What can you expect when visiting Chinatown in Yokohama. Since 1859 when the first traders came to the port of Yokohama, the Chinese have been settling in the city. Today, Yokohama Chinatown is the largest in Japan and you can find it easily in central Yokohama.

Yokohama Chinatown, Japan

Like most ‘Chinatowns’ around the world, you’ll find plenty of colourful stalls and shops selling almost anything. Typical Chinese architecture can be seen on many facades and also the temples.

Chinatown, Yokohama, Japan

But probably the biggest attraction in Yokohama’s China town is the vast amount of food stalls, restaurants etc, there must be hundreds of them.

The best thing about eating out in Chinatown apart from the variety of styles and dishes is that most places have either photos of the dishes or decorative plates on display, making it easier for you to choose. Unless you can speak the lingo, if so, you’ll be well at home here.

Chinatown, Yokohama, Japan

A very popular food item are the steamed buns which come in a variety of flavours and fillings. These ranged in price from 300 Yen upwards.

Steam buns in Yokohama Chinatown, Japan

Chinatown is easy to get to from the Yokohama International passenger Terminal (cruise terminal Osanbashi Pier), which makes it an ideal place to visit when visiting Yokohama by cruise ship.

Expect to find China town in Yokohama busy, especially at night, when most people are out and about looking for food as well as absorbing the atmosphere.

Chinatown, Yokohama, Japan

Actually, I’d recommend visiting Yokohama Chinatown in the evening from dusk onwards, the lanterns and lit up buildings really make this place come alive.

Yokohama Chinatown, Japan

There are plenty of stores that will catch your eye, and a couple to mention are the Yokohama Hakurankan.

Yokohama Hakurankan in Chinatown, Japan

Hakurankan is a three-storied building with a market shop on the ground floor, on the second floor is an eatery called “Baby Star Land” which serves Ramen noodles, apparently this brand is quite popular in Japan and on the top floor you’ll find a garden terrace where you can enjoy sweets and coffee etc.

Yokohama Hakurankan in Chinatown, Japan

Near to the North gate entrance to Chinatown, you can find the biggest souvenir shop in Chinatown.

Trick Art Museum Chinatown, Yokohama, Japan

It is just one part of the eight-story Yokohama Daisekai building, which is also home to the very popular Trick Art Museum where visitors can see, touch, and take pictures of trick art.

Yokohama Daisekai Chinatown, Japan

Daisekai building with the Trick Art Museum Chinatown, Yokohama, Japan

We didn’t venture in on our visit so sorry no photos inside. But from reading some reviews it is probably a lot of fun.

Chinatown, Yokohama, Japan

There are four main gates that stand tall and ornate at the entrance to China Town. This one is a few roads back inland from the waterfront Yamashita park area, and you can easily walk to Chinatown from the cruise terminal.

Yokohama Chinatown, Japan

Would a visit to Yokohama’s Chinatown be on your to-do list? Have you been to a Chinatown in another city? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below.