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Yokohama: A Fusion of Heritage and Innovation
As a National Geographic journalist, I was excited to visit Yokohama, the second-largest city in Japan, with a population of approximately 3.7 million. This enchanting city, located on the eastern coast of Honshu Island, offers a perfect blend of modernity and tradition.
The scenery of the city is truly breathtaking, with lush green parks and gardens, futuristic skyscrapers, and serene waterfronts. What I loved the most about Yokohama is its vibrant culture and hospitality, which makes you feel right at home. However, the city can be quite crowded and busy, especially during peak hours.
The average cost of living per day in Yokohama is around 140-155 USD. This includes transportation, food, accommodation, and entertainment expenses. While it may seem expensive, the city offers a vast array of affordable options for food, accommodation, and attractions.
Here are the 20 most popular points of interest in Yokohama:
1. Minato Mirai 21 (3-7 Minato Mirai, Nishi Ward) – A waterfront district with various shopping centers, museums, and attractions
2. Yokohama Chinatown (Yamashitacho, Naka Ward) – A lively district with over 600 shops and restaurants
3. Yamashita Park (279 Yamashitacho, Naka Ward) – A seaside park with beautiful views of the harbor
4. Yokohama Landmark Tower (2-2-1 Minato Mirai, Nishi Ward) – A 296-meter-high skyscraper with observation decks and a shopping center
5. Sankeien Garden (58-1 Honmokusannotani, Naka Ward) – A traditional Japanese garden with ponds and teahouses
6. Red Brick Warehouse (1-1 Shinko, Naka Ward) – A historic warehouse turned into a shopping complex
7. Cup Noodles Museum (2-3-4 Shinko, Naka Ward) – A fun museum dedicated to instant noodles
8. Yokohama Museum of Art (3-4-1 Minatomirai, Nishi Ward) – A world-class museum with a vast collection of Japanese and Western art
9. Yokohama Cosmo World (2-8-1 Shinko, Naka Ward) – An amusement park with thrill rides and attractions
10. Marine Tower Yokohama (15 Yamashitacho, Naka Ward) – A 106-meter-high tower with an observation deck
11. Nogeyama Zoo (63-10 Oimatsubaramachi, Nishi Ward) – A small but charming zoo with a variety of animals
12. Yokohama Bay Bridge (Honcho, Naka Ward) – A suspension bridge that offers beautiful views of the city
13. Yokohama Silk Museum (1-1-1 Sakuragicho, Naka Ward) – A museum dedicated to the history and production of silk
14. Yokohama Stadium (202-7 Naka Ward) – A baseball stadium that hosts local and national games
15. Anpanman Museum (4-3-1 Minatomirai, Nishi Ward) – A museum dedicated to the popular Japanese character Anpanman
16. Zoorasia Yokohama Zoological Gardens (1175-1 Kamishiranecho, Asahi Ward) – A spacious zoo with a variety of animals
17. Kishamichi Promenade (2 Chome-76 Yamashitacho, Naka Ward) – A scenic walkway that connects Yamashita Park to the Red Brick Warehouse
18. Yokohama Hakkeijima Sea Paradise (Yokohama, Kanazawa Ward, Hakkeijima) – A large aquarium complex with various marine species and attractions
19. Soji-ji Temple (2 Chome-1-1 Tsurumi Honcho, Tsurumi Ward) – A tranquil Zen temple with beautiful gardens and architecture
20. Kawasaki Daishi Temple (4-chōme-48, Daishimotomachi, Kawasaki Ward, Kawasaki) – A popular temple with a vibrant atmosphere and street food vendors.
For the top 10 popular food and their price, here are some recommendations:
1. Ramen – 7-18 USD (Ramen Museum 2 Chome-14-21 Shinyokohama, Kohoku Ward)
2. Sushi – 10-40 USD (Sakanasuisan Yokohama 1-6-10 Kitasaiwai, Nishi Ward)
3. Takoyaki (Octopus balls) – 3-5 USD (Takohachi Honkan 1-6-1 Daimyo, Nishi Ward)
4. Okonomiyaki (Japanese pancake) – 6-13 USD (Okonomiyaki Sometaro 2 Chome-1-22 Tsuruyacho, Kanagawa Ward)
5. Yakitori (Grilled chicken skewers) – 3-5 USD (Yakitori Taisho 2 Chome-3-3 Minatomirai, Nishi Ward)
6. Gyoza (Dumplings) – 4-9 USD (Kiyoken Yokohama Minatomirai Branch 2-7-1 Shinko, Naka Ward)
7. Tempura – 12-15 USD (Tendon Tenya 1 Chome-4-4 Kanagawa, Kanagawa Ward)
8. Katsu (Breaded cutlet) – 10-15 USD (Katsu Midori 2-16-10 Kitasaiwai, Nishi Ward)
9. Shabu-shabu (Hot pot) – 35-50 USD (Water Mark Shabu Shabu 2-6-1 Minatomirai, Nishi Ward)
10. Matcha (Green tea) and wagashi (Japanese sweets) – 5-10 USD (Uruwashin 2-3-3 Minatomirai, Nishi Ward)
Here are the top 10 popular hotels and 10 most popular Airbnb with prices (per night), ratings, and reviews.
Hotels:
1. Yokohama Bay Sheraton Hotel & Towers – 120-250 USD (4.3 rating, 2,282 reviews)
2. Hotel New Grand – 130-500 USD (4.4 rating, 1,261 reviews)
3. Hotel The Knot Yokohama – 70-130 USD (4.4 rating, 1,609 reviews)
4. InterContinental Yokohama Grand – 150-300 USD (4.1 rating, 2,555 reviews)
5. Hotel Monterey Yokohama – 50-150 USD (4.1 rating, 1,912 reviews)
6. Sakuragicho Washington Hotel – 50-100 USD (3.9 rating, 2,096 reviews)
7. Yokohama Royal Park Hotel – 200-400 USD (4.5 rating, 1,181 reviews)
8. Richmond Hotel Yokohama Bashamichi – 60-100 USD (4.3 rating, 1,132 reviews)
9. Yokohama Bay View Hotel – 150-250 USD (4.0 rating, 669 reviews)
10. Hotel Wing International Yokohama-Kannai – 40-90 USD (3.8 rating, 1,253 reviews)
Airbnb:
1. Fashionable House only for +7days stay – 60 USD (4.8 rating, 153 reviews)
2. Spacious flat in the center of Yokohama – 50 USD (4.9 rating, 63 reviews)
3. Near Yokohama station 2BR free WiFi – 85 USD (4.9 rating, 20 reviews)
4. J’s House 6 min from Yokohama Station – 30 USD (4.9 rating, 80 reviews)
5. 6 mins from Yokohama St LUX Apt & WiFi – 65 USD (4.9 rating, 76 reviews)
6. New open! Near Yokohama station! 4pax – 80 USD (4.9 rating, 31 reviews)
7. 3 mins walk to Yokohama station! – 70 USD (4.8 rating, 16 reviews)
8. Good Vibes Entire apartment 3 mins from Station – 70 USD (4.8 rating, 127 reviews)
9. Central Yokohama Best Location – 35 USD (4.7 rating, 75 reviews)
10. Staynext – New! 7 m from Yokohama station – 50 USD (4.6 rating, 29 reviews)
Final Verdict:
Based on my experience, I would rate Yokohama 9 out of 10 stars. This city has an excellent balance between traditional and modern, and the hospitality of the locals is truly commendable. The only downside is that it can get quite crowded during peak season.
For a 3-day trip itinerary, here are my recommendations:
Day 1:
– Visit Minato Mirai 21 and Yokohama Landmark Tower for an awe-inspiring view of the city.
– Stroll around Yamashita Park and enjoy the breathtaking views of the harbor.
– Explore Yokohama Chinatown and try some local street food.
Day 2:
– Visit Sankeien Garden and immerse yourself in traditional Japanese architecture and park scenery.
– Check out the Cup Noodles Museum and learn about the history of instant noodles.
– Visit Yokohama Museum of Art to appreciate the contemporary art exhibitions in the city.
Day 3:
– Visit Zoorasia Yokohama Zoological Gardens to see rare and exotic animals.
– Check out Kishamichi Promenade and take a leisurely stroll connecting Yamashita Park to the Red Brick Warehouse.
– Sample some local delicacies at Anpanman Museum before heading back home.
Overall, Yokohama offers an excellent experience for travelers seeking a harmonious blend of Japanese tradition and modernity. It is affordable and leaves you spellbound with its beauty and charm.
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