Things to Do in Yokohama: 8 Best Attractions & Costs (2026 Guide)

Yokohama is Japan's second-largest city — and one of its most underrated. Just 25 minutes from Tokyo by train, it offers a completely different vibe: a stunning waterfront, the largest Chinatown in Asia, quirky museums, and beautiful parks. Best of all, many of the top things to do in Yokohama are free or very affordable.

Whether you're planning a day trip from Tokyo or spending a few nights, this guide covers the 8 best things to do in Yokohama in 2026, with real costs and practical tips. Use our Japan Trip Cost Calculator to budget your entire trip.

Why Visit Yokohama?

Most tourists stick to Tokyo, but Yokohama deserves at least a full day on your itinerary. Here's why:

• Easy access — 25-30 minutes from central Tokyo by train
• Less crowded — same quality, fewer tourists
• Walkable — the main attractions are clustered along the waterfront
• Affordable — many top sights are free
• Unique attractions — Cup Noodles Museum and Ramen Museum aren't found anywhere else

If you're already exploring Tokyo on a budget, adding a Yokohama day trip is a no-brainer.

Getting to Yokohama

1. Yokohama Chinatown

Cost: Free to explore (food from ¥100/$0.70)

Yokohama Chinatown is the largest Chinatown in Asia and one of the most vibrant neighborhoods in Japan. Over 500 shops and restaurants line the colorful streets, and the food is incredible.

What to Eat

• Steamed pork buns (nikuman): ¥100-500 ($0.70-3.45). Grab one from a street vendor — they're the iconic Chinatown snack.
• Xiaolongbao (soup dumplings): ¥500-800 ($3.45-5.50). Multiple shops compete for the best.
• All-you-can-eat Chinese buffet: ¥1,500-3,000 ($10.35-20.70). Dozens of restaurants offer lunch buffets.
• Peking duck: ¥1,500-2,500 ($10.35-17.25) per serving.

Tip: Visit on a weekday if possible. Weekends get extremely crowded, especially around the main gate (Zenrinmon).

2. Minato Mirai Waterfront

Cost: Free (attractions extra)

Minato Mirai ("future port") is Yokohama's modern waterfront district and it's stunning. The skyline of skyscrapers, the giant Cosmo Clock Ferris wheel (¥900/$6.20), and the harbor views make this one of the most photogenic spots in the Tokyo area.

• Walk the waterfront promenade — Free and gorgeous, especially at sunset
• Cosmo World amusement park — Free entry, rides from ¥300-900 ($2-6.20)
• Yokohama Art Museum — ¥500 ($3.45)
• Shopping at MARK IS — Large mall with great food court

3. Cup Noodles Museum

Cost: ¥500 ($3.45) adults, free for children under 4

This is one of the most fun museums in Japan. The Cup Noodles Museum (officially the "Cupnoodles Museum Yokohama") tells the story of instant ramen inventor Momofuku Ando and lets you create your own custom Cup Noodles.

Highlights

• My Cupnoodles Factory: Design your own cup and choose from 5,460 flavor combinations (¥500/$3.45 per cup)
• Chicken Ramen Factory: Make noodles from scratch (¥1,000/$6.90, reservation required)
• Instant Noodles History Cube: Wall of 3,000+ instant noodle packages from around the world
• Noodles Bazaar: Try noodle dishes from 8 countries for ¥500 ($3.45)

4. Shin-Yokohama Ramen Museum

Cost: ¥480 ($3.30) adults

Not to be confused with the Cup Noodles Museum, the Shin-Yokohama Ramen Museum is a food theme park dedicated to regional ramen styles from across Japan. The interior recreates a 1958 Tokyo street scene — it's atmospheric and a lot of fun.

• 9 ramen shops from different regions (Hokkaido miso, Hakata tonkotsu, Tokyo shoyu, etc.)
• Mini portions available: ¥500-600 ($3.45-4.15) so you can try multiple styles
• Full bowls: ¥900-1,100 ($6.20-7.60)
• Retro candy shop and atmosphere included in admission

This is a must for ramen lovers. Plan to try 2-3 mini bowls from different regions. For more on ramen prices, see our Japan ramen cost guide.

Note: Shin-Yokohama Station is separate from Yokohama Station. Take the JR Yokohama Line (8 min, covered by JR Pass).

5. Sankeien Garden

Cost: ¥700 ($4.85) adults, ¥200 ($1.40) children

Sankeien is a stunning traditional Japanese garden that rivals anything in Kyoto. Spread across 175,000 square meters, it features historic buildings relocated from Kyoto, Kamakura, and other cities, set around a central pond.

• Cherry blossom season (late March–early April): Particularly spectacular, with illuminated night viewing
• Autumn leaves (November–December): Equally beautiful
• Allow 1.5-2 hours to explore both the inner and outer gardens
• Tea house: Enjoy matcha and wagashi for ¥600 ($4.15)

Getting there: Bus #8 or #148 from Yokohama Station (35 min, ¥220/$1.50). It's a bit out of the way, but worth it if you love gardens.

6. Yamashita Park

Cost: Free

Yamashita Park is Yokohama's most famous seaside park, stretching along the waterfront between Chinatown and the harbor. It's perfect for a relaxed stroll and offers views of the Bay Bridge and passing ships.

• Hikawa Maru ship: A preserved 1930s ocean liner you can tour (¥300/$2.10)
• Rose garden: Beautiful in May-June and October-November
• Great sunset spot: Face the harbor for stunning evening views
• Connects to Chinatown: Walk straight from the park into Chinatown in 5 minutes

7. Red Brick Warehouse (Akarenga Sōko)

Cost: Free entry (shopping and food extra)

These beautifully restored early-1900s warehouses now house trendy shops, restaurants, and event spaces. The Red Brick Warehouse is one of Yokohama's most iconic landmarks.

• Building 1: Gallery space and event hall (check for exhibitions)
• Building 2: Shops and restaurants — craft beer, gelato, and Yokohama souvenirs
• Outdoor events: Beer festivals, Christmas markets, and food events throughout the year
• Night views: The warehouse lit up at night with the Minato Mirai skyline behind it is iconic

The Red Brick Warehouse is a 10-minute walk from Minato Mirai and 15 minutes from Chinatown, making it a natural stop on your walking route.

8. Landmark Tower Sky Garden

Cost: ¥1,000 ($6.90) adults, ¥500 ($3.45) children

The Yokohama Landmark Tower was Japan's tallest building for over 20 years. The Sky Garden observation deck on the 69th floor (273 meters) offers panoramic views of Yokohama, Tokyo Bay, and — on clear days — Mount Fuji.

• One of Japan's fastest elevators: Reaches the 69th floor in 40 seconds
• Clear day tip: Go in the morning for the best chance of seeing Mt. Fuji
• Night views: The city lights are spectacular (open until 9 PM, 10 PM on Saturdays)
• Landmark Plaza: Shopping mall at the base with restaurants and stores

Cost Summary

Total for all paid attractions: ¥2,680 ($18.50). Add food and transport from Tokyo and a full Yokohama day trip costs roughly $35-60 on a budget or $70-100 at mid-range.

Sample Day Itinerary

Here's how to see the best of Yokohama in one day:

• 9:00 AM — Train from Tokyo to Yokohama (25 min, ¥480)
• 9:30 AM — Cup Noodles Museum (pre-booked, ¥500 + ¥500 for custom cup)
• 11:30 AM — Walk to Minato Mirai waterfront, enjoy the views
• 12:00 PM — Lunch at Red Brick Warehouse or Chinatown (¥1,000-2,000)
• 1:30 PM — Explore Yokohama Chinatown, grab street snacks
• 3:00 PM — Yamashita Park, stroll along the harbor
• 4:00 PM — Landmark Tower Sky Garden for afternoon views (¥1,000)
• 5:00 PM — Return to Chinatown or Minato Mirai for dinner
• 7:00 PM — Train back to Tokyo

Estimated day cost: ¥5,500-8,000 ($38-55) including transport, attractions, and food.

Want to add the Ramen Museum? Swap it in for the afternoon — it's near Shin-Yokohama Station, a short JR ride away (covered by your JR Pass).

Plan Your Yokohama Trip

Yokohama is one of the best value day trips from Tokyo — packed with free sights, affordable attractions, and incredible food. Use our Japan Trip Cost Calculator to build Yokohama into your complete Japan itinerary.

Planning the rest of your trip? Check out our Tokyo budget guide for daily costs in the capital, our JR Pass guide to see if a rail pass saves you money, and our 15 money-saving tips for budget-friendly travel across Japan.