Last Updated: Feb 25, 2023

Yokohama’s Chinatown

A Living Example of the City’s Legacy

The bayside city of Yokohama is one of my all time favorite getaways from Tokyo. While I often head out to the prefectures for much needed retreats, Yokohama has been my go-to choice for an urban escape for quite a long time. From the city’s glamorous Minato Mirai shopping area to the boozy backstreets of Noge, Yokohama has something for everyone. One of the best things about the area is that despite being only 30 minutes south of central Tokyo, Yokohama feels worlds apart from the neon-lit megalopolis to the north. For those familiar with America, the vibe between the two is as different as that between New York City on the east coast and Los Angeles on the west coast.

In addition to its more relaxed atmosphere, Yokohama is also home to some amazing history. The city and surrounding area were the first to be opened to foreign trade ships after nearly 300 years of the Edo period (1603–1868) isolation. While much of Tokyo’s historical legacy from the earlier parts of the 20th century was lost to World War II, Yokohama still clings to whatever bygone vestiges it can. From old European-themed buildings to the remnants of timeworn shipyards, the past is alive and well in Yokohama.