Yokohama Night Walk 横浜の夜散歩

Full view

To admire the sunset over Yokohama Bay and the Minato Mirai 21 district, which lights up at nightfall, start your visit with Yamashita Park, whose panorama is considered a "night view of Japanese heritage ". . The illuminated Hikawa Maru ship and the Yamashita wharf are reflected on the sea in an enchantment of colors.

You'll also get great views from the pleasant Osanbashi Boardwalk, the international cruise ship passenger terminal, and a favorite spot for lovers.

Then, you have two options: visit Chinatown or continue walking to Minato Mirai.

With its colorful decorations and red lanterns, Yokohama's Chinatown, the largest in Japan, attracts visitors and gourmets with some 500 restaurants. From steaming bowls of noodles to elaborate feasts, all the cuisine of the Middle Kingdom is represented here.

The illuminated past

If you prefer to continue your walk, you will pass in front of three imposing buildings: the Kanagawa Prefectural Office, built in 1928 and nicknamed "King," the Yokohama Customs Office, built in 1934, it is nicknamed "Queen," and finally the Yokohama Port Opening Memorial Hall, built in 1918, nicknamed "Jack." All three, through their architecture, bear witness to Yokohama's international past and are highlighted by the lighting. The "King" is a tangible cultural heritage site, but it is only illuminated on Fridays and weekends. The Yokohama Port Opening Memorial Hall is also included in the "night views of Japanese heritage."

A little further on, on an artificial island called Shinko, are the two red brick buildings of a former warehouse built in 1911, Yokohama Aka Renga Soko. They have become a popular filming location, even more, photogenic at night than during the day. Here you will find shops and inexpensive restaurants. On this island, the big wheel of the Yokohama Cosmo World amusement park illuminates the sky, land, and sea with its multicolored beams.

The bright future

Leave the small island via the Kishamichi Bridge; an old railway line converted into a boardwalk that will take you to Minato Mirai 21, the "Port of the Future 21". From the 69th floor of the Landmark Tower (296 meters), you can see the thousands of lights illuminating the city and the surrounding towns. Along the waterfront, skyscrapers house hotels, shops, and restaurants, some of which have splendid views of the bay.

A little further, by the sea, Rinko Park offers extraordinary views of the Minato Mirai district and the port of Yokohama. Let yourself be lulled by the sound of the waves while admiring this sparkling port city.

To go further: A day in Yokohama.