Looking for things to do in Yokohama? In this post, I’ll share our personal experiences exploring this vibrant city. While there are plenty of great destinations for a quick getaway from Tokyo, Yokohama stands out as one of the best nearby places to visit.

Yokohama, the second-largest city in Japan, is located in Kanagawa Prefecture. Just an hour away by train, it makes for an ideal day trip from Tokyo—offering a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.

There are three ways to travel from Tokyo to Yokohama: by train, car, or bus. We opted for the train, as it was the most cost-effective, convenient, and fastest option, taking less than an hour to reach Yokohama.

However, the travel time may vary depending on where you’re coming from in Tokyo. In our case, we started at Asakusa, so it took around 45 minutes.

I highly recommend using a train app like Japan Transit Planner. It provides real-time information and shows you various travel options. If you’re visiting Japan for the first time, check out my 10 Tokyo Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors to help you navigate the city with ease!

Looking for activities in Macau? Discover fun tours and unique experiences on KKDay and Trip.com.

Since we only had a limited time in Yokohama, our itinerary was focused mainly in the Minato Mirai area.

Minato Mirai Waterfront

Minato Mirai is renowned for its stunning waterfront views, featuring several buildings, including the famous Landmark Tower. You can also see the iconic Cosmo World Ferris Wheel, which has a large clock display.

However, the ideal time to visit is after dark to enjoy the spectacular view of the waterfront illuminated by night lights.

Landmark Tower Observatory

As one of the notable symbols of Minato Mirai, the Landmark Tower features an observation deck where you can capture views of Yokohama Bay and other sights in the city. If you have time to visit in the late afternoon to evening, you can experience the beauty of the sunset and the lighted skyline.

Admission Ticket: ¥1000 (Adults)

Yokohama Air Cabin

If you’re like me and enjoy riding cable cars, you’ll be thrilled to experience this ropeway that connects Sakuragicho Station to Unga Park. The ride is quite short, so I recommend booking a round-trip ticket for a longer journey. It’s definitely one of the fun things to do in Yokohama, particularly in the Minato Mirai area.

A one-way ticket costs ¥1000.

The view of cable cars passing overhead looks breathtaking.

You can also book your e-ticket through KKDay to enjoy the Yokohama Air Cabin, which includes a one-way ride and admission to the Cosmo Clock 21.

Cup Noodle Museum

The Cup Noodles Museum is a must-visit attraction in Yokohama. Both kids and adults can experience making chicken ramen at the Chicken Ramen Factory and create their own custom cup noodles package at the My Cup Noodles Factory.

However, early reservations are required, so make sure to book in advance. You can easily reserve your spot at cupnoodles-museum.jp.

You can also enjoy shopping at the museum shop for Cup Noodles Museum goods and other merchandise.

Cosmo World

Another attraction worth visiting in Minato Mirai is Cosmo World, an amusement park that offers various adventures, from kid-friendly to extreme rides.

There’s no entrance fee to enter Cosmo World. However, fees apply to individual rides, and prices vary depending on the type of activity.

Shopping & Dining

If shopping is part of your itinerary, you’ll find plenty of options in the Minato Mirai area, such as Mark Is and Yokohama World Porters. There are also a variety of restaurants to choose from that are perfect for families, friends, couples, and even for solo travelers.

One family-friendly restaurant I can recommend is Jonathan’s, located at Yokohama World Porters. Their menu offers both Japanese and Western dishes. Kids will especially enjoy the robot waiters serving food at the restaurant. However, be prepared to wait in line, especially during peak hours like lunchtime.

That said, it’s still best to research in advance which shops or restaurants you want to visit to make the most of your day trip.

Where to Stay in Yokohama
Looking for a hotel in Yokohama? Check Agoda or Trip.com to find the best stay for your trip.

Best time to visit:

Visit during the Sakura season — Capture the full bloom of cherry blossoms in Minato Mirai with its tree-lined sakura streets, perfect for taking photos or simply admiring the beauty of the soft pink petals as they fall gently or are blown by the wind.

No matter the season, a visit to Minato Mirai in Yokohama should be on your itinerary. There are plenty of things to do, from exploring notable attractions to taking in picturesque views—this district has it all.

To make your day trip planning to Yokohama even easier, I’ve added a Free Printable Itinerary for you to use. You can also check out my complete Printable & Digital Travel Planner, which helps keep all your trips organized from start to finish.

How about you? Have you explored Yokohama yet? What were your favorite things to do? I’d love to hear your experiences and answer any questions you might have!

Disclaimer: This post contain an affiliate link. If you book through the link, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost. Thank you for your support!

Don’t miss my posts on What to Do in Asakusa for a Day and Tokyo Travel Tips for a stress-free trip.

Want to see more of Yokohama in action? Check out my Tokyo vlog below, where I also explore a day in Yokohama! From iconic sights in Tokyo to must-visit spots in Yokohama, this video gives you a sneak peek into our adventures. Watch now and get inspired for your trip!

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