What other travelers are saying about Yokohama Mazu Miao
Yokohama Mazu Miao is a Taoist temple dedicated to Mazu (also spelled Ma Zhu or Matsu), the Chinese sea goddess believed to protect sailors, fishermen, and travelers.
Though relatively new — the temple officially opened in 2006 — it combines vivid, traditional architectural styles with deep cultural and spiritual meaning.
Inside, the main altar honors Mazu, flanked by two guardian generals: Qianliyan (Thousand-Mile Eye) and Shunfeng’er (Fair-Wind Ear), who symbolically can see or hear over great distances to aid Mazu in her protection.
The temple also contains shrines to other deities — for instance, to the Jade Emperor, land gods, and deities of marriage and study, making it a multi-purpose spiritual center.
The temple is open daily (usually from around 9:00 to 19:00) and visitation is free — though there may be a small charge for incense or to enter inner parts for prayers.
Mazu, also known as the Empress of Heaven, is a Chinese sea goddess believed to protect sailors and fishermen. She is widely venerated in coastal regions of China and among Chinese communities around the world.
The temple features traditional Chinese architectural elements, including vibrant red and gold colors, intricate carvings, dragon motifs, and statues of deities. The temple's design reflects the rich cultural heritage of Chinese temples.
Yes, the temple hosts several traditional Chinese festivals, including Mazu’s birthday, the Lantern Festival, and the Mid-Autumn Festival. These events often feature cultural performances, lion dances, and other festivities.
Visitors should dress modestly, remove their hats before entering the temple, and be respectful of worshippers. Photography of people praying should be avoided, and visitors should not touch the statues or offerings.
Yokohama Mazu Miao is located in Yokohama’s Chinatown, easily accessible by public transportation. The nearest station is Motomachi-Chukagai Station on the Minato Mirai Line. From the station, it’s a short walk to the temple.
Yokohama MaZu Miao / Masobyo is a lovely place — vibrant, meaningful, visually beautiful. It may be newer, but it captures a lot of heart & tradition. Even if you’re not deeply religious, it’s very much worth a visit for culture, beauty, and a peaceful moment amid the bustle of Chinatown.
Very beautiful temple with rich decorations dedicated to different divinities. The people there were welcoming ! I really recommend to visit it just before sunset !
This is always a fun temple to visit. Not only does it have a beautiful gate, but the grand dual stairway makes the temple grounds feel much bigger than it is. The Chinese New Year's celebration is always crowded, but worth going for the variety of dance performances and music. The lion dances are great fun as they move through the crowd, "biting" people's heads to give them good fortune. And who wouldn't want to put their head in a celebratory lion's mouth for a year of good fortune?
Mazu is a southern Chinese deity that’s often associated with the sea. Many from the Chinese diaspora before WWII settled in all parts of the world are from south China and dedicate their safe journey to new lands with a temple to Mazu - hence this one here in Yokohama Chinatown.
The building itself is relatively newly furnished and it’s a stunning example of Chinese temple architecture. The praying method is Chinese (they numbered the altars so you know the sequence, and pillows installed on the ground where devotees can kneel before the deity - though this is voluntary), but there are some Japanese influences - like how they sell charms like what you see in Japanese Shrines.
