The Port of Yokohama is one of Japan's most significant and historic maritime gateways, located on the western shore of Tokyo Bay. As Japan's second-largest city by population, Yokohama is a major commercial and industrial hub that blends modern architecture with historical sites from its past as one of the first ports opened to foreign trade in 1859.For cruise passengers, it serves as both a popular port of call and a major embarkation/disembarkation point for itineraries exploring Japan and Asia. The main cruise facility, the Osanbashi International Passenger Terminal, is renowned for its modern design and its prime location in the heart of the city's scenic waterfront, allowing for immediate and easy access to attractions.
The Minato Mirai 21 district is a futuristic waterfront area immediately adjacent to the main cruise pier. It features the Landmark Tower (one of Japan's tallest buildings), shopping malls, museums, and an amusement park, all within easy walking distance.
A short walk or one subway stop from the port is Yokohama Chinatown, one of the largest and most vibrant in the world. It is a fantastic place to explore colorful gates, temples, and hundreds of restaurants and food stalls.
For a peaceful retreat, visit the Sankeien Garden, a spacious and traditional Japanese-style garden that features historic buildings relocated from across Japan. It is located a short bus or taxi ride from the city center.
A fun and popular attraction for all ages is the CupNoodles Museum Yokohama in the Minato Mirai area, where you can learn about the history of instant ramen and even create your own custom cup of noodles.
Last updated on June 14, 2025
Tokyo, the sprawling capital of Japan, is a very popular day trip and is only a 30-40 minute train ride away. From Yokohama, visitors can easily access world-famous districts like Shibuya with its iconic crossing, or visit historic sites like the ancient Sensō-ji temple in Asakusa.
Another frequent destination is the coastal city of Kamakura, located about 30 minutes south by train. It is famous for its serene temples and the iconic bronze statue of the Great Buddha of Kamakura.
For a day immersed in nature and art with views of Mount Fuji (on a clear day), Hakone is an excellent choice. Reachable in about 90 minutes by train, it offers hot springs, boat cruises on Lake Ashi, and the renowned Hakone Open-Air Museum.
Last updated on June 14, 2025
Cruise ships in Yokohama primarily dock at the Osanbashi International Passenger Terminal. This terminal is uniquely well-located, situated directly on the city's main waterfront and within walking distance of major attractions.
The port is not separate from the city; it is an integral part of the downtown area, positioned between the modern Minato Mirai 21 district and the historic Yamashita Park and Chinatown areas. Because of this central location, transportation or port-provided shuttles are often not necessary to begin exploring.
The Osanbashi Terminal itself is an architectural landmark with a distinctive, wave-like design and a large, publicly accessible rooftop plaza covered in wood decking and lawns, offering panoramic views of the city skyline. The terminal building has tourist information, cafes, and restrooms. Tendering is not required at this pier.
Last updated on June 14, 2025
The official currency in Yokohama is the Japanese Yen (JPY). While major hotels or some large duty-free shops may accept US Dollars, it is not common practice in most establishments.
Credit cards are widely accepted in department stores, larger restaurants, and hotels. However, it is highly recommended to carry a sufficient amount of Yen in cash, as smaller shops, local eateries, shrines, and temples often do not accept credit cards.
ATMs that accept international cards are readily available at post offices and convenience stores like 7-Eleven. Currency exchange services can be found at the port terminal, major banks, and airports, though ATM withdrawal often provides a better exchange rate.
Last updated on June 14, 2025
Yokohama, like Japan as a whole, is an exceptionally safe city with a very low crime rate. Tourists can feel very comfortable exploring independently, even at night in busy urban areas. The local police are helpful, though they may not speak English.
The primary safety concerns are related to natural phenomena. Japan is seismically active, so it is wise to be aware of basic earthquake safety procedures, which are often posted in public buildings and hotels. During the summer and early autumn, typhoons can also affect the region, potentially impacting travel schedules.
There are no specific areas that tourists need to avoid. General precautions, such as being aware of your surroundings and keeping valuables secure, are always advisable but the risk of theft is minimal.
Last updated on June 14, 2025
Yokohama has a humid subtropical climate with four distinct seasons. The main cruise seasons of spring and autumn offer the most pleasant weather. Spring (March to May) is mild and beautiful, famous for the cherry blossoms in late March and early April, with temperatures from 10-20°C (50-68°F).
Autumn (September to November) is similarly comfortable, with clear skies and colorful foliage. Summer (June to August) is hot and very humid, with temperatures often exceeding 30°C (86°F) and a rainy season in June and July.
Typhoon season peaks in August and September, which can bring heavy rain and strong winds. Passengers should pack light layers for spring and fall, and lightweight, breathable clothing and rain gear for the summer.
Last updated on June 14, 2025
Yokohama boasts an excellent, efficient, and clean public transportation system. The Minato Mirai subway line is particularly useful for tourists, as it directly connects the Osanbashi Pier area with key attractions like Chinatown and the main Yokohama Station.
For travel to nearby cities like Tokyo or Kamakura, the Japan Railways (JR) network is the most efficient option. Consider purchasing a prepaid IC card like Suica or Pasmo from a station vending machine; these rechargeable cards can be used on virtually all trains and buses in the region.
Taxis are readily available, safe, and metered, but they can be expensive compared to public transport. Ride-sharing services are not as common or competitive in Japan as in other countries.
Last updated on June 14, 2025
Yokohama offers a diverse range of shopping experiences. The Minato Mirai area is home to large, modern shopping malls like Queen's Square and Landmark Plaza, which feature international and Japanese brands. For a more charming experience, the Motomachi Shopping Street offers five blocks of upscale boutiques, artisan shops, and cafes in a historic setting.
For unique souvenirs, explore Yokohama Chinatown for traditional crafts, snacks, and panda-themed goods. A local specialty to look for is silk products, a nod to Yokohama's history as a major silk-trading port. Prices in almost all stores are fixed, and bargaining is not a part of the culture.
Duty-free shopping is available to foreign tourists at designated department stores and electronic shops upon presentation of a passport. You can often receive an instant tax refund at a service counter within the store.
Last updated on June 14, 2025
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Last updated on June 13, 2025
The Osanbashi International Passenger Terminal is centrally located, making walking, taxis, or the nearby Minato Mirai subway line excellent options for reaching main attractions.
Must-see attractions like the Minato Mirai 21 district (Landmark Tower, Red Brick Warehouse), Yamashita Park, and Yokohama Chinatown are within walking distance or a short subway/taxi ride.
Try delicious ramen, especially Yokohama's own Iekei style, or explore the diverse culinary offerings in Chinatown and the numerous restaurants in the Minato Mirai area.
The local currency is Japanese Yen (1 USD = 143.51 JPY). ATMs at 7-Eleven stores or Japan Post Bank branches are reliable for withdrawing Japanese Yen using foreign cards; currency exchange is also available at the port or major banks.
Yokohama experiences four distinct seasons; pack layers, with light clothing for humid summers (June-Aug) and warmer attire for cool winters (Dec-Feb), while spring and autumn are generally mild.
While Yokohama is a port city, nearby Kamakura and Enoshima, accessible by train (approx. 30-60 minutes), offer popular sandy beaches for a day trip.
Both cruise line excursions (often to Tokyo, Kamakura, or Hakone) and independent exploration via Japan's efficient train system are excellent choices, depending on your preference for convenience or flexibility.
Explore shopping malls in Minato Mirai (like Queen's Square or Landmark Plaza) or the Motomachi shopping street; popular local souvenirs include Yokohama Scarf, Ariake Harbour sweets, and Kiyoken shumai dumplings.
Tokyo is a short train ride away (approx. 30-40 minutes) for a bustling city experience, while Kamakura offers historic temples and the Great Buddha, and Hakone provides scenic nature and Mt. Fuji views, both reachable within 1-1.5 hours.
Yokohama was one of the first Japanese ports opened to foreign trade in 1859, leading to Japan's first daily newspaper and commercial ice cream.
On average Tokyo is somewhat expensive compared to other ports. See the illustration below for the monthly average cost per day. Cruises departing from Tokyo during the the peak season of spring are much more expensive than the the low season of winter.
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