Destinations

Yokohama

"Everytime I visit Yokohama I am reminded what a fascinating, cosmopolitan city this is, rich in history but at the same time modern and extremely stylish!"

Alastair Donnelly - Director

A cosmopolitan port city with a remarkable history, Yokohama easily merits a visit from the capital. Just half an hour from Tokyo, Japan's second-largest city was where Commodore Perry first landed in 1853 demanding Japan end its 300 year policy of self-isolation and open up to foreign trade. Little more than a fishing village at the time, Yokohama soon grew into one of Asia's major ports, and remains a popular international city today.

Many of the sights in Yokohama are based around the waterfront, exuding a sense of space that Tokyo lacks and containing some of the most striking modern architecture in the country. Minato Mirai – or ‘harbour of the future’ - is the innovative and ever-changing heart of the area, featuring modern shopping malls, a fascinating maritime museum and a museum of modern art.

Unquestionably the biggest draw for Japanese tourists is Japan’s largest Chukagai (Chinatown) south of the old centre, which after 1859 quickly became the choice of residence for the many Chinese traders. Although mostly a modern district now, it has retained a picturesque, Chinese-style temple and offers a multitude of popular restaurants within its narrow colourful streets. Browse among stores peddling Chinese herbs and cooking utensils, or sample some of the steaming savoury dumplings on offer.

Yokohama's greatest foreign legacy can be found in the Yamate district overlooking the port and providing great views towards Minato Mirai. Set on a terraced hill beside the slick shopping district of Motomachi is the rather austere and sombre old Foreigners' Cemetery; the last resting place of some 4,500 souls from more than 40 countries and scattered with Christian crosses and elaborate mausoleums. The winding streets leading away on the hilltop beyond are still dotted with old, Western-style houses - attractions that are arguably more interesting to domestic tourists than those from abroad.

One of the most interesting places elsewhere in the city is without a doubt Sankei-en, a haven of peace in the big city. The landscaped grounds include a collection of historic buildings, including an elegant daimyo (feudal lord) residence, several tea houses and the main hall and three storied pagoda of Kyoto's old Tomyoji Temple. A wealthy silk merchant constructed the traditional Japanese garden, with the small rivers, flowers and wonderful winding trails allowing you to believe you are in Kyoto rather than this ultramodern metropolis.

Back to top

Products featuring Yokohama...

Small Group Tour

Japan Unmasked

Snow monkeys, a temple stay, bright lights and rural Japan. Japan Unmasked offers fantastic value and a fascinating insight into Japan old and new. This flexible tour, led by one of our experienced staff, allows you to spend as much, or as little, as you want. Visit Tokyo, Kyoto, Hiroshima and more!

13 Nights: £1600

view tour »