Yokohama Day Trip from Tokyo
Yokohama Day Trip FAQ
Yokohama, located about 30 kilometers from Tokyo, is Japan’s second-largest city. Though it’s close to Tokyo, Yokohama feels noticeably cleaner, more modern, and more comfortable. It also embodies the image many people have of a “typical Japanese city.”
by Kenjiro Yagi
Q. How long should I spend in Yokohama?
Depending on your interests, a half-day or full-day trip is sufficient.
Q. How to travel from Tokyo to Yokohama?
- Tokyo Station to Yokohama Station: Take the JR train, direct, 25 minutes, 490 yen
- Shinjuku Station to Yokohama Station: Take the JR train, direct, 30 minutes, 580 yen
- Ueno Station to Yokohama Station: Take the JR train, direct, 30 minutes, 580 yen
- Asakusa Station to Yokohama Station: Take the subway/private railway, direct, 48 minutes, 630 yen
For specific schedules, you can check Google Maps or visit Jorudan.
Q. If I want to stay overnight in Yokohama, do you have any hotel recommendations?
These two hotels are located near the Minatomirai Line ‘Bashamichi’ station and offer good value for money:
Hotel Resol Yokohama Sakuragicho
Sotetsu Fresa Inn Yokohama Sakuragi-Cho
Yokohama One-Day Itinerary Example
Yokohama Transportation:
The most convenient way to get around Yokohama is by using the Minatomirai Line subway. One-way tickets cost between 200-230 yen, depending on the distance, and electronic fare cards such as Suica or Pasmo are accepted.
If you plan to make two or more trips, it’s worth purchasing a one-day pass at the ticket machine: 460 yen for adults and 230 yen for children.
Sample Itinerary:
- Depart from Tokyo to JR Yokohama Station, then transfer to the Minatomirai Line. Alight at Minatomirai Station.
- Walk 8 minutes to 1. Cosmo Clock 21 (one of the landmarks, 1000 yen for a 15-minute ride, closed on Thursdays).
- Just across the street is 2. Cup Noodles Museum (one of Yokohama’s most unique attractions, 500 yen for adults, closed on Tuesdays; plan for 1-2 hours; you can also have lunch here).
- A short walk brings you to 3. Red Brick Warehouse (perfect for photos), where you can grab a bite at the nearby shopping mall if you didn’t have lunch earlier.
- Stroll along the waterfront to 4. Yamashita Park (a public green space ideal for enjoying the sea breeze).
- Continue on to 5. Chinatown—you can return here or continue to 6. Sankeien Garden (a traditional Japanese garden, most beautiful from mid-November to early December).
- Head back to Minatomirai Station, where you can visit 7. Landmark Tower for panoramic city views (1000 yen for adults), or shop at the nearby MARK IS shopping center. If you have more time, art lovers can visit the Yokohama Museum of Art, or families with kids can explore the Mitsubishi Minatomirai Industrial Museum nearby.
- Return to Tokyo.
Yokohama Attractions
1. Yokohama Cosmo World / Cosmo Clock 21
Cosmo World is a small amusement park, best known for its iconic Ferris wheel. The Ferris wheel, Cosmo Clock 21, stands 112.5 meters tall with a diameter of 100 meters, making it the largest in Japan (tied with the Tempozan Ferris Wheel in Osaka).
Hours: 11 AM - 8 PM, closed on Thursdays
Admission: Free entry, but individual attractions require a fee (e.g., Ferris wheel ride costs 1000 yen)
Recommended Duration: 15 - 30 minutes
Transportation: Take the Minatomirai Line to “Minatomirai” station, then walk 8 minutes.
- Enjoy a ride on the Ferris wheel for stunning views, with each rotation lasting about 15 minutes. It’s perfect for kids who love the thrill of “spinning” or for couples looking for a private moment. If your main goal is to admire the city skyline, the Yokohama Landmark Tower offers a better vantage point.
- Most other attractions in the park are geared towards younger children. You can find a complete list of attractions here.
- For reference, the world’s tallest Ferris wheel is in Dubai, standing an impressive 250 meters tall.
Website: Official Website of Yokohama Cosmo World
Selected Video: Ferris Wheel Ride at Cosmo Clock 21
2. Cup Noodles Museum Yokoham
This museum, established by Nissin (the company known for producing instant noodles and frozen foods), features fun and engaging exhibits, making it a great place to visit with children. It’s also an excellent spot for adults who still have a childlike spirit or simply love eating noodles.
Hours: 11 AM - 6 PM (last entry at 5 PM), closed on Tuesdays
Admission: Adults 500 yen, free for elementary and junior high school students
Recommended Duration: 1 - 2 hours
Transportation: Take the Minatomirai Line to “Minatomirai” station, then walk 8 minutes.
- The first floor has the entrance and a souvenir shop
- The second floor showcases how Nissin’s founder, Momofuku Ando, invented instant noodles in 1960.
- The third floor is the highlight, where you can DIY your own Cup Noodles (the noodle block is already prepared; you just decorate the cup, choose your toppings, and take it home for 500 yen). If you’d like to make the noodles from scratch, advance booking is required a few weeks ahead. More info here
- The fourth floor features a play area for younger children with Cup Noodles-themed climbing nets and slides, and a restaurant where you can try various noodles made with Nissin noodles and seasonings from different regions, such as Lanzhou Beef Noodles, Vietnamese Pho, Indonesian Fried Noodles, Malaysian Laksa, and more. The small portion sizes are perfect for tasting different flavors. Check out the full menu here.
Website: Official Website of Cup Noodles Museum
Selected Video: Touring The Cup Noodles Museum In Japan!
3. Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse
Built in 1911 for port trade, the warehouses were converted into commercial facilities and opened to the public in 2002. The complex consists of two buildings: Building 1 is primarily used for events, while Building 2 features restaurants, souvenir shops, Japanese grocery stores, and more.
Hours: 11 AM - 8 PM (hours may vary by individual shop)
Recommended Duration: 15 minutes - 1 hour
Transportation: Take the Minatomirai Line to “Nihon Odori” station, then walk 6 minutes.
- Most visitors take photos outside before heading to nearby shopping areas, such as Marine & Walk or World Porters, to shop or dine.
- If you’re curious about what’s inside the Red Brick Warehouse, you can check the floor/shop layoutand the event listings for Building 1 in advance.
- There are many similar red brick warehouses in port cities, such as Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse in Hakodate.
Website: Official Website of Red Brick Warehouse
Selected Video: 横浜赤レンガ倉庫 施設紹介MOVIE
4. Yamashita Park
A coastal park that’s perfect for enjoying the sea breeze and taking a leisurely stroll.
Hours: Open 24 hours
Admission: Free
Recommended Duration: 15 minutes
Transportation: Take the Minatomirai Line to “Motomachi-Chukagai” station, then walk 3 minutes.
Selected Video: 横浜の旅.山下公園を15分ぐるっと散歩
5. Yokohama Chinatown
The largest Chinatown in Japan, with a history of over 150 years. It is known for iconic Chinese foods such as baozi (steamed buns), tanghulu (candied fruit), and Peking duck. Due to the large Chinese community in Japan, most restaurants serve authentic flavors.
Hours: Open 24 hours
Recommended Duration: 15 minutes - 1 hour
Transportation: Take the Minatomirai Line and get off at either “Nihon Odori” or “Motomachi-Chukagai” station.
Website: Official Website of Yokohama Chinatown
Selected Video: Yokohama Walking Tour 4k
Selected Photo:
by Yu Kato
6. Sankeien Garden
A traditional Japanese garden featuring a pagoda and historic buildings that were relocated from Kyoto. It opened to the public in 1906. The garden is home to red maples and ginkgo trees, making it one of the best spots for autumn foliage viewing in Yokohama.
Hours: 9 AM - 5 PM (Closed from December 26-31)
Admission:
- Adults: 900 yen
- Elementary and middle school students: 200 yen
- 65 and older: 700 yen
- Tickets can be booked through Klook
Recommended Duration: 1 - 2 hours
Transportation: From Yokohama city center, the garden can only be reached by bus. For example, take bus numbers 8 or 168 from “Motomachi-Chukagai” to the “Sankeien-iriguchi” stop. The ride takes about 20 minutes. More information can be found here.
- The best time for autumn foliage viewing is mid-November to early December.
- The garden has a restaurant offering ice cream, udon, soba, and more. You can find the garden map here.
- For more spots to enjoy autumn leaves, check out Yamashita Park and the ginkgo trees along Nihon Odori Street.
Website: Official Website of Sankeien Garden
Selected Video: 横浜三渓園の紅葉
Selected Video: An oasis in Yokohama!
7. Yokohama Landmark Tower
Built in 1993, it is the tallest building in Yokohama, standing at 296.3 meters tall.
Hours: 10 AM - 9 PM
Admission:
- Adults: 1000 yen
- High school students / 65 and older: 800 yen
- Elementary and middle school students: 500 yen
- 4 years and older: 200 yen
- Tickets can be booked through Klook
Recommended Duration: 20 minutes
Transportation: Take the Minatomirai Line subway to “Minatomirai” station, then follow signs to the Landmark Tower. The elevator entrance to the observation deck is on the 3rd floor of the building.
- It’s recommended to visit at night for the best views.
- The entrance is on the 3rd floor, with direct elevators to the 69th-floor observation deck.
- No food or drinks, tripods, or selfie sticks allowed.
- The MARK IS Minatomirai shopping center is across the street.
- The Yokohama Museum of Art and the Mitsubishi Minatomirai Industrial Museum (great for kids) are nearby.
Website: Official Website of Yokohama Landmark Tower
Selected Video: 横浜ランドマークタワー展望フロア
Selected Video: 横浜ランドマークタワー 展望フロア スカイガーデン からの夜景
Thank you for reading, and may you have a wonderful journey!
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