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Top Rated Attractions in Yokohama

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Wreathed in an atmosphere of a working-class neighborhood set in the pre-1923 Great Kanto Earthquake days, the Shitamachii Museum is an evocative representation of the bygone glory of Japan. It is home to a string of traditional, Japanese-style houses which, much paradoxically, lie nestled amid the soaring high-rises of Tokyo. A mural on the landing between the first and second floors depicts peddlers, artisans and blue-collar workers going about their daily life during the Edo period. The extensive display of household items gives a fascinating peek into a lifestyle from days gone by. A striking nexus of antiquity and unhindered cultural intrigue, the museum displays insightful exhibits which can be explored and understood with the help of an English speaking guide. A glimpse of Japanese history, the museum is no less than a time machine, transporting its visitors to the Edo era.

Negishi Forest Park and Track

Negishi Shinrin or literally Negishi Forest, is also known by several names that celebrate its past and present status as a place for play, enjoyment and relaxation. In 1866, the Yokohama Race Club chose Negishi as the first permanent Western-style horse racing track. Hence, another of the park's names is Negishi Keiba Kinen Koen or the Negishi Memorial Race Track Park. Racing continued here until 1943. You can still see the distinctive oval shape with the old blackened concrete stands on the side. After the war the Americans turned the area into a golf course. And, today it is one of the largest expanses of green space in Yokohama, and a prime spot for picnics and touch football games.

Free

Japanese Overseas Migration Museum

This museum charts the history of Japanese migration overseas, primarily to the Americas and Hawaii. Scenes depict the early migrants to Hawaii who worked in the sugar industry, the next wave of migrants who went as settlers to countries such as Peru and Brazil, and then the post World War II migrants who went in search of a better life. Each part of the exhibition has English and Japanese explanations and there are documents, videos (with subtitles) photographs and artifacts. The journeys of the migrants are explored and scenes from their new life are recreated in the museum. A huge amount of material has been collected for this museum; much of it is displayed on video or computers. It is closed Mondays. -AH

Sogo Museum of Art

Sogo Museum of Art aims to contribute to Japan's cultural development, with the amazing collection of paintings that it displays. The mediums are multifaceted, and the beautifully expressive paintings revoke emotions out of the viewers that were otherwise veiled. Sogo Museum should be visited to glance at the wondrous world of fine art, and to experience its effect on you.

Yamate Museum

The quaint green wooden house that is the Yamate Museum was part of a larger Western/Japanese house constructed in 1909 for Mr Kanekichi Nzkazawa. It was moved to the current location, without the Japanese part, and is now the last remaining Western wooden house in Yokohama. The two-room museum has a collection of artifacts from the time of the establishment of the foreign settlement in Yokohama including glassware, tiles, chinaware and an organ. Upstairs is a model of the nearby Foreign Cemetery and information about some of the more notable graves. The museum also gives a glimpse into life in the early development of Yokohama and the foreign community that lived here. Some of the information is available in English. - AH

Taya Caves

Taya Caves are adjacent to Josen-ji Temple and are located on the side of a hill. One story regarding the history of the caves is that the Hojo family excavated them in the mid-twelfth century for safekeeping of their possessions. It is believed that some members of the Shingon-sect had the caves expanded so that they could practice their esoteric/mystical rituals. Note the Buddhist drawings on the walls and ceiling which include some characters in Sanskrit. The dimensions of the caves are width one meter, length 1.5 kilometers and height two meters.

More Attractions

Samurai Museum

2-25-6 Kabukicho, Tokyo, Japan, 160-0021

Samurais have been a powerful symbol of warfare, courage, power, and masculinity over the years in Japan. The Samurai Museum is the perfect place to showcase the iconic fighters with explanations about backgrounds and history. The museum houses a breath-taking collection of the samurai warfare items, their costumes, their evolution, and other details. Established in 2015, this place is the perfect way for locals and foreigners to understand this era of Japan's history.

Nihon Minka-en

Masugata, Ikuta Ryokuchi Park , Tama Ward, Kawasaki, Japan, 214-0032

Nihon Minka-en is an open-air museum in Kawasaki city where visitors can discover traditional Japanese houses built 200-300 years ago all across the country. This museum was built in 1967 to preserve the traditional private houses in Japan. All the constructions are authentic on this site and designated as city’s cultural properties. Visitors are allowed to enter the houses to get an experience of how was life back in the days of Samurai warriors. It will take a couple of hours to finish the tour after which you can relax at the museum restaurant called Shirakawa-gō.

Lala Port

2-4-9 Toyosu, Koto-Ku, Tokyo, Japan, 135-8614

In a move to bring more bustle to this quiet area, the entertainment-filled LaLaport Toyosu was constructed on the waterfront of Tokyo Bay. Several of the retail stores inside the giant complex are nothing new to Japan; finding these popular establishments in one convenient location, however, is definitely a treat. Among the 190 different shops, major retailers such as Tokyu Hands, The Gap, Uniqlo, and HMV are just some of the familiar names that eagerly await spendthrift visitors. As with any good entertainment complex, expect to find a diverse selection of appealing restaurants that serve up tasty international dishes from around the globe: Indian, Chinese, Japanese, American etc. Finding the right meal is a cinch! To round things off, there's even a movie theater, Ukiyo-e museum, grocery store, and the fantastic edutainment facility, Kidzania, for young kids (only available in Japanese). - Erin Sanchez

Tokyo Toy Museum

4-20 Yotsuya, Tokyo, Japan, 160-0004

Since this museum was built, the Tokyo Toy Museum has been loved by all generations. It displays about fifteen thousand works, such as toys from around the world and traditional toys from right here in Japan. Visitors can play with most toys in the museum; it will surely be a good time spent with your family. If you wish to learn more, please check the website.

Negishi Forest Park and Track

Negishi-dai 1-3, Yokohama, Japan, 231-0853

Shinjuku Golden Gai

1 Chome, Kabukicho, Tokyo, Japan, 160-0021

Shinjuku Golden Gai area, dotted with narrow roads and dilapidated buildings, is among the few areas that are still reminiscent of Tokyo's past. Unlike the much of Tokyo that was redeveloped, this area is like a time capsule that continues to exist in its original condition. Tiny and shabby bars are the reasons behind Golden Gai's tourist glory. Surprising and weird isn't it? Well, the distinctive architectural features of these bars amidst the commercialized and developed Shinjuku has engineered this reputation. Most bars accommodate five to six people at a time, and are for those who don't mind coming in contact with others every time they move. Local celebrities and artists flock to this area, giving Shinjuku Golden Gai a distinctive clientele. Snack on traditional Japanese food like the famous barbecue chicken-Yakitori and enjoy some drinks in the pricey bars. Also, be sure to catch up on a comedy show in the mini auditorium in this area.