Visit Yokohama Japan 2013

Being the capital of Kanagawa Prefecture, Yokohama becomes the second largest city and the city with largest population in Japan. It is located in Tokyo Bay, in the south of Tokyo city. It is the home for 3,7 million people. Yokohama is a rapid developing city in Japan. It offers several tourist attractions which are really worth to visit.

1. Sankeien garden

Do you want to watch the ancient and historical buildings in Japan? You can visit Sankeien garden which is located in the southern Kyoto. You can see a daimyo or a residence of the feudal lord, tea houses, pagoda, and hall. This Japanese style garden is sorrounded by pond, small rivers, flowers, and trails. Sankeien garden was built by Hara Sankei which then became the origin of the name. It was opened for public visit in 1904.

• Minato Mirai 21

Minato Mirai means the harbor of the future. As the name means, Minato Mirai is located in the seaside in the central Yokohama. It is a unique seashore urban area which provides several tourist attractions. They are Observatory Skyline, Cosmo World (an amusement park), Manyo Club (a body relaxation place which offers spa, body massage and body therapy including hot spring air), shopping centers (Queen’s Square, Landmark Plaza, World Porters, and Red Brick Warehouses), unique museums (Nippon Maru and Yokohama Port Museum, Cup Noodles Museum, Yokohama Museum of Art, Mitsubishi Minatomirai Industrial Museum).

• Chinatown

When you visit this place, probably you will be confused where in the world you are. Are you in China or Yokohama? The answer is you are in Chinatown in central Yokohama. Chinatown was the residence of Chinese traders who ran their business in Yokohama. It was built in 1873. Until now, Chinatown remains sturdy, strong, and beautiful. You can visit many Chinese stores as well as Chinese restaurants. There is also a colorful Chinese temple. You can also attend events and festivals held in it, including Chinese New Year.

• Zoorasia

Zoorasia is the newest and the largest zoo in Yokohama opened in 1999. It brings two themes of ‘Symbiosis with Nature’ and ‘Harmony with Nature’. The animals are well-treated and kept in seven ecological areas based on their habitat like Asian Tropical Forest, Amazon Jungle, Subartic Forest, Oceanian Grassland, Japanese Countryside, African Tropical Rainforest and Central Asian Highland. The most famous animals which attract the visitors’ attention are polar bears, elephants, probosis monkeys, and black bears. If you are hungry, you can visit the cafes and restaurants inside the zoo.

• Ramen Museum

Are you a ramen lover? If yes, ramen museum is a perfect place for you. Shinyokohama Ramen Museum consists of several floors which display different things. In the first floor, you can see the history of ramen including various kinds of noodle, soup, topping, and bowl. In two basement floors, you can experience the development of ramen depicted in the replica of Shitamachi streets and houses in the year of 1958. You can also purchase ticket in the vending machine to try ramen.

• Osanbashi Pier

Osanbashi Pier is a international cruise ships’ passengers terminal known as the Osanbashi International Passenger Terminal. It is located between Yamashita Park and Minato Mirai. This perfect place for walking and enjoying the view of Minato Mirai skyline was built in 1894 and reconstructed in 2002.

• Yamashita Park

Yamashita Park is a 750 meter park stretching all around Yokohama seashore. You can see Hikawa Maru, the imperial cruise ship and Yokohama Marine Tower. This place is always crowded of people who come to enjoy the view of the bay and the ships.

• Hakkeijima Sea Paradise

It is an amusement park where you can see many water animals in aquarium. Entering the park is for free. You only pay for admission fee to enter Aqua Resorts and Pleasure Land. Aqua Resorts are divided into three sections, Aqua Museum, Dolphin Fantasy, and Fureal Lagoon. In Aqua Museum, you can see walruses, turtles, dolphins, seals, sea lions, whales, and other sea animals. Dolphin Fantasy requires you to walk through a tunnel to see dolphins and other dish swim. In Fureal Lagoon, you are allowed to touch some sea animals. Pleasure Land offers you the experience to ride rollercoaster and carousel and fall from 107 meter.