Yokohama

Once a small fishing village, Yokohama is now one of the largest seaports in the Far East. With a redeveloped waterfront area full of attractions, a vast Chinatown, shopping malls and gorgeous parks, you’ll find much to entertain and excite you.

The first thing to capture your attention will most likely be Landmark Tower. Standing at 971 feet (296 meters), this massive structure is one of the tallest buildings in Japan. Ride the elevator to the viewing platform on the 69th floor and gasp at the views. The tower is located in Minato Mirai 21 district, a revitalized area of museums, malls, offices and attractions. While you are here, ride the huge Ferris wheel at Cosmo World amusement park, shop in the Red Brick Warehouse and learn about rocket engines at Mitsubishi Minatomirai Industrial Museum.

Stroll among the fountains and statues of Yamashita Park overlooking Yokohama Bay. Spot cruise liners passing by and see Minato Mirai’s Ferris wheel lit up at night. Explore the decks and cabins of Hikawa Maru, a luxury liner launched in 1929 now permanently docked beside the park. Walk high above the bay on the Sky Walk, the elevated walkway on the side of the Yokohama Bay Bridge.

With more than 500 shops and restaurants, Yokohama’s Chinatown is one of the world’s largest. Visit Yokohama Daisekai, an 8-story entertainment mall with an interior modeled after 1920s Shanghai. See fortunetellers, browse souvenir shops and dine in the food court.

For more local cuisine, visit the Ramen Museum, a couple of miles from Chinatown. Learn about the history of ramen noodles by visiting the first-floor gallery. Go to the basement area that replicates an old Tokyo town, with restaurants that serve noodle dishes representing different regions of Japan.

Yokohama is just 23 miles (37 kilometers) south of Tokyo, a 30-minute train ride away. This exciting port city is popular with tourists vacationing in Japan’s capital.