Yokohama is a large port city in Kanagawa Prefecture, about an hour from Tokyo by train. It is one of Japan's most important cities, ranking second in population, economy, and culture.

Although it was badly damaged by the Great Kanto Earthquake and World War II, Yokohama recovered quickly and developed into a charming city, with notable architecture, food, convenient transport, and a wide range of activities. It is perfect for a day trip with no need to stay overnight.

Yokohama in a Day: A Trip Plan for Japan's Charming Port City

A day trip to Yokohama offers a nice change of pace from busy Tokyo: the city is quieter but still feels lively. From the harbor, cafes, and museums to famous restaurants and European-style architecture, the city's strength is its variety, all walkable in a single day.

If you are planning a short trip and are not sure what Yokohama has to offer, take a look at the detailed plan below, which includes places of interest, travel times, and the best time to visit each spot.

08:00: Depart Tokyo for Sakuragicho Station (about 50 minutes)

Start the day by taking the train from Tokyo to Sakuragicho Station in Yokohama, which takes about 50 minutes.
You can check the route and train times on Google Maps to find the most convenient and fastest train.

• ・　How to get there: Take the JR Keihin-Tohoku Line from Ueno Station to Sakuragicho Station
• ・　Duration: About 50 minutes
• ・　Cost: ¥570

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09:00 - 09:30 : Yokohama Air Cabin

The Yokohama Air Cabin is Japan's first permanent urban cable car and one of the most interesting viewpoints in Yokohama. The cable car line is about 630 meters long and 40 meters high, connecting Sakuragicho Station and Unga Park Station.

Each cabin holds up to 8 people and is wheelchair and stroller accessible. The cabins are fully glass-walled, offering a 360-degree panoramic view of Yokohama. It's ideal for capturing the city from above or getting to nearby attractions quickly.

• ・　How to get there: Walk from Sakuragicho Station to the cable car station
• ・　Duration: About 3 minutes
• ・　Fare: ¥1,000 (one way) / ¥1,800 (round trip)
• ・　Hours: 10:00 - 21:00
• ・　Website: https://yokohama-air-cabin.jp/en/

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09:30 - 11:00 : Cup Noodles Museum

One of the most popular spots not to miss in Yokohama is the Cup Noodles Museum, located just a 5-minute walk from Unga Park Station (the Yokohama Air Cabin's arrival station).

The museum was founded by Nissin Foods to tell the story of Momofuku Ando, who invented the world's first instant noodles in 1958. Inside, the history of noodle development is presented through interactive exhibits, along with short films showing the production process and the evolution of noodles from around the world.

The highlight is the "My Cup Noodles Factory" activity, where visitors can design their own cup noodles by choosing the soup and toppings and decorating the cup, then take it home as a one-of-a-kind souvenir.

• ・　How to get there: Walk from Unga Park Station (the cable car's terminus) to the museum
• ・　Duration: 5 minutes
• ・　Admission: ¥500 (free for junior high school students and younger)
• ・　Hours: 10:00 - 18:00 (closed on Tuesdays)
• ・　Website: CUPNOODLES MUSEUM YOKOHAMA

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11:15 - 12:30 : Lunch at Yokohama World Porters

After visiting the Cup Noodles Museum, the next stop is Yokohama World Porters, a large shopping mall nearby with a wide range of restaurants and shops.

Inside, there are many restaurants to choose from, from sushi and traditional Japanese food to Western food, cafes, and well-known dessert shops. It's a great place to stop for lunch or a snack during the day.

After the meal, you can browse the mall's shopping area for souvenirs, clothes, or everyday items. It's also a convenient location for continuing on to other attractions in Yokohama.

• ・　How to get there: Walk from the museum to the mall
• ・　Duration: 3 minutes
• ・　Hours: 10:30 - 21:00 (shopping area) / 11:00 - 23:00 (restaurant area)

• ・　Website: Yokohama World Porters

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12:45 - 13:45 : Red Brick Warehouse

From Yokohama World Porters, walk about 5 minutes to reach the Red Brick Warehouse (also known by its Japanese name, Aka Renga Soko), an old bayside warehouse that has been renovated into one of Yokohama's most popular attractions.

This red-brick building was once a customs warehouse in the Meiji era. Today it has been converted into a hub of shops, restaurants, cafes, and event spaces, hosting events throughout the year such as the Oktoberfest beer festival in autumn, an ice-skating rink in winter, and open-air concerts and art markets in summer.

With its open, seaside atmosphere blending historic architecture with a modern feel, the Red Brick Warehouse is a great spot for strolling, taking photos, shopping, and relaxing in any season.

• ・　How to get there: Walk from the mall to the Red Brick Warehouse
• ・　Duration: 5 minutes
• ・　Transport cost: ¥0
• ・　Admission: Free
• ・　Hours: Building 1: 10:00 - 19:00 / Building 2: 11:00 - 20:00
• ・　Website: Red Brick Warehouse

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14:00 - 15:00 : Yokohama Chinatown

After strolling around the Red Brick Warehouse, the next destination is Yokohama Chinatown, about a 10-minute bus ride away. It's another key destination not to miss when visiting Yokohama.

This is the largest Chinatown in Japan, with a history of over 100 years. It began when Yokohama opened its port to foreign trade in the late 19th century, leading many Chinese immigrants to settle there, forming a large community that remains lively and continues to grow today.

Today, Yokohama Chinatown is filled with authentic Chinese restaurants, dim sum shops, traditional sweets, Chinese goods, and old Chinese temples open to visitors, making it one of the most popular spots in Yokohama for food and strolling.

• ・　How to get there: Take the City Bus or Akaikutsu bus from the Red Brick Warehouse
• ・　Duration: 10 minutes
• ・　Transport cost: ¥220

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15:15 - 16:00 : Yamashita Park

From Chinatown, just a few minutes' walk brings you to Yamashita Park, one of Yokohama's most popular seaside parks. It's a great place to relax, enjoy the bay view, and photograph the port city atmosphere.

The park was built after the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923 and officially opened in 1930. It has shaded walking paths, and its highlight is the ocean liner Hikawa Maru, docked at the pier, which has become one of the park's symbols.

The Hikawa Maru was a luxury passenger ship that began service before World War II. It is now open as a museum, decorated in a retro style so visitors can experience the atmosphere of sea travel from the past up close.

• ・　How to get there: Walk from Chinatown to the park
• ・　Duration: 5 minutes
• ・　Admission: Park free / Hikawa Maru: Adults ¥300 / Children ¥100
• ・　Hours: Park open 24 hours / Ship 10:00 - 17:00 (closed Mondays)
• ・　Website :The NYK Hikawa Maru

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16:15 - 17:00 : Nippon Maru Memorial Park

After walking around Yamashita Park, you can head back toward Sakuragicho Station along the bayside path, with the Yokohama Air Cabin passing overhead along the way.

The destination is Nippon Maru Memorial Park, a bayside park with a sloped lawn, perfect for relaxing, taking photos, and enjoying the harbor view. It is often used as a venue for outdoor events and concerts throughout the year.

The park's highlight is the Sail Training Ship Nippon Maru, built in 1930 to train Japanese naval cadets. The ship was decommissioned in 1984 and restored, opening as a maritime museum in 1985. Inside, visitors can view the bridge, crew quarters, and exhibits on maritime history.

• ・　How to get there: Walk from Yamashita Park back along the bayside path
• ・　Duration: 15 minutes

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18:30 - 19:30 : Dinner at Landmark Tower

From Nippon Maru Memorial Park, walk about 5 minutes to Yokohama Landmark Tower for dinner. The tower offers a wide variety of restaurants, from Japanese and Western cuisine to famous yakiniku restaurants and dessert cafes. It's a great way to end the trip with a special meal in a nice atmosphere.

The building also has shops selling souvenirs, local products, and Japanese design goods, making it easy to pick up gifts before heading back.

Once you've eaten and finished your souvenir shopping, it's time to head back to Tokyo, which takes only about 50 minutes from Sakuragicho or Minatomirai Station on the main train line.

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19:45 : Head Back to Tokyo

・　How to get there: Walk back to Sakuragicho Station and take the JR Keihin-Tohoku Line back to Ueno Station

・　Duration: 50 minutes

・　Cost: ¥570

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21:00: Arrive Back at APA Hotel Ueno Ekiminami

This wraps up a full day trip to Yokohama, packed with sights, activities, culture, and food.

Final Thoughts

Yokohama is a port city that blends history, culture, and modernity seamlessly, from seaside viewpoints and the largest Chinatown in Japan to interactive museums and modern landmarks like Landmark Tower.

If you have extra time, there are many more nearby spots to explore, such as the Yokohama Museum of Art, Minato Mirai Hall, or the Cosmo World amusement park, all in the same area.

Cost Summary (approximate per person)

Accommodation ¥25,000

Transport ¥1,360

Food ¥3,500

Admission fees ¥1,800

Total ¥31,660