Yokohama Chinatown
Kanagawa · Food & Dining
90–240 min
🚶 1 1 min walk from Motomachi-Chukagai Station (Minato Mirai Line)
¥¥
Insider Tip
Many first-time visitors focus solely on the main streets. For a more authentic experience, explore the smaller alleyways off the central Kanteibyo Temple. Here, you'll discover hidden family-run eateries, traditional tea houses, and specialty shops selling unique Chinese ingredients and crafts that cater more to local Chinese residents than tourists, offering a deeper cultural insight.
JEMS Tip
For seamless navigation, direct clients to arrive at Motomachi-Chukagai Station (Minato Mirai Line), using Exit 2 or 3 for immediate immersion into the main thoroughfares. A JEMS pre-booked private culinary tour can prioritize authentic establishments (like those specializing in Cantonese dim sum or Shanghainese soup dumplings) and provide immediate seating during peak hours, bypassing the typical queues at popular food stands and restaurants.
About
Yokohama Chinatown is Japan's largest Chinatown, established after the port of Yokohama opened to foreign trade in 1859. It is characterized by its narrow, colorful streets, numerous Chinese stores and restaurants, and vibrant gates. The area is a hub for authentic and Japanized Chinese cuisine, from dim sum to ramen, and hosts various festivals like Chinese New Year.
Crowd Avoidance
To best avoid the most intense crowds, visit on a weekday morning, preferably Tuesday through Thursday, before 11:00 AM. Weekends, especially after 12:00 PM, and public holidays, particularly Chinese New Year, see extreme crowds. For a quieter evening experience, consider dining after 8:30 PM, as many day-trippers will have departed, allowing for a more relaxed ambiance.
Getting There
From Yokohama Station, take the Minato Mirai Line to Motomachi-Chukagai Station (8 minutes, ¥230). Alternatively, take the JR Negishi Line to Ishikawacho Station (7 minutes, ¥200). For direct access into Chinatown, Motomachi-Chukagai Exit 2 or 3 is recommended.