The Yokohama Chinatown is the largest Chinatown in all of Japan, beating out the two other famous Chinatowns – Kobe and Nagasaki. Roughly 160 years ago, the Yokohama Chinatown was founded following the opening of the Yokohama Port to foreign trade and migration which saw many Chinese immigrants flocking to the area in 1859. The Yokohama Chinatown is marked at 4 entrances by large and colourful gates which welcome you to the bustling streets of this historic region.
While Yokohama Chinatown saw an mass exodus following the Great Kanto Earthquake in the 1920’s, which had a serious impact on the structural integrity of some buildings, and saw several of the Chinese residents return back home to China as it was a more economical solution than rebuilding their homes and places of work in the Yokohama Chinatown. Those who stayed, remain part of the legacy of the Yokohama Chinatown and are the reason why the area is the Yokohama’s most popular attraction.
Without a doubt, the Yokohama Chinatown is an experience and a half. The wide array of delicious smells and the captivating sound of meat on a hot grill makes this area a haven for those who seek to explore new and unique foods. The cuisine at the Yokohama Chinatown is amazing and it’s very hard pass through without buying anything.
Accessing Yokohama Chinatown
The Yokohama Chinatown is only a 10 minute train ride from Yokohama Station, and will only cost you 210JPY one way. It’s a really straight forward route and involves no transfers, but does involve a small walk from Motomachi-chukagai Station tha should take no more than 5 minutes.
If you are looking for a little day trip from Tokyo, the train can be as fast as 45 minutes from Tokyo Station, with a small fee of 550JPY one way. There are JR Lines that go from Tokyo Station to Yokohama Chinatown (One transfer at Yokohama Station), so make sure you make use of your Japan Rail Pass
Are you planning a trip to Japan soon? Then you really should consider purchasing a JR Rail Pass, especially if you are planning on hitting all the major Tourist cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima, and Sapporo.
The JR Rail Pass makes getting around the country easy, and can save you several hundreds in travel expenses. All you need to do is just show your pass at the ticket gate, and you have access to any and all JR rail lines across the country, and not just the standard commuter trains, but luxury trains, and even the world famous Shikansen (Bullet Train). A JR Rail Pass is an essential item for any visitor to Japan. Buy your pass today by clicking here now!
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