TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - When visiting Japan, make sure to allocate a day to explore Yokohama. As Japan's second-largest city, Yokohama offers a variety of natural attractions, fascinating culinary experiences, and a vibrant culture.
Native resident Makoto Tada described the city's unique history. "It’s a port city with many great places to walk, especially in the evening," said the founder of Ramen Oohashi, a popular handmade noodle shop in Yokohama's fish market.
Located approximately 32 kilometers south of Tokyo, the city is never short on local cuisines. Customers can taste the fresh fish caught that day. There is a seasonal ice skating rink along this historic waterfront.
There are various ways to reach Yokohama, including by train on the Tokyo line, by bullet train, or by bus, which is the most comfortable option. Locals often travel to Tokyo by bus, especially to Tokyo Disneyland, which is about 40 kilometers away.
Best Time to Visit Yokohama
According to Travel+Leisure, the best time to visit Yokohama is between October and November. The autumn foliage begins to turn a perfect yellow, the air becomes less humid, gentle breezes blow, and places like Sankeien Garden transform into a sea of red, orange, and yellow.
During the summer from June to September, there are numerous festivals, but it is also hot and humid. One of them is the matsuri (summer festival) at night, where locals dance in yukata (thin kimonos worn in summer) accompanied by traditional music under swaying lanterns.
For a quieter experience and to catch a glimpse of Mount Fuji, the winter months from December to February are ideal. There is Winter Illumination, where twinkling lights envelop cities throughout Japan, including Yokohama. Most tourists visit during the spring from March to May, particularly during the cherry blossom season. Although the weather is cool and the scenery is beautiful, this period is busier than usual.
Attractions in Yokohama
1. Landmark Tower Observation Deck.
A trip to Yokohama would not be complete without visiting the Landmark Tower's observation deck. Situated in the heart of the Minato Mirai shopping district, the tower's lift can reach 69 floors in 40 seconds, offering a 360-degree view of the Kanto Plain.
Makoto recommends visiting the tower at sunset. "The best view in the city, when the skies cast Mount Fuji in a golden glow," he said.
2. Get Creative with Ramen at the Cup Noodles Museum
At the Cup Noodles Museum Yokohama, travelers can immerse themselves in the fascinating story behind the iconic food first created in 1958. Explore the reconstructed workshop of Momofuku Ando, the founder of instant ramen, or create your cup noodles. There's even a "Noodle Bazaar" where you can taste various types of noodles that inspired Ando.
3. Stroll through Sankeien Garden
This private garden owned by an old silk merchant covers an area of 175,000 square meters. Its landscape is adorned with historically relocated buildings from all over Japan, including a 15th-century Kyoto pagoda. If you want to visit this garden, check its website for information on the seasonal blooming of flowers.
4. Explore Historic Ships in Yokohama
Yokohama became a significant port after Japan opened up foreign trade in 1854. There are many maritime heritages to see, such as the Nippon Maru, a magnificent four-masted sailing ship now moored at Minato Mirai, which has circumnavigated the globe 45 times. Built to train navy cadets, the ship is open for tours and holds "setting sail" exercises, where 80 volunteers manually hoist the ship's 29 sails.
5. Enjoy Sake at a Hidden Gem Bar
Just a five-minute walk from Yokohama Station, there's a stand-up bar on the second floor that serves a selection of sake from all over Japan. At Craft Sake Shoten, visitors can deepen their knowledge of sake while chatting with the friendly locals.
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