It’s more than just a port city or the 2002 FIFA World Cup final match – Yokohama is the second largest city in Japan by population (only surpassed by Tokyo, of course) and the capital city of Kanagawa Prefecture.
Known as a historic downtown port district, Yokohama was home to one of the first foreign settlements in Japan and is now home to the largest Chinatown in Japan – also one of the largest in the world. Downtime in Yokohama can be spent shopping in the Motomachi shopping district, visiting bars at Noge, or viewing the 19th to early 20th century foreigners’ mansions at Yamate, formerly known as The Bluff.
Visitors can also spend a day walking around the Minato Mirai area, make their own Cup Noodles at the Cup Noodle Museum, or get a bird’s view of Yokohama from the top of the Cosmo Clock 21 ferris wheel. Looking to shop til you drop and eat some good food? You’ll want to head over to Landmark Tower (once the tallest building in Japan!), the Red Brick Warehouse, Marine Walk mall, or Queen’s Square mall.
From wide sidewalks to lush parks and prime waterfront areas, you’ll find plenty of space to run in Yokohama. Just time your runs wisely; the sidewalks can be congested with pedestrians, pets, and children, particularly in the evenings and on weekends.