From Historic Charm to Harbor Views — Discover Yokohama
Yokohama in a Day: Gardens, Towers & Chinatown
Why Take This Yokohama Shore Excursion?
Yokohama, Japan’s second-largest city and a major cruise gateway, blends historic charm with modern flair. This excursion highlights its cultural gardens, panoramic views, lively Chinatown, and waterfront icons:
- Sankeien Garden (三溪園) — A spacious traditional Japanese garden featuring historic teahouses, seasonal flowers, and serene ponds.
- Yokohama Marine Tower (橫濱Marina Tower) — One of the world’s tallest inland lighthouses, offering sweeping 360° views over the city, harbor, and Mt. Fuji on clear days.
- Yokohama Chinatown (中華街) — Japan’s largest Chinatown, brimming with colorful gates, temples, street food stalls, and specialty shops.
- Red Brick Warehouse (赤レンガ倉庫) — A converted Meiji-era warehouse now housing trendy boutiques, restaurants, and event spaces along the harborfront.
- Yamashita Park (山下公園) — A seaside promenade with flower gardens, sculptures, and views of the bay, perfect for a relaxing stroll.
This itinerary offers a balanced introduction to Yokohama — tradition, culture, shopping, and seascape in one.
Sample Itinerary: Yokohama Shore Excursion
Experience Yokohama’s blend of tradition, flavors, and seaside charm in one day.
09:00 – Pickup at Yokohama Port
Meet your private driver/guide at Osanbashi Pier or Daikoku Pier and begin your city highlights tour.
09:15 – 10:30 – Sankeien Garden (三溪園)
Wander through this expansive garden, designed by a silk merchant in the Meiji era. Admire seasonal highlights — cherry blossoms in spring, lotus ponds in summer, crimson maples in autumn, and snow-touched landscapes in winter. Explore historic buildings relocated from Kyoto and Kamakura, including elegant teahouses and pagodas.
11:00 – 11:45 – Yokohama Marine Tower (橫濱Marina Tower)
Ride up to the observation deck for panoramic city views. On a clear day, you can spot Mt. Fuji across the bay and ships entering Yokohama Harbor.
12:00 – 13:30 – Yokohama Chinatown (中華街)
Stroll under colorful gates into Japan’s largest Chinatown. Visit temples, browse souvenir shops, and enjoy lunch at one of the many restaurants serving dim sum, noodles, and fusion dishes unique to Yokohama’s immigrant history.
13:45 – 14:45 – Red Brick Warehouse (赤レンガ倉庫)
Explore this waterfront complex blending history and modern design. Once a customs warehouse, it now houses boutiques, artisan shops, and cafés. Depending on season, enjoy special events like Christmas markets or outdoor beer festivals.
15:00 – 16:00 – Yamashita Park (山下公園)
Walk the scenic promenade along the bay. See landmarks such as the Hikawa Maru ocean liner, rose gardens, fountains, and sculptures, while enjoying breezy harbor views.
16:00 – 17:00 – Return to Yokohama Port
Relax on the short drive back to your cruise ship, with optional time for last-minute shopping or a quick café stop near the port.
