Yokohama Sightseeing in One Day

Discover Minato Mirai 21 & Chinatown

By Jessica A Paje

Community writer

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

Beautiful lanterns at Yokohama Masobyu Shrine

The Cosmo Clock 21 Ferris wheel is the largest clock tower in the world.

Chaoyang Gate (Chouyoumon) closest to Motomachi-Chukagai station

A kawaii panda entrance to Yokohama Daisekai shopping center in Chinatown

Save your appetite when visiting Chinatown. So many food options to consider trying!

An acrobat prepares himself for the Lion Dance during the Chinese Lunar New Year festivities

You can find the dragon motif just about anywhere in Chinatown

Kanteibyo temple enshrines Guan Yu, "God of Business"

Many merchants participate in the Lion Dance and visitors flock to witness the excitement for the New Year

Thousands flock to Chinatown during Chinese Lunar New Year

Rental bicycles are available as an alternative means of getting around the Minato Mirai 21 area.

Red Brick Warehouse, Building 1 & 2, feature shopping, dining, museum, and concert space

Yokohama World Porters offers six floors of food, fashion and entertainment!

Roof Garden at Yokohama World Porters offers a miniature golf course and breathtaking views of the city

Street level views of the popular Yokohama landmarks from Sakura-dori

A unique, curved escalator at Landmark Tower shopping center.

One of the many artistic sculptures around Minato Mirai 21

Birdseye views of Minato Mirai 21 from Sky Garden located on the 69th floor of Landmark Tower

Views of the Southwest from Sky Garden. Some days Mt. Fuji can be seen from here.

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.