- Our hotel was in the Yamashita district of Yokohama, south of the city centre. It was right on the waterfront so we could step out of the front door and just start wandering. On the first morning we walked along the waterfront parks, docks and piers into the city centre, discovering plenty to keep us interested on the way.
- First stop was the Hikawa Maru, a 1930s passenger liner that’s been permanently moored and turned into museum.
- We particularly liked it around Osanbashi Pier, a little further to the north. This is the site of the original stone whaves built after US Commodore Matthew Perry‘s ‘gunboat diplomacy’ suceeded in opening Japan to international trade. Osanbashi Pier has been expanded and rebuilt many times over 150+ years, most recently in 2002 when the Yokohama International Passenger Terminal was opened. There’s rich history behind the rocks, rust and rope that was interesting to explore. And we found the sleek lines of the modern, wood-clad Passenger Terminal particularly appealing.
- Wandering on it was fun seeing young people out and about in the public spaces, expressing themselves in Japanese style.
- As we approached the city the Landmark Tower began to dominate the skyline, made more interesting by an amusement park in the foreground. It’s the second highest building in Japan at just under 300 metres tall.
- From here we entered into the labyrinth of Minato Mirai 21, a complex of shops, restuarants, hotels, and convention centres built on man-made islands that used to be shipping docks.
- Nearby is the Yokohama Museum of Art designed by the famous architect Kenzo Tange.
- Another day we checked out the red-brick warehouses called Akarenga Soko, which have been turned into a cool shopping precinct. We continued on into the city and the Minato Mirai 21 district.
- Caught an early evening ferry back to the hotel, taking in views of the city in fading light. It gave us a real sense of Yokohama’s connection with the water as a port city.
- Headed into Chinatown for dinner and wandered the steets and lanes. A central point in Yokohama’s Chinatown is the Kantei-byo Temple which is dedicated to the god of business.
- On our last day we walked up to the Yamate district, known by foreigners as the Bluff.
- First stop was the Harbour View Park. It’s a nice green space with good outlooks.
- We visited the Yokohama Foreign General Cemetery which provides a really interesting perspective on the city’s history as a place where the Japanese re-engaged with the rest of the world from 1854. It’s managed by a Foundation and for a small donation the volunteers at the gate will provide you with map in English and Japanese. The gravestones of Americans, Germans, Britons, and French tell a story of materials, goods, knowledge, and ideas that were both imported and exported.
- The western-style buildings in this area really stand out because they are so different to what you normally see in Japan. The Museum of Tennis, Yamate Museum, Christ Church, and Berrick Hall are prominent examples.
- We walked back through the Motomachi shopping district and on to Chinatown.
