Yokohama is a prominent port city along Tokyo Bay. Less than an hour away from Tokyo, Yokohama boasts a number of attractions and delicious restaurants. Home of the one the largest Chinatown in the world, there are restaurants with long lines for regional Chinese cuisine like Xiaolong Bao (小籠包), Nikuman (肉まん), and buffets. Also, palm reading seems to be a fun activity with the locals while you sip on bubble tea. It’s also one of the cleanest Chinatowns I’ve ever been to. Not too far away, Osanbashi (大さん橋) Pier is the main international cruise terminal for the Port of Yokohama. It’s an architectural marvel with its wave-like structure of wood and steel. It acts as a mixed-use terminal and park with excellent views of Yokohama. As we got hungry, we went to the Ramen Museum (新横浜ラーメン博物館) for some delicious grub. You can try many types of ramen from different parts of Japan and internationally, such as Europe. Each restaurant has their own unique take on ramen. Built like old Hong Kong, it’s fun to explore the museum and multiple floors of restaurants. Ordering food is through a vending machine, and they usually make the machine internationally friendly with instructions in multiple languages on the side of the machine. The Cup Noodle Museum would have been great to see but there wasn’t enough time. In addition, the city has a lot of sports teams so you can enjoy a soccer (football) or baseball game while visiting Yokohama. Afterward, we got back on the Shinkansen and headed to Nagoya. We got Yamachan (世界の山ちゃん) Chicken Wings, tebasaki, and learned a new way of eating wings. Delicious!
Yokohama
Osanbashi Pier and Yokohama International Passenger Terminal
A gorgeous place to visit. The architect of the passenger terminal makes for some interesting photos. The park above provides some wonderful views of Yokohama.
Yokohama Chinatown
One of the largest Chinatowns in Asia. It’s a tourist trap but there are a few gems here and there for xiaolong bao and nikuman. You’ll also find Chinatowns in Kobe and Nagasaki.
Shinyokohama Ramen Museum
Really close to the Shin-Yokohama Shinkansen (Bullet Train) Station. There is an admission fee to pay to get into the museum. From there you pick up some items to make ramen at home, see ingredients used to make the broth, history of ramen, or race slot-cars on a small track in the back of the museum. Go downstairs to the restaurants where you will pass bowls from various ramen restaurants in Japan. Many things are written in English or other languages to help you order. A great way to try ramen from all over the world in one place.
Cup Noodle Museum
Make your own Cup Noodle and have it wrapped up in an air cushion to it won’t get crushed on it’s way back home on the airplane.
Yamachan (世界の山ちゃん) – Nagoya
People have their favorites, Yamachan vs Furaibo, for Nagoya style tebasaki, chicken wings. They’re delicious at wherever you choose. Love the steel bowl for bones because they make a great ding sound when you toss the bones the right way.
Music
Spring by Ikson
Music promoted by Audio Library
AloJapan.com