Like this post? Help us by sharing it!
Winter is no long coming – it’s well and truly here (in Bristol, at least). But there’s no need to despair – because winter is actually one of the best times to visit Japan, bringing its festive illuminations, snow festivals, warming hotpots and steaming hot spring baths. Here, tour leader Mike explains why Yokohama is one of his favourite winter destinations.
Winter in Japan is a great time to take a stroll in the areas that are illuminated for the holidays, enjoy a lovely yakiimo (roasted potato) or try to fight the cold at home with the help of a kotatsu – a small table with a heater underneath and a blanket thrown on top. Most Japanese homes don’t have insulation, and while space heaters do the trick, a kotatsu is a staple in many Japanese households.
While Tokyo has plenty of Christmas lights all over the city, my favorite area is in Yokohama. Just 35 minutes away, the Minato Mirai area is Yokohama’s hub for business and a popular date spot among young Japanese people. If you’ve got a free day on your trip, I’d highly recommend taking a trip there to take in the sights.
To get to Minato Mirai, take the Tokyu Toyoko/Minatomirai Line from Shibuya Station and get off at Minato Mirai Station. You’re greeted with Cosmo Clock 21 as soon as you leave the station.
Next to the station is Landmark Tower with an observatory on the 69th floor, accessed via the world’s second-fastest elevator at 12.5 m/s. The views are absolutely breathtaking at night.
Back on the ground level, let’s take a walk to Cosmo World, the small theme park on the harbour. Cosmo World has an arcade, several attractions for around 600 yen each, and a really cool roller coaster that disappears underground.
Across the street is World Porters, a four-storey shopping centre with a cinema and mini-golf course on the roof. You need to pass through the cinema to get to the mini-golf course, however you don’t need a movie ticket to access it. Take the escalators up from the cinema and walk outside from there.
It tends to be crowded outside, however the rooftop is usually quiet as it’s not quite clear that anyone can go up there. It’s a great place to get a closer view of the ferris wheel without all the swarms of people.
Across the way is Manyo Club, an onsen (hot spring) and relaxation facility. If you’re keen on spending the night in the area and need to relax after a long day, this is a must-visit spot. The views from the footbath on the roof are quite nice too! Alternatively, you could just relax with a nice, cold beer. (After you’ve warmed up, of course!)
Continuing on to Akarenga (Red Brick Warehouse), in the winter months there is a Christmas market and ice-skating rink.
You can also find a beautiful tree and get your picture taken in front of it.
When you’re finished, take a stroll towards Sakuragicho station to get a view of the area from another perspective.
There are plenty of other options in the area, including the Cup Noodle Museum, the Yokohama Museum of Art, and the Nippon Maru, a large sailing ship docked at the harbor across from Minato Mirai station.
To find out more about why winter is a great time to visit Japan, read Violet’s 11 reasons to visit Japan in the winter.
Get in touch with one of our travel consultants to begin planning your trip now.