Yokohama feels like a gentle pause just outside Tokyo’s rush. It has the second-largest population in Japan, yet it’s often overlooked. Give it time, and the city unfolds slowly and generously. You can walk along a breezy waterfront, get lost in historical alleys, eat top-tier Chinese food, and watch ships drift by from a quiet bench. It blends old trade-port history with clean, modern edges. If you’re wondering what to do while you’re here, this list of the 13 best things to do in Yokohama, Japan, is a good place to start.

Top 13 Things to Do in Yokohama, Japan

Take In the View from The Landmark Tower Sky Garden

Start with a full sweep of the city from above. The Landmark Tower Sky Garden sits 273 meters high, and on a clear day, you can even spot Mount Fuji from its windows. The elevator ride up is fast, but the view slows things down. You’ll see the sweep of Yokohama Bay, the tidy grid of the city, and the curious contrast between old red-brick buildings and shiny towers.

Walk Through the Historic Red Brick Warehouse

Once used as customs buildings during the early 20th century, the Red Brick Warehouse has been repurposed into a spot full of shops, small galleries, and seasonal markets. These two brick buildings carry the charm of history without turning into a museum. The interiors are cozy, and there’s often live music or pop-up exhibitions. Its bayfront location makes it a good place to linger.

Get Lost in Yokohama Chinatown

Japan’s largest Chinatown is a colorful maze of lanterns, temples, and food stalls. The scents alone are enough to make you stay: roasted chestnuts, steamed dumplings, and sesame balls fresh out of the fryer. There’s a mix of old Cantonese-style gates and newer shops, but the energy remains consistent—always a bit chaotic, always worth a second loop.

Wander Around Yamashita Park

Running along the waterfront, Yamashita Park is a flat, breezy stretch that gives you space to breathe. Locals bring their dogs, jog, or sit on benches staring at ships rolling into port. You’ll spot the Hikawa Maru, a 1930s passenger liner now turned into a museum. The roses bloom in spring, and the sea wind brings a saltiness to the air.

Explore The Cup Noodles Museum

It's as strange as it sounds—but in a good way. The Cup Noodles Museum tells the story of instant ramen and its inventor, Momofuku Ando. You can make your cup noodles, choose your ingredients, and walk through surprisingly emotional displays on food innovation and survival. It's designed for kids, but adults find it oddly moving too.

See The Animals at Nogeyama Zoo

A short walk from Sakuragicho Station, Nogeyama Zoo is one of the few free zoos in Japan. It’s small and easy to navigate, especially if you’re visiting with children. The zoo houses about 100 species, including red pandas, lions, and penguins. The vibe is low-key and local, making it feel more like a park than a tourist spot.

Shop And Snack at Yokohama Motomachi

This shopping street has a slightly European air, thanks to its history of serving expats from the nearby port. Motomachi is full of cafes, bakeries, and small boutiques selling everything from handmade soaps to well-crafted leather goods. It’s not flashy, but everything here feels considered. You can easily lose an afternoon wandering into stores and stopping for coffee.

Visit The Sankeien Garden

Sankeien Garden is one of Yokohama's most peaceful escapes. It was created by a wealthy silk merchant and features a mix of traditional Japanese architecture moved from Kyoto and Kamakura. The paths curve past ponds, pagodas, and stone lanterns, and each season shows a different face—plum blossoms in early spring and fiery maples in autumn. It's a good reminder that the quiet parts of Japan are often the most memorable.

Ride The Cosmo Clock 21

Yokohama's waterfront skyline wouldn't be the same without this giant Ferris wheel. It doubles as a clock and lights up at night in changing patterns. Riding isn't about the thrill; it's about the view—especially at sunset. The wheel moves slowly enough to soak it all in, from the harbor lights to the buildings mirrored in the water.

Check Out the Ramen Museum

Shin-Yokohama Ramen Museum recreates a 1958 Tokyo street underground, complete with ramen stalls from across Japan. You can sample smaller bowls to try multiple styles—from Hakata to Sapporo. The retro decor, neon lights, and historical exhibits turn a simple meal into an experience. It’s a fun stop, even if you're not a ramen obsessive.

Visit The Yokohama Museum of Art

This peaceful, modern space blends architecture and art effortlessly. The collection includes works by Japanese and international artists, often focusing on photography and contemporary installations. Wide galleries, high ceilings, and soft lighting make it feel open and thoughtful. You don’t need to rush—just walk, pause, sit, and take in whatever catches your eye.

Relax at Minato Mirai

Yokohama’s modern heart mixes skyscrapers with slow promenades and open harbor views. Minato Mirai has shopping malls and attractions, but you can just walk, sit by the water, and enjoy the skyline. As night falls, the area glows quietly. It’s one of those places that feels balanced—neither overwhelming nor dull, just gently alive.

Spend An Evening at Osanbashi Pier

Osanbashi’s open wooden deck curls like a wave and looks out across the water. At sunset, the sky turns gold and pink behind the city skyline. People sit, walk, talk quietly, and take photos. It’s not just a place to catch a ship—it’s where you come to breathe and watch the day wind down.

Conclusion

Yokohama moves at its own pace—gentle, balanced, and full of small surprises. It doesn’t try to impress loudly but rewards quiet curiosity. From garden walks to harbor views and lively streets, the city offers calm moments in between. You leave feeling refreshed as if there's more waiting for you next time.