3-Day Yokohama, Japan Travel Itinerary

Introduction:

Yokohama is Japan’s second-largest city and a coastal gem located just 30 minutes south of Tokyo. This port city is known for its international flavor, historic harbor area, iconic skyline, and vibrant cultural scene. Yokohama’s appeal lies in its blend of modern attractions—like futuristic skyscrapers—and historical charm, including red-brick warehouses, gardens, and Japan’s largest Chinatown. This 3-day itinerary is designed to help travelers experience the best of Yokohama’s food, history, architecture, and harbor views in an easy-to-navigate format.

Places to Visit:

1. Minato Mirai 21: This is Yokohama’s most iconic waterfront district, featuring high-rise buildings, Cosmo World amusement park, and shopping centers.
2. Yokohama Chinatown: This is Japan’s largest Chinatown, filled with hundreds of Chinese restaurants, street food stalls, and cultural temples.
3. Cup Noodles Museum: This interactive museum allows visitors to learn about the history of instant noodles and even create their own cup noodle.
4. Yamashita Park: This park sits along the waterfront, offering ocean views and a relaxing stroll near the historic Hikawa Maru ship.
5. Sankeien Garden: A traditional Japanese garden featuring historical buildings, koi ponds, and seasonal blossoms.
6. Red Brick Warehouse (Aka Renga Soko): A pair of historic warehouses now repurposed into artsy shops, galleries, and cafés.
7. Landmark Tower Sky Garden: Located in one of Japan’s tallest buildings, this observatory offers sweeping views of Mt. Fuji and Tokyo Bay.
8. Osanbashi Pier: A uniquely designed cruise terminal and boardwalk known for its grassy rooftop and harbor views.
9. Nogeyama Zoo: A free-entry zoo located near Sakuragicho, perfect for families and budget travelers.
10. Yokohama Anpanman Children’s Museum: A colorful and interactive museum themed around Japan’s beloved children’s character, Anpanman.

Sample Itinerary:

Day 1: Harborfront Highlights & Chinatown

• 9:00 AM – Start at Minato Mirai 21 (5-minute walk from Sakuragicho Station): Explore Landmark Plaza, ride the Cosmo Clock 21 Ferris wheel, and shop for souvenirs (2 hours).
• 11:30 AM – Visit the CupNoodles Museum (10-minute walk): Make your own cup noodles and learn its history in 1.5 hours.
• 1:00 PM – Lunch at Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse (5-minute walk): Choose from gourmet burgers, Japanese curries, or seafood plates.
• 2:30 PM – Stroll Yamashita Park and visit Hikawa Maru ship (15 minutes walk): Enjoy ocean breezes and photo ops (1 hour).
• 4:00 PM – Explore Yokohama Chinatown (10-minute walk): Try pork buns and sesame balls while visiting Kanteibyo Temple (2 hours).
• 6:30 PM – Dinner at a Sichuan or dim sum restaurant in Chinatown.

Day 2: History, Gardens & Skyline Views

• 9:00 AM – Visit Sankeien Garden (30-minute bus or taxi): Explore historical buildings and serene ponds (2 hours).
• 11:30 AM – Return to central Yokohama for lunch (30-minute ride): Stop at Queen’s Square for sushi or tempura.
• 1:30 PM – Visit Landmark Tower Sky Garden (10-minute walk): Take the elevator to the 69th floor and enjoy the panoramic views for 45 minutes.
• 3:00 PM – Walk to Osanbashi Pier (20 minutes): Take photos of ships, sea, and skyline from the rooftop deck (1 hour).
• 4:30 PM – Visit Nogeyama Zoo (15-minute bus or taxi): Explore free exhibits featuring red pandas, lions, and birds (1 hour).
• 6:30 PM – Dinner at Noge district izakaya: Enjoy yakitori and beer in this retro nightlife area.

Day 3: Family Fun & Shopping

• 9:00 AM: Visit the Anpanman Museum (10 minutes from Minato Mirai): Interactive fun for families with young children (1.5 hours).
• 11:00 AM: Coffee break at Marine & Walk Yokohama shopping complex (5-minute walk): Relax by the harbor.
• 12:30 PM: Lunch at World Porters or CupNoodles Museum Café.
  
• 2:00 PM: Free time for shopping at Yokohama Bay Quarter or return to Red Brick Warehouse.
• 4:00 PM: Visit the NYK Maritime Museum or stroll through the Nissan Global Headquarters Gallery.
• 6:00 PM: End your trip with sunset views from Minato Mirai boardwalk.

See Itinerary Map (Includes Places to Visit and Accommodations)

Best Time To Go:

The best time to visit Yokohama is during spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). Spring brings cherry blossoms to parks and gardens like Sankeien, while autumn offers clear skies and vibrant foliage. Summer (June to August) is hot and humid but lively with festivals like the Yokohama Sparkling Twilight. Winter is cool and festive, with Christmas illuminations at the Red Brick Warehouse and warm meals in Chinatown.

Activities To Do:

• Create Custom Noodles at the CupNoodles Museum: Visitors can design and take home their own cup noodle with customized flavors and packaging.
• Take a Cruise Around Yokohama Bay: A relaxing boat ride offers a different perspective of the skyline and access to sightseeing from the water.
• Shop and Dine in Red Brick Warehouse: This historic site now houses trendy cafés, boutiques, and seasonal markets perfect for souvenirs.
• Enjoy Night Views from Landmark Tower Sky Garden: The observatory becomes magical at night with glowing city lights and bay reflections.
• Attend Pikachu Outbreak Festival (Summer): Held in August, this event features hundreds of dancing Pikachus and themed activities across the city.

Accommodations:

• InterContinental Yokohama Grand: A luxury sail-shaped hotel offering bay views, high-end dining, and proximity to Minato Mirai.

• The Yokohama Bay Hotel Tokyu: Located near Queen’s Square, it offers spacious rooms and elegant design for mid-to-luxury stays.

• Hotel Edit Yokohama: A modern boutique hotel with creative decor and great access to both Sakuragicho and Kannai stations.

• Daiwa Roynet Hotel Yokohama-Koen: Overlooks Yokohama Stadium and offers comfortable, well-equipped rooms for travelers on a mid-range budget.

• Hotel JAL City Kannai Yokohama: Conveniently located for business or leisure travelers, near Chinatown and Yamashita Park.

Transportation Options:

• JR Lines (Negishi Line, Keihin-Tohoku Line): Connect Yokohama with Tokyo, Kamakura, and other major cities.
• Minatomirai Line: Runs through the heart of Yokohama’s attractions, including Chinatown, Motomachi, and Minato Mirai.
• Yokohama Municipal Subway: Covers local destinations and connects to Shinkansen at Shin-Yokohama.
• Buses: Available for reaching Sankeien Garden, Zoo, and other local spots.
• Taxis: Easy to find and ideal for short distances or when traveling with luggage.

• Rental Bicycles (BayBike): Affordable and convenient for waterfront and park exploration.

Tips:

• Buy a Yokohama-Minatomirai Pass: This combo ticket offers unlimited rides on JR trains and Minatomirai Line for 1 day.
• Visit Chinatown on weekdays: Avoid weekend crowds and enjoy better seating at restaurants.
• Carry cash: Smaller eateries and markets may not accept credit cards.
• Check museum closures: Many attractions close on Mondays, so plan accordingly.
• Start early: Yokohama is best enjoyed during the day, especially the harbor and gardens.

Klook.com

Yokohama is a destination where modern innovation meets deep-rooted history and multicultural charm. This 3-day itinerary captures the city’s highlights—from the scenic harborfront and interactive museums to lush gardens and exciting shopping streets. Every part of this itinerary connects urban adventure with relaxation, making it ideal for couples, solo travelers, and families. With easy access from Tokyo and plenty to do, Yokohama is a must-visit for anyone exploring Japan’s vibrant Kanto region.