Yokohama: the most modern port town near Tokyo

The city of Yokohama developed when the Japan-US Treaty of Amity and Trade was signed in 1858. Even now, there are many spots where you can feel the history: since the port has opened and up to the present, Yokohama is absolutely a charming port town. The foreign settlement set up at the time of port's opening was to be expanded thereafter. Since the opening of Yokohama Port, many foreigners have moved to the area, and now about 100,000 foreigners live and work here: it is said that there is a deep connection with foreign countries. One of the prominent examples is the very famous Yokohama Chinatown.

The streets of the Yokohama harbor area and downtown are well maintained, so the city is very clean and easy to walk to. Also, compared to Tokyo's popular tourist destinations such as Shinjuku, Shibuya, and Akihabara, we could say that fewer people are passing by every day. The convenience of transportation is one of the reasons why it is popular with tourists. Yokohama Station is a large terminal station that has five lines in addition to JR. You can reach major stations in central Tokyo, such as the Shibuya Station and Shinjuku Station in about 30 minutes.

Harbour of the future, Minato Mirai 21

Minato Mirai 21 is a seaside urban area in Yokohama. This area is blessed with a great location along the water. It has a wealth of attractions, including shopping centers, hotels, a convention center, an amusement park, a relaxation center with hot spring baths, museums and park space. As Minato Mirai is massive, it is recommended to research the area before your visit. You can start the tour from Minato Mirai Chuo district ("central district"), which is a famous viewing point of the distinctive skyline of Yokohama. You will not miss the 296 meters high Yokohama Landmark Tower. The Landmark Tower has an observatory on its 69th floor called the Sky Garden: it is one of the highest observation points in Japan. The night view from Sky Garden is just stunning.

In Minato Mirai Shinko District ("new harbor district"), there is the Cosmo World Ferris Wheel, which is the most recognizable feature of the island. Cosmo World offers a handful of roller coaster rides, carnival attractions, a kids' zone as well as the famous Ferris wheel. In the evening, the park is illuminated, which adds a character to the beautiful night view of the Yokohama port.

Yokohama's Red Brick Warehouse

The Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse is a cultural and commercial facility. It utilizes two historical buildings constructed more than a century ago. It was built as a government bonded warehouse during the Meiji and Taisho eras, and, as Japan’s first modern port facility, it played an important role in the nation’s development. It stopped being used as a warehouse in 1989, and it later underwent nine years of conservation and renovation work until 2002, when it reopened as a cultural and commercial facility.

Yokohama offers an interesting contrast between the Japanese recent modernization and its connection with foreign countries. It is not only its convenient location but also its endless charms: this modern port town, Yokohama, offers a unique time to its visitors.