Visit Yokohama Chinatown, one of the world’s largest Chinatowns

Now a popular destination for anyone visiting Yokohama is Chinatown, a great place to walk around. You can enjoy steamed buns on the street, have your palm read, try dishes from different regions of China, and check out the colorful banners and lights everywhere in the town.The liveliest time to go is during Chinese New Year or “Spring Festival” when the town becomes even more colorful with yellow lanterns in the street and people celebrating with dragon dances and parades.<div

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The start of Yokohama Chinatown

Located close to Tokyo, Yokohama is Japan’s second largest city by population. It has flourished as a historic and international city since its port opening in 1859. Traders from all over the world immigrated to Yokohama during this time, and among them were many Chinese traders who came by ferry from the ports of Shanghai and Hong Kong. Eventually these traders built a Chinese school, community centers, and restaurants in Yokohama, and managed to exist even after many immigrants returned to China after major historical events such as the great Kanto earthquake and the war between China and Japan.
In 1955, the area was officially recognized as “Yokohama Chinatown” and is now one of the most popular sightseeing spots in the city. Most visitors go there for the food. With over 500 restaurants/food stands to choose from, you can choose the way you want to have your meal. You can casually buy steamed buns at food stands while walking down the streets, or if you’re hungry you can eat at all-you-can-eat buffets. You can eat at high-end Chinese restaurants or your typical local restaurant. You’ll find palm reading stands all over as well as many souvenir shops. Yokohama Chinatown is said to be the largest Chinatown in Asia, and also one of the largest in the world.

Chinese New Year celebrations

During the Chinese New Year, also known as the “Spring Festival,” from February 16th to March 2nd, Yokohama Chinatown transforms into an even more lively and colorful place. There are fun events such as the New Year countdown, lion and dragon dances, and parades. Beautiful yellow paper lanterns light up on the street in the form of a dragon that is 80 meters long. Often the streets are packed with locals and tourists during the “Spring Festival.” It is definitely the best time to go if you want to enjoy the festivities.

Tasty dishes from different areas of China

You can find many restaurants from different provinces and regions of China in Yokohama Chinatown. Be it a delicious plate of Mapo tofu, a popular Chinese dish from Sichuan Province, or Peking duck, a gorgeous dish from Beijing, or Xiaolongbao, a Chinese steamed bun from Jiangnan region, you will most likely find your favorite Chinese dish in Yokohama Chinatown. Other places to visit in the area are Yamashita Park, a public park with a great view of the port, and Yokohama Marine Tower, a historical tower with a 360-degree view of the city, both a 5-minute walk from Yokohama Chinatown.

How to visit?

The closest stations to Yokohama Chinatown are Ishikawacho Station, along with the JR Negishi Line, and Motomachi-Chukagai Station, along with the Minato Mirai Line. It is about a 30-40 minute train ride from central Tokyo.

Address:
140 Yamashita-cho, Naka-ku, Yokohama, 231-0023 (Yokohama Kanteibyo (temple inside Yokohama Chinatown))
Tel：+81-(0)45-226-2636