3-Day Yokohama Itinerary for First-Time Visitors
Yokohama is Japan's second-largest city and offers an incredible mix of modern attractions, historic neighborhoods, and waterfront charm. Just 30 minutes from Tokyo, this port city is perfect for a quick getaway or as part of your Japan adventure.
This guide will help you make the most of your 3 days in Yokohama, covering all the must-see spots without feeling rushed.
Getting to Yokohama
Yokohama is super easy to reach from Tokyo. You can take the JR Tokaido Line, JR Yokosuka Line, or the Tokyu Toyoko Line directly to Yokohama Station.
The journey takes about 30 minutes and costs around 500 yen. If you're coming from Narita Airport, take the Narita Express to Yokohama Station (about 90 minutes). From Haneda Airport, it's even closer at just 30 minutes by train.
Many visitors combine their Yokohama trip with a Tokyo tour to make the most of their time in the region. This way, you can experience both the traditional capital and this modern port city.
Day 1: Waterfront Wonders and Chinatown Delights
Morning: Minato Mirai 21
Start your first day in the futuristic Minato Mirai 21 district. This waterfront area is Yokohama's most iconic neighborhood and looks especially beautiful in the morning light.
Yokohama Landmark Tower - Begin at Japan's second-tallest building. Take the Sky Garden elevator to the 69th floor observatory for stunning 360-degree views of the city, Tokyo Bay, and on clear days, Mount Fuji. The elevator is one of the world's fastest, reaching the top in just 40 seconds. Admission is 1,000 yen for adults.
Cupnoodles Museum - This fun, interactive museum celebrates the invention of instant ramen. You can create your own custom cup noodles, learn about the history of this beloved food, and even try different flavors from around the world. It's perfect for families and food lovers. Entry costs 500 yen, but creating your own cup noodles costs an additional 400 yen.
Afternoon: Yamashita Park and the Red Brick Warehouse
After lunch, take a walk along Yamashita Park, Japan's first seaside park. This beautiful waterfront promenade stretches for about 700 meters and offers great views of the harbor and the Bay Bridge. You'll see the historic Hikawa Maru ship permanently docked here, which you can tour for 300 yen.
Next, head to the Red Brick Warehouse (Akarenga), two historic buildings from 1911 that now house shops, restaurants, and event spaces. The atmosphere here is fantastic, especially as the sun sets. You can shop for unique souvenirs, enjoy craft beer, or just soak in the nostalgic ambiance.
Evening: Yokohama Chinatown
End your first day in Yokohama Chinatown, the largest Chinatown in Japan, with over 500 shops and restaurants. The neighborhood comes alive at night with colorful lanterns and amazing food smells.
Start at the ornate Zenrin-mon Gate and wander through the streets trying different foods. Don't miss trying:
Nikuman (steamed pork buns) at 551 Horai
Xiaolongbao (soup dumplings) at Heichinrou
Fresh mango pudding for dessert
If you're interested in exploring multiple areas of Tokyo and Yokohama in depth, consider joining a Tokyo day tour that includes Yokohama highlights, allowing you to see more with expert guidance.
Day 2: Culture, Gardens, and Bay Views
Morning: Sankeien Garden
Start day two with peace and nature at Sankeien Garden, a traditional Japanese garden spanning 175,000 square meters. Built by silk merchant Hara Tomitaro in 1906, this garden features historic buildings moved from Kyoto and Kamakura, including a three-story pagoda.
The garden is especially beautiful during cherry blossom season (late March to early April) and autumn foliage (November). Admission is 700 yen for adults. Give yourself at least 2 hours to explore properly. The garden opens at 9 AM, so arriving early means fewer crowds and better photos.
Afternoon: Yokohama Museum of Art and Shopping
Head back to Minato Mirai and visit the Yokohama Museum of Art. This modern museum has an impressive collection of both Japanese and Western art, including works by Picasso, Matisse, and contemporary Japanese artists. Entry is 500 yen for the permanent collection.
After the museum, explore the shopping options in Minato Mirai. Queen's Square Yokohama and Mark Is Minato Mirai are two massive shopping complexes with everything from fashion to electronics to restaurants.
Evening: Yokohama Cosmo World and Night Views
As evening approaches, head to Yokohama Cosmo World, a fun amusement park with no entrance fee (you pay per ride). The star attraction is the Cosmo Clock 21 Ferris wheel, which lights up at night creating an iconic Yokohama image. A ride costs 900 yen and offers incredible views of the entire bay area.
For dinner, head to the World Porters building nearby, which has a variety of restaurants on the upper floors with bay views. Watch the city lights reflect on the water while enjoying Japanese or international cuisine.
Day 3: Historic Yokohama and Mount Fuji Views
Morning: Yokohama Port Museum and Hikawa Maru
Your final day focuses on Yokohama's maritime history. Visit the Yokohama Port Museum (500 yen) to learn about the city's development as Japan's leading international port. Right outside is the Nippon Maru, a beautiful sailing ship you can board and explore (400 yen).
Walk over to the Hikawa Maru, a retired luxury liner docked at Yamashita Park. This art deco ship from 1930 offers a glimpse into elegant ocean travel and served as the "Queen of the Pacific." Exploring the captain's cabin, dining halls, and passenger rooms is fascinating.
Afternoon: Motomachi Shopping Street and the Bluff
Take a stroll down Motomachi Shopping Street, a fashionable shopping district where Western culture first took root in Japan. The street has a European feel with boutiques, cafes, and bakeries.
From there, climb up to the Bluff (Yamate) district, where Western diplomats and merchants lived in the 19th century. You can visit several preserved Western-style houses and gardens:
The Bluff No. 18 (free entry)
Berrick Hall (free entry)
Ehrismann Residence (free entry)
Yamate Italian Garden (free)
These beautifully maintained homes offer insight into how foreigners lived during Yokohama's port opening period. The neighborhood has a quiet, upscale European atmosphere that contrasts beautifully with the modern downtown.
Embark on an exciting Private Yokohama Tour and set sail on the Sea Bass for a breathtaking harbor ride. Get up close with the Port of Yokohama and take in the panoramic view of the city.
Evening: Yokohama Bay Cruise and Farewell Dinner
End your Yokohama adventure with a bay cruise. Several companies offer evening cruises ranging from 40 minutes to 2 hours, with prices starting around 2,000 yen. Seeing the city lights, the Bay Bridge, and Minato Mirai from the water is magical.
Some Tokyo Bay cruises also depart from Yokohama, offering a unique perspective of both cities from the water.
For your final dinner, consider splurging at one of the restaurants in the Landmark Tower or Marine & Walk Yokohama for a memorable meal with a view.
