, which serves as the city’s main bullet train hub.

You can get here from both Kyoto Station and Shin-Osaka, with travel times of 2 and 2.5 hours respectively. 

It’s also possible to travel by bullet train from Tokyo. However, I don’t recommend doing this unless you have the JR Pass – the Shin is more expensive and not that much faster than the local train.

And, finally, for those flying in, the closest airports are Haneda Airport and Narita Airport in Tokyo. 

Generally speaking, it takes about 30 minutes to travel to Yokohama from Haneda on the Keikyū Airport Express Train. 

Meanwhile, the train ride from Narita is approximately 1.5 hours long via the Narita Limited Express Train.

In fact, many of the destinations mentioned in this itinerary are within walking distance of each other!

That said, if you prefer, public transportation is also readily available.

The city is well-connected by an extensive network of subways and buses that can quickly take you to the most popular attractions. 

Just be sure to grab an IC card before hopping aboard.

These prepaid, refillable cards are available at most train stations and can be used on many local trains, buses, and subways across the country.

Pro Tip: One of the best navigation apps for Japan is Google Maps. It’s my go-to for planning routes, checking train schedules, and figuring out the quickest way to get around. I highly recommend downloading it before traveling to Japan!

Traveling between Sakuragicho Station and Unga Park Station, the Air Cabins provide a scenic and unique way to explore the city.

Along the route, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of iconic landmarks, including Cosmo Clock 21, the city’s famous Ferris wheel, and Yokohama’s Landmark Tower, the third-tallest building in Japan.

Meanwhile, in the evening, you can expect to encounter stunning nighttime illuminations set against a sparkling city skyline.

Pro Tip: You can purchase a round-trip ticket for a discounted rate if you wish to take in the sights both during the day and at night. Tickets can be purchased on-site upon arrival.

Here, you can learn how Momofuku developed his very first recipe for chicken ramen and discover how the company expanded throughout the years.

There are even interactive exhibits where you can create your own ramen, design your own instant noodle cup, and try out ramen variations from around the world.

Meanwhile, for those with kids, there’s a playful park where they can learn more about the manufacturing process in a fun and engaging way.

Pro Tip: If you plan to partake in the interactive experiences, it’s best to purchase your tickets in advance – as they tend to sell out quickly!

Over time, it was eventually abandoned and then repurposed into a vibrant complex and lively tourist destination.

Today, the historic structure houses a variety of boutique stores, quaint cafes, and stylish restaurants.

The complex is also known to host a variety of events, including live music performances, art exhibits, and cultural festivals.

Pro Tip: Traveling to Yokohama around the holidays? Be sure to check out the Christmas market held every year at the Red Brick Warehouse!

Here, you’ll find the Yokohama Marine Tower and Osanbashi Pier, both of which offer views of Mt. Fuji on a clear day. As well as Hikawa Maru, a cargo-passenger ship turned museum.

There’s also a nearby restaurant, The Wharf House, where you can grab a drink or a bite to eat along the waterfront.

Dating back to the 1800s, Yokohama Chinatown is not only one of the oldest in Japan, it’s also the largest (followed by Kobe and Nagasaki).

Spanning 500 square meters, this vibrant district is home to hundreds of vendors selling a variety of delicious Chinese food. 

From dumplings and steamed buns to Peking duck, bubble tea, and mooncakes, there’s something to satisfy every craving!

• Cosmo World: Home to the city’s iconic Ferris wheel, Cosmo World is a compact, urban amusement park that offers stunning views of Yokohama. Here, you’ll find a variety of rides including roller coasters, log flumes, and other family-friendly attractions.
• Sankeien Garden: Spanning 175,000 square meters, Sankeien is Yokohama’s most famous traditional Japanese garden. Opened to the public in 1906, this serene oasis is home to beautifully preserved historical buildings, picturesque ponds, and vibrant seasonal foliage (including cherry blossoms!).
• Yokohama Landmark Tower: Standing 296 meters tall, the Yokohama Landmark Tower is the tallest building in the city. From its observation deck, you can take in 360-degree views of the city – and, if you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of Mt Fuji!
• Shin-Yokohama Ramen Museum: Situated just down the road from Shin-Yokohama, the Ramen Museum is a fun and flavorful destination. Here, you’ll find several exhibits celebrating the history of Japan’s ramen culture, alongside numerous restaurants serving up regional varieties of this iconic dish.
• Kirin Beer Factory: Founded in Yokohama in the late 1800s, Kirin Beer has become one of Japan’s most iconic beverages. Today, you can tour the factory to learn about its history and brewing process – and, of course, enjoy a refreshing beer tasting!

What to Eat in Yokohama

• Spaghetti Napolitan: An Italian-inspired pasta dish, spaghetti napolitan is a popular creation first invented in Yokohama. It features stir-fried spaghetti topped with a variety of vegetables and tomato sauce.
• Gyunabe: Yokohama’s version of hot pot, gyunabe consists of thinly sliced beef, vegetables, and tofu simmered together in a savory soy sauce and miso broth. For a traditional twist, be sure to dip each item in raw egg before eating it.
• Nikuman: With its massive Chinatown, it’s no surprise that Yokohama is famous for its nikuman (aka pork buns). These fluffy, steamed buns are typically stuffed with a savory filling of minced pork, onions, bamboo shoots, and mushrooms.
• Seafood Doria: Another Yokohama specialty, seafood doria is essentially a baked rice dish cooked with seafood and topped with cheese. While the traditional dish features shrimp, modern variations have come to include a variety of offerings such as clams and scallops.
• Sanmamen Ramen: You can find various ramen creations across Japan, including Yokohama where the local speciality is sanmamen ramen. This version of the dish is soy-based and packed full of stir-fried vegetables.

• Minato Mirai: For easy access to the city’s most popular attractions, Minato Mirai is a great option. The area is very walkable, offers great views of the waterfront, and is home to several restaurants, shops, and cafes.
• Kannai: Situated in the heart of the city, Kannai is known for its historical buildings and vibrant nightlife. Here, you’ll find plenty of bars, live music venues, restaurants, and cafes, as well as a wide range of accommodation options. 
• Shin-Yokohama Station: If you plan to travel beyond Tokyo and Yokohama, consider staying near Shin-Yokohama. Not only will you have easy access to the bullet trains, but the area also offers a number of hotels, shopping centers, and restaurants. 
• Motomachi: For those looking to do a bit of shopping, Motomachi is an ideal spot to base yourself. The area is home to a variety of local and high-end boutique stores – and it also happens to offer easy access to Chinatown.