Yokohama, Japan (for kids)
November 2022
The last time I was in Japan I had an iphone 2 and was on my own and fancy free. Post pandemic I wanted to take my 11 year old son traveling to Asia for a longer period. I was very burnt out at work so decided to leave my architecture job and fly to Thailand to see my parents there for a few months. On the way, we stopped by Japan which had just recently reopened to international travelers. Japan Airline and ANA both allow you to stop over in Japan on your way to other countries in Asia from North America without additional costs.
I have relatives in Japan who live in Yokohama so we stayed with them most of the time on this trip.
I have been to Japan many times before and have already visited many of the tourist destinations like Kyoto, Osaka, Nikko, and seen the typical popular Tokyo sights. I have also visited Yokohama in the past but this time, we are armed with a smart phone with google translate and google maps. Traveling in Japan became so much easier to navigate compared to the last time I was there. And this time we will be doing a more kid oriented visit.
Yokohama is the second largest city in Japan by population. It is a port city on Tokyo Bay with its own Chinatown and bayside attractions. It is much less touristy compared to Tokyo areas and feels much more chill. From central Tokyo, it is about 30 minutes by train to Yokohama main station. Note that the bullet train station is at Shin-Yokohama station which is a different station.
Visit Minato Mirai 21 area in Yokohama
Minatomirai is a modern waterfront area of Yokohama. This is a great area to explore for everyone. You can easily spend two whole days enjoying the area with your children. There are interesting shopping areas, many different museums, historic ships, and entire waterfront promenade to enjoy.
Yokohama Landmark Tower and Plaza
Mt Fuji from Landmark Tower
First thing, we went up to the enclosed observation deck at the Landmark Tower. We were amazed to see Mount Fuji in the distance! The deck floor wraps around the building and there are areas for children to sit and have a snack that you brought along or can purchase at their deck cafe. The Landmark Tower is connected to an upscale shopping center.
Nihon Maru Historical Sail Ship
Nihon Maru
Across the street is the Nihon Maru historical sail ship and Port Museum. My son is a big ship enthusiast and was super excited to go on the historic ship.
Shinko Island
Shinko Island is a further walk across a bridge and is a must visit. You can also take the short ride on the gondola over from the Sakuragicho subway/train station. Attractions here include:
Yokohama Cosmoworld Amusement Park with 100 meter diameter ferris wheel and splash ride.
World Kids Carnival Zone just north of the Nihon Maru has some amusement rides for younger children.
The Cup Noodle Museum where you can make your own cup noodle to take home.
Yokohama World Porters is a shopping center that has one of the largest selection of gachapon machines we saw on this trip and crane games. Upstairs is a game and arcade center. With Mario Kart Arcade. A kid favorite location! There are family restaurants of different cuisines. Food and dessert stalls downstairs.
Gachapon galore and arcade at Yokohama World Porters!
Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse is filled with shops with Japanese arts and crafts, cafes, event spaces and frequently hosts festivals. There is a grassy park to sit and enjoy the view. This was closed during our visit so we did not get to go inside.
Osanbashi Pier
Osanbashi pier
Crossing another small bridge south from the warehouses will bring you through a small park, to the waterfront promenade and to the Osanbashi pier with international ferry terminal and hall. It is fun to walk down the well designed 400m pier consisting of wooden board rolling walkways and green spaces and enjoy the great view of the city skyline and Tokyo bay. We went around sunset and it was lovely!
Hikawa Maru
There are much more to explore down the waterfront promenade. We saw a few riveting buskers performing magic and fire juggling along the promenade at pleasant and green Yamashita park. Further southeast is the the Hikawa Maru Maritime Museum on a historical ship which we also stopped by to see. A bit further trek on the waterfront will bring you to the Gundam Factory at Yamashita pier which is quite impressive; the giant robot moves every so often (although this is scheduled to close in March 2024 as of this writing). Yokohama Chinatown is within walking distance from here for delicious treats and food.
Gundam Factory view from Hikawa Maru
Other fun kid places in Yokohama:
Hara Model Railway Museum has a good collection of model trains and a couple of large miniature city model with running model trains. The museum is close to Yokohama main station. A cool place to visit for an hour.
Yokohama Reptile Cafe Reptile Resort -we visited this cozy reptile cafe on a rainy day. There are not a lot of seating but they have a variety of reptiles that you can hold on your lap. My son loves reptiles and had a great time feeding the lizards and geckos. The owners of the cafe are super friendly and speak English quite well. We got to the cafe by public bus.
How to get to Yokohama:
There are many ways to travel from Narita or Haneda airport if going directly to Yokohama. Train, subway, bus, taxi, shuttles and hired cars are all options.
We took the Narita Airport limousine bus to the main Yokohama bus station called YCAT (for Yokohama City Air Terminal). The Narita Airport limousine bus ticket counter can be found near the exit doors of the airport terminal. They speak or understand English at the counters. The good thing about this bus is the price is very reasonable, you can relax on the comfortable seats, there is onboard wifi, and luggage is stored under the bus out of the way until your destination. You can just wheel your airport luggage cart to the correct limousine bus stop. The same applies to Haneda Airport which is much closer to Tokyo and Yokohama.
Outside YCAT, there are taxis that you can hop in, show them your destination or address in Japanese. Be aware that the Japanese taxis will open the back passenger doors on it’s own.
If visiting from Tokyo, take the train or subway. Google map app is your friend.
Travel Information and links for Yokohama:
Nihon Maru historical sail ship and Port Museum
World Kids Carnival Zone
Yokohama Cosmoworld Amusement Park
Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse
Osanbashi pier
Hikawa Maru Maritime Museum
Gundam Factory
Hara Model Railway Museum
Yokohama Reptile Cafe Reptile Resort
