Yokahama at night

Why Japan's Second-Largest City Is A Less-Crowded Alternative

To Tokyo

By Mickey Lee

VACATIONS

Located south of Tokyo, Yokohama ranks as Japan's second-largest city and is widely considered one of the country's most gorgeous cities.
Unfortunately, Yokohama is often overlooked despite its historical significance of being one of the few ports foreign merchants could disembark during Japan's isolationist period.
Yokohama is largely considered the birthplace of modern Japan, quickly evolving from a small coastal village into a thriving metropolitan center known for its culinary fusions.
Today, Minato Mirai is considered the crown jewel of Yokohama. The urban district is home to an estimated 1,800 companies in office buildings, including the Nissan headquarters.
In Minato Mirai, visitors will also find the imposing Landmark Tower, a host of shopping boutiques, dining locations, museums, and the Cosmo World Amusement Park.
Yokohama is also home to an impressive Chinatown known as Chukagai by the locals. It features a diverse arrangement of food stalls and restaurants.
Near Chinatown is the Sankeien Garden, which consists of 43 acres of picturesque landscaping dotted with historic tea houses and homes.