Yokohama Minato Mirai and Chinatown Course

This is the classic course packed with the charms of the port city of Yokohama. You walk while taking in the seaside scenery, then finish with authentic flavors in Chinatown. It suits dates, outings with friends, and a first day of sightseeing alike. Plan about seven hours, with a relaxed pace that includes lunch and snacking along the way. With the main sights lined up along the waterfront, the route is also easy to follow.

Course Route

10:00 Start at Minato Mirai Station Look up at the Landmark Tower and set off toward the sea. The station connects directly to shopping complexes, so it is an easy area to move around indoors even on a rainy day.

10:30 Stroll the Minato Mirai streets and waterfront Port town sights such as the sail training ship Nippon Maru and the Dockyard Garden dot the area. Walk the Kishamichi promenade where the Cosmo Clock 21 Ferris wheel rises, and you can easily enjoy a panorama of sea and city. (Note: the Landmark Tower observation floor called the Sky Garden has been temporarily closed since late 2025 for major renovation, with reopening planned for 2028 or later. Please check the latest operating status before your visit.)

11:30 Photos and shopping at the Red Brick Warehouse The historic buildings now house stylish shops. There are Building 1 and Building 2, with hours that differ by building (roughly 10:00 to 19:00 and 11:00 to 20:00). The seaside plaza is a popular photo spot.

13:00 Walk along the water to Yamashita Park A breezy promenade by the sea. It is about a ten minute walk from the Red Brick Warehouse to Yamashita Park. Rest in the park where the ship Hikawa Maru is moored.

14:00 Visit Yamashita Park and the Hikawa Maru The rose garden and the sea facing benches feel wonderful and soothe tired legs. You can tour the interior of the moored passenger cargo ship Hikawa Maru, with admission of 300 yen for adults (open 10:00 to 17:00, last entry 16:30). Aboard you can sense the atmosphere of the sea voyages of the past.

15:00 A feast in Yokohama Chinatown Just a short walk from Yamashita Park. Finish with soup dumplings, steamed buns and dim sum eaten on the go. Walking beneath the colorful gates and along the lively streets is a perfect close to an exotic day.

Highlights

• The Minato Mirai waterfront scenery and the Cosmo Clock 21 Ferris wheel
• The grand facade of the Red Brick Warehouse and the seaside view
• The Hikawa Maru moored at Yamashita Park and the harbor scenery
• The street food and colorful gates of Chinatown

Practical Travel Notes

• Best season and time: It can be enjoyed year round, but for night views, after sunset is best. The roses of Yamashita Park reach their peak in spring and autumn.
• Avoiding crowds: Popular Chinatown restaurants form lines at lunch. Entering during the eleven o'clock hour means shorter waits and a smoother visit.
• Time needed: About seven hours from Minato Mirai to Chinatown, including strolling, lunch and snacking. The route runs mostly along flat waterfront paths and is easy to walk.
• Budget: Admission to the Hikawa Maru is 300 yen for adults. Including lunch and Chinatown snacking, budget about 4,000 to 6,000 yen per person. Being mostly outdoors, the admission burden is light.
• Nearby spots: The Motomachi shopping street and the large Minato Mirai shopping complexes are close by. With time to spare you can add them.

Access and Tips

• The Minato Mirai Line and the Negishi Line are convenient, and the spots connect on foot
• The main sights line up along the waterfront, so the route is easy to follow
• Arriving for lunch in Chinatown during the eleven o'clock hour means shorter waits and a smoother visit
• The sea breeze can be strong, so a light jacket is reassuring

A Quick Tip

Part of Yokohama charm is how its face changes between day and night. If you have time to spare, stay until sunset and enjoy the illuminated Minato Mirai night view to make it a day you will not forget. Facility information such as the observation deck closure can change, so checking the official sites for the latest details before your visit is reassuring.