Yokohama Chinatown is widely regarded as the “largest Chinatown in Asia,” outside of China of course. Here are 5 reasons it’s worth a visit!
Yokohama has long since been the international port of Japan, acting as the window between the island nation and the rest of the world. As Japan’s most significant city for international trade, it’s no surprise that the biggest Chinatown in the country (and in all of Asia) is located here in Yokohama.
While there are many reasons to visit Yokohama, from the big cup noodle museum to the giant Ferris wheel, here’s why you should also include Yokohama Chinatown in your travel plans:
1. Vibrant International Crowds
There are people from all over the world who come to Yokohama just to see the vibrant atmosphere of its iconic Chinatown.
Crowds rollick through the streets and you can hear a mix of Chinese, Japanese, and English (among other languages) being spoken.
Sky-rise buildings and shopping complexes featuring Chinese retail outlets from clothing stores to supermarkets and restaurants can be found on either side of the street.
2. Beautiful Chinese Architecture
Another big reason to visit Yokohama Chinatown is to simply admire the beautiful Chinese architecture from the entrance gate and right through the main shopping streets.
If you’ve ever wondered how Chinese architecture differs from Japanese, there is no better place to make that comparison.
From my own perspective, Chinese architecture seems to be more colorful, and more patterned, with a bunch of Chinese characters and symbols all over the walls and pillars.
3. Delicious Chinese Street Food
If you’re a fan of Chinese food, then you’ll absolutely love the abundance of street food stores here at Yokohama Chinatown.
From delicious dumplings to seafood skewers and spicy sausage, there are lines and lines of locals and tourists indulging in these succulent Asian delicacies.
If you prefer a full-on sit-down meal, then there is also an abundance of restaurants where you can enjoy cultural dishes like yumcha, chow-mein, and Chinese hotpot.
4. Awesome Cultural Decorations
Of course, much of the architecture is radicalized given it is a tourist destination, but I do enjoy seeing the frequent use of dragons in their structural designs and decorations.
On this particular street, there was a myriad of golden onion-shaped lanterns that formed the tail and head of a golden dragon!
In other areas of Yokohama Chinatown, you can find the classic Chinese red lantern decorations and, if you’re lucky, you may even see a parade in action!
5. Harmony Beyond Politics
Above all else, what I love most about Yokohama Chinatown is how it breaks down political barriers and unites the people through love and harmony.
China and Japan certainly have a patchy history on a political scale, and while many political groups will insist on division, the blatant truth is that the majority of citizens on both sides have nothing but respect and admiration for one another.
So I strongly urge you to come down to Yokohama Chinatown, regardless of your cultural background, and rejoice in the spirit of harmony, unification, and love for your fellow human beings!
Of course, if you are planning to visit Japan, you’ll need a way to get around the country as efficiently and affordably as possible. Japan Rail provides an abundance of travel passes to suit your travel needs. So whether you are traveling individually or as a group, the JR Pass is every traveler’s go-to for getting around and making the most of your time in Japan!
