Just a few reasons why Minato Mirai 21 is a popular destination for all types of travelers: Landmark Tower, Queen's Square Yokohama, & Cosmo Clock 21 (Photo: Jessica A Paje)

Yokohama Sightseeing in One Day

Discover Minato Mirai 21 & Chinatown

Jessica A Paje   - 2 min read

Yokohama, the second largest city in Japan by population, is easily accessible from Haneda International Airport and Narita International Airport. From Sakuragicho or Minatomirai stations, there are two major sightseeing areas that travelers can fit into one day: Minato Mirai 21 and Yokohama Chinatown.

Minato Mirai 21 is a popular destination because of the proximity between the major landmarks. Landmark Tower is the second tallest building in Japan offering a 360-degree panoramic view of Yokohama from Sky Garden on the 69th floor. With over 200 stores and restaurants, you can enjoy shopping and dining at Queen’s Square Yokohama or at the historical Red Brick Warehouse. In between, you can be adventurous and go for a 15-minute ride on the Cosmo Clock 21 Ferris Wheel. Or, hop on over to CupNoodles Museum for your hand at creating a one-of-a-kind CupNoodle soup package!

Take a 5-minute train ride to Motomachi-Chukagai station and you’ll arrive at one of the largest Chinatowns in the world having 140 years of history. You can’t miss walking through one of the ten most colorful, elaborate designed gates that welcome visitors into the town. Many festivals take place each year, with the most popular being Chinese Lunar New Year. During the festivities, be sure to watch the thrilling Lion Dance as it visits merchants to accept the lucky red envelopes and Chinese cabbage placed at the entrance. The dance is believed to scare away evil spirits and brings good luck, joy, fortune, and happiness for the New Year.

Jessica A Paje

Jessica A Paje @jessica.paje

Originally from San Diego, California, I lived in Yokosuka, Japan, for 5 years. In 2010, I arrived with a new outlook on my future. Mainly, to refocus on family and let my curiosities take us to places we’ve only dreamt of. Along the way, we’d hopefully develop new friendships and simply collect ...