Yokohama Chinatown

Vibrant and delicious cultural experience! Yokohama Chinatown is full of energy, colorful streets, and amazing food! From authentic Chinese restaurants and street snacks to unique shops and beautiful temples, there’s so much to explore. The atmosphere is lively and festive, perfect for wandering, tasting new flavors, and taking photos. A must-visit spot for foodies and anyone wanting a cultural adventure near Yokohama!

A walk through Yokohama’s Chinatown turned out to be a real discovery for me. It’s not just a tourist street lined with restaurants and shops, but a whole district with a rich history and an atmosphere all its own. It also happens to be the largest Chinatown in Japan and one of the biggest in the world—you can really feel its scale the moment you pass through the colorful gates and find yourself surrounded by glowing lanterns and the aromas of street food. The story of this place goes back to the 19th century, when Chinese merchants began settling here after the port of Yokohama opened. Over time, they built temples, opened shops and restaurants, and formed a vibrant community. The area was destroyed more than once—first during the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923, and later in World War II—but each time it was rebuilt, coming back even brighter and more lively. Chinatown is especially impressive during the Chinese New Year. The streets fill with music, lion and dragon dances, lanterns light up everywhere, and the entire district turns into a massive celebration. It feels like you’ve stepped into another world. What struck me most was the Kanteibyo Temple—such a beautiful and powerful spot that gives the whole walk a deeper meaning. Chinatown is a place I’ll return to again and again, whether it’s to try new dishes, notice hidden architectural details, or simply soak up the festive atmosphere that seems to live here every day.

I was truly impressed by the sheer size of the place—it’s the largest Chinatown I’ve ever been to! What stood out even more was how clean and well-organized everything was. Despite it being a weekend, it wasn’t overly crowded, which made the visit even more enjoyable. The variety of food options was remarkable. If you’re looking for authentic Chinese cuisine, this is definitely the place to go. Beyond the food, there’s so much to explore and experience. It’s a vibrant, dynamic area that I’d highly recommend to anyone.

There’s a very nostalgic vibe about the Yokohama Chinatown, the infrastructure is beautiful, streets are clean. Lots of shops that are beautifully decorated and Chinese Japanese food. It’s one of the largest China town in the world so be sure to visit if you are in Yokohama.

The last time I visited Yokohama Chinatown was over 40 years ago. It has some changes. However, one thing that remains unchanged is that it attracts many tourists. The Yokohama Chinatown is similar to most Chinatowns in other countries. It has a lot of Chinese restaurants and stores, where I can enjoy a good meal, buy some snacks, and grab some drinks.