Relaxed, Seaside Vibes of A City With A View
Yokohama is a gorgeous port city that is extremely close to Tokyo, yet it seems to get overlooked by many tourists. You’d be forgiven for thinking that this harbor town was simply another ’burb caught up in the capital’s urban sprawl. That is, until you cross the prefectural border and are greeted by wide waterfront views, gleaming cruise ships and expansive green spaces.
When Japan opened itself up to international trade in the 19th century, this once sleepy seaport town quickly transformed into one of Asia’s most cosmopolitan cities. Today, old piers and waterfront warehouses sit alongside skyscrapers, serene green spaces and quirky museums to form one of Japan’s must-visit destinations.
Even though it's just a 30-minute train ride south of central Tokyo, Yokohama has an appealing flavour and history all its own. Locals are likely to cite the uncrowded, walkable streets or neighbourhood atmosphere as the main draw, but for visitors it's the breezy bay front, creative arts scene, multiple microbreweries, jazz clubs and great international dining. A step back from the water lies an array of quirky museums, Japan’s biggest Chinatown and top-notch shopping to boot. All across the city you’ll feel the kind of relaxed, seaside vibes of somewhere like L.A. or Vancouver, but with a distinctly Japanese spirit.
When Japan opened itself up to international trade in the 19th century, this once sleepy seaport town quickly transformed into one of Asia’s most cosmopolitan cities. Today, old piers and waterfront warehouses sit alongside skyscrapers, serene green spaces and quirky museums to form one of Japan’s must-visit destinations.
Even though it's just a 30-minute train ride south of central Tokyo, Yokohama has an appealing flavour and history all its own. Locals are likely to cite the uncrowded, walkable streets or neighbourhood atmosphere as the main draw, but for visitors it's the breezy bay front, creative arts scene, multiple microbreweries, jazz clubs and great international dining. A step back from the water lies an array of quirky museums, Japan’s biggest Chinatown and top-notch shopping to boot. All across the city you’ll feel the kind of relaxed, seaside vibes of somewhere like L.A. or Vancouver, but with a distinctly Japanese spirit.
