Is Yokohama Worth a Day Trip? Why AND Why Not

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Are you deciding which day trips to take from Tokyo? Is Yokohama worth visiting?

I first visited Yokohama as a last-minute addition to my first trip to Tokyo. Yokohama was the perfect way to fill some extra space I had in my jam-packed itinerary. It ended up being the easiest day trip from Tokyo because it was easy to get to and did not require a ton of planning to still be an enjoyable time.

However, there is a reason Yokohama was a last-minute addition to my Tokyo itinerary.

As a port city, Yokohama feels very industrial compared to other possible Tokyo day trips. For this reason, the answer to this question depends on what you have time for and what you are most interested in seeing while in Japan.

In this post, I’m lining out the highlights of Yokohama as well as the reasons you may want to skip it. I’m also providing the easiest way to add Yokohama to your itinerary, including the simplest way to hit all the main attractions and lesser-known sights.

That way, you can craft your own itinerary based on what you are interested in and what you have time for.

So if you are wondering if Yokohama is worth visiting, then read on.

Is Yokohama Worth a Day Trip?

The classic answer to this question is a resounding yes.

However, being an industrial port, Yokohama does feel similar to Tokyo.

For this reason, the actual answer to this question depends on what you have time for and what you are most interested in seeing while in Japan.

For my first visit, I was most interested in experiencing Japan’s traditional and outdoor aspects. I spent most of my planning time booking a Mount Fuji tour and seeing a town from the Edo Period. After spending some time in Tokyo, I wanted my day trips to show me a new aspect of Japan that I could not find by staying in the city.

If that is you too and you are limited on time, you may want to consider choosing another day trip for your time.

On the other hand, if you are looking for an easy day trip that doesn’t require a ton of advance reservations and route planning, then Yokohama is definitely the day trip for you.

Is One Day Enough for Yokohama?

Yokohama is the second-most populated city in Japan after Tokyo. That means it is impossible to see all that Yokohama has to offer in one day.

However, it is a popular day trip because of its proximity to Tokyo.

While you can’t experience everything in one day, you can leave satisfied by easily hitting many of Yokohama’s main attractions in just one day.

Getting to Yokohama from Tokyo

Yokohama, part of the Kanagawa prefecture, is just 20 miles (32 km) southwest of Tokyo. Depending on where you are in Tokyo, the train is actually way faster than driving. Those visiting Tokyo are typically within walking distance of Shibuya Station, Shinjuku Station, or Tokyo Station. Although transferring train lines isn’t as daunting and anxiety-inducing as it sounds, staying on one train gives you peace of mind.

The best train line to get to Yokohama is the Tōyoko line. The Tōyoko line has a limited express train to Yokohama, which ultimately means that you will get to Yokohama quicker for a little extra yen because you are not stopping at every train station along the way. For example, it takes 27 minutes to travel on the Tōyoko line from Shibuya station to Yokohama station, as opposed to 40 minutes if traveling on the Yamanote line with a transfer to the Keikyū line.

Taking the Tōyoko line from Shibuya station to Yokohama station will cost you about 310 yen. For your return trip, taking the Minatomirai line is the quickest and will cost about 310 yen. This is if you are located in the Shibuya area.

I recommend using Google Maps to find the most efficient route and train line to your hotel. When I was in the Ginza area, I used both train lines with one train line transfer. 

Getting Around Yokohama

Yokohama is pedestrian-friendly, so walking and exploring all the city has to offer will not be a problem. Because Yokohama is a well-known port city, most of the attractions and experiences are located along the coastline instead of inland.

If you want to rest your feet a bit, there are buses you can use that take your Suica card, but sometimes, it ends up taking the same amount of time or more than if you would just walk.

Walkability is one reason that Yokohama is worth visiting. Without planning ahead, you can easily walk to many of its main attractions.

Yokohama Day Trip Map

The Top Things to do in Yokohama

1. Cup Noodles Museum

Learn how Cup Noodles changed the food industry and about the perseverance of Momofuka Ando, the inventor of instant ramen.

The Cup Noodles Museum has several levels, one of which is the Cup Noodles Factory, where you can make your own Cup Noodles to take home and enjoy. It’s one of my favorite souvenirs from Japan!

2. Chinatown

Yokohama is home to Japan’s largest Chinatown. Walk streets lined with food vendors selling steamed buns and the absolutely delicious soup dumplings. Be sure to check out Kanteibyo Temple, located in the center of Chinatown.

If visiting around February, Chinatown will be ornately decorated to celebrate the Lunar Year. 

3. Red Brick Warehouse

The Yokohama Akarenga Suko, better known as the Red Brick Warehouse, is an iconic place to snap a few photos and shop. Seasonal experiences, like Oktoberfest, the Christmas Market, or the Strawberry Festival, are hosted here.

4. Yokohama Air Cabin

The Air Cabin is one method of transport to get from the train station to the Cup Noodles Museum. However, the Air Cabin is an experience in itself with stunning views of the water, Ferris Wheel, and city.

Definitely go at dusk to see the city light up.

5. Cosmo World and the Cosmo Clock Ferris Wheel

Cosmo World is a theme park featuring several roller coasters, carnival rides, and the Cosmo Clock Ferris Wheel, formerly the tallest Ferris Wheel in the world. Tickets to the Ferris Wheel can be purchased only.

6. Yamashita Park

Yamashita is the biggest of the waterfront parks in Yokohama. Easily add it to your visit by walking through the park to Chinatown.

Lesser Known Sights in Yokohama

1. Rinko Park

Rinko Park is walkable from the train station, and it gives a full view of the port. Plus, it has a well-known arch bridge.

2. Nippon Maru Sail Training Ship

See a 1930s sail training ship at the Yokohama Port Museum where you can also rent sea kayaks.

3. Shin-Yokohama Ramen Museum

There are, in fact, multiple ramen museums in Yokohama! The Shin-Yokohama Ramen Museum requires a train to get to, so it is less-visited on a day trip.

While instant ramen is a component, this museum focuses on the dish of ramen Compared to the Cup Noodles Museum, this one focuses on the dish of ramen.

Other Tokyo Day Trips to Consider Besides Yokohama

If you are looking to leave Tokyo behind, consider choosing an alternative day trip to Yokohama.

You can easily get to these destinations from Tokyo and back within the same day. They also feel wildly different from the city hustle of Tokyo.

1. Mount Fuji

Located within easy reach of Tokyo, Mount Fuji is an icon of Japan. Find hiking trails with varying difficulty levels or just marvel at stunning views of the surrounding landscapes.

2. Hakone

Renowned for its hot springs (onsen) and views of Mount Fuji, Hakone is a popular destination for relaxation and natural beauty. Enjoy a cruise on Lake Ashi, soak in hot springs, and explore the Hakone Open-Air Museum.

3. Kawagoe

Known as “Little Edo,” Kawagoe is famous for its well-preserved traditional buildings, merchant houses, and quaint streets. Experience a taste of old Japan while exploring its historic district.

4. Nikko National Park

Beyond the town of Nikko itself, the National Park offers stunning natural scenery, including waterfalls, lakes, and hiking trails. It’s an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.

5. Kamakura

Known for its Great Buddha statue (Daibutsu), Kamakura is a coastal town with a rich cultural heritage. Highlights include ancient temples, serene gardens, and picturesque beaches.

Is Yokohama Worth It? and Other FAQ

Overall is Yokohama Worth Visiting?

So, is Yokohama worth visiting?

While Yokohama has captivating museums, a picturesque waterfront, and a large Chinatown, if you are short on time and are seeking to veer away from the bustling energy of Tokyo, you should explore alternative day trip destinations.

But if you have ample time, Yokohama is undoubtedly a destination worth visiting.