Yokohama: Ultimate Local’s Guide for a great stay.

When we visited my sister and brother-in-law in Yokohama, I wanted to hear all their insights into what made the city their chosen home.

My sister is a foodie, so of course she had plenty of food recommendations but she also shared her local tipsfor Yokohama all year round. Including local etiquette, hidden spots and seasonal variations to be aware of. Here are her insights as a Yokohama ‘local’ after living there for two years (and counting…)

What do you most love about Yokohama?

The location is perfect for visiting the rest of Japan. Great for shopping. Relaxing in the parks. Climate is more consistent than elsewhere. Quite relaxed although lively. More casual, young and informal.

What should visitors be prepared for?

It’s quite a busy, quite a young demographic. That means there’s a great nightlife scene with all night bars, arcades and ramen bars. Although it’s easy to get around it’s not as easy to navigate as bigger destinations such as Tokyo due to language barriers. It doesn’t get too cold in winter but very humid in the summer. We do get earthquakes and spectacular lightning storms.

What attracted you to Yokohama?

Loved Japan, a big city but not Tokyo but within proximity to easily travel in when we wanted to and can easily travel around Japan. Watched several YouTube videos looked very fun and lots of green space. Great place to be a student as its cheaper than the major cities. Extra bonus it’s a coastal city!

Tell me about the local food

Now we’re talking! Ton (meaning pork) katsu (breaded) (breaded pork with rice) is ubiquitious with the region of Kanagawa. Although known as a staple of Japanese cuisine, each region has it’s variations but Yokohama version is super fresh, usually served with finely sliced cabbage with a rich miso sauce. Another local staple is nigiri (eel) due to its location by the coast. Usually served grilled, thinly sliced on top of rice. Beef hotpot (gyunabe) and classic pork ramen (iekei). If you’re really not sure where or what to eat, one of my favourite local tips for Yokohama is to go to the train stations and there are really good restaurants. It’s completely different to the UK in that the stations are local hubs and people eat very well and affordably on their way around…although you must not walk and eat. That’s a big no-no.

What does your ideal weekend look like?

We study a lot during the week so our weekends are usually quite chilled. After a late start, we’ll walk to the station, get a milk tea tapioca from Doutor for the journey. Travel on the JR Touyoko Line into Mata Marai. Stroll from here past Cosmoworld (we’ve not gone on the big rollercoaster yet!) to the Red Brick Warehouses. Once we’ve arrived at the waterfront and we’ll enjoy the lively vibe as there’s often markets and different events (Note from Lauren – including the Winter Wonderland we experienced when we visited). Yamashita Park is great for wandering around or settling for some reading or people watching. From here go to Chinatown for yummy steamed bao buns sometimes in the shape of cute animals. Strawberries and grapes on sticks (Tanghulu). In the evening, we usually find a small ramen bar. Look out for a queue – that means it’s good.

Where can you visit in Yokohama if you like taking in attractions?

While they may not be everyone’s taste, there are two free zoos, one has a red panda called Ichigo (meaning strawberry). Cosmoworld is a big draw – the funfair is spread around the waterfront so there are fantastic views fro the ferris wheel. My best local tips for Yokohama are connected to the city’s Chinatown. It is the biggest Chinatown in the world outside China and a really vibrant warren of streets with eateries and stores over multi-storey buildings. For first time visitors, I’d recommend soaring up the Landmark tower for views across the bay and all the way to Mt Fuji. It often has exhibits and there’s a cute cafe at the top. If you’ve travelled to Japan for some of its iconic culture there is a Pokemon Centre and Gundam there (although the latter is temporary so comes and goes).

How does it compare to other popular destinations in Japan

It’s more multicultural due to its history of Dutch trading and Yokohama University & College. Travel is very easy (but we find it easy everywhere in Japan!) Yokohama is a great stop before or after time in Tokyo as it’s far less busy; most people will be residents rather than tourists. Outside of the main areas you may struggle to communicate if you don’t speak Japanese. That being said, it is very welcoming – just try to learn a few basic phrases to show willing.

Has anything surprised you?

Nothing has really surprised me in a bad way. But there are some idiosyncrasies that I love. Yokohama Bay Stars (the local baseball team) are incredibly beloved. Celebrations with themes are a big deal. Jingles play out of speakers around the streets. You almost feel like you’re in a movie.

Do you feel like a local?

Not really but it’s not that I don’t feel welcome. When I’ve become more confident and having a job would make me feel more of a part of the community.

Favourite local hangouts?

Cafe Kanata, Sisters Bar. BeLeaf – all near Myorenji station. In Yokohama proper we love Vivre Store – department store – vintage clothes alongside Uniqlo, also tech, gachapons, Book Off, Nitori, Lady Pearl- so many iconic Japanese consumer goods! Gyudon – Yoshinoya.

Where is best for nightlife?

By the waterfront, especially in the summer and back towards Cosmoworld there is a brewery. Chinatown is always buzzing. Izakayas near the stadium for a slice of authentic night life.

What do different seasons feel like in Yokohama?

Although it is milder than the north or south of Japan, the summer is very muggy (average 35 degrees c). Winter is cold but short and although there may be snow fall it in unlikely to settle. Spring is perfect – warm, bright and great for Sakura season. Rainy season is late spring early summer but it’s warm rain. Autumn is good for changing colours on the beautiful maple trees. I love how distinct all the seasons are.

What vital information do you have about Yokohama?

Japan is mainly cash based and Yokohma is no different. Especially in smaller bars and restaurants. You can’t use all ATMs for foreign bank cards – 7 Elevens are best for this. Be aware how hot it is in the summer, stay hydrated and don’t go out in midday. There is AC in most buildings at a comfortable temperature.

How do you get around in Yokohama?

Buses and train lines are really reliable, clean, spacious and affordable. Trains run up to about midnight. It is very easy to walk around the city if the weather is pleasant. If you are visiting, there has been a shortage of the tourist specific train cards, they do not save any money but they give you convenience to stop having to buy individual tickets for each journey. If you can’t pick up a card, you have to make sure you always carry enough cash.