Yokohama is Japan’s second-largest city in population, and it has the largest port in the Kanto region. The city’s long history of trade with the West has given it a rich multicultural environment that is welcoming of visitors from all over the world.

Where is Yokohama?

Yokohama is situated in the bustling Kanto region which includes Tokyo, and is just 25 minutes from Tokyo by rail. The city’s easy access to major airports and efficient transportation networks have clinched a top spot for Yokohama as a destination city for conventions and conferences in Asia.

When is the best time to
visit Yokohama?

All year round! Yokohama showcases the best that Japan’s four seasons have to offer—a canopy of cherry blossoms in spring, verdant gardens and parks in summer, brilliantly colored leaves in autumn, and mild but refreshing temperatures in winter. The city’s abundant parks offer the perfect respite from the summer heat, and its innovative heating and cooling system generates sustainable energy that warms local venues during the cold season.

Yokohama is:
Affordable

You may think that everything is expensive in Japan, but that’s not necessarily so, especially in Yokohama! The city has restaurants for every budget, from purveyors of inexpensive but hearty dishes to those of pricey gourmet meals. The Economist Big Mac index, for example, shows that Japan’s price is lower than China’s, and 40% lower than that of the US (2023 data https://www.economist.com/big-mac-index). What is more, public transportation in Yokohama is not only clean and punctual but also affordable, with unlimited rides on the Minatomirai Line costing only ¥460 per day (https://www.mm21railway.co.jp/global/english/info/ticket.html). Many museums have a low, or even no, entry fee, and there are always plenty of free, fun events going on in the city. Sightseeing on a budget has never been easier—swing by the free Nogeyama Zoological Gardens, or take a walk down Osanbashi Pier for unparalleled views of the city and, if you’re lucky, of Mt. Fuji.

Yokohama is:
Quality

Welcome to a foodie paradise with bold and delicious flavors from all over the world. Yokohama is bursting with eateries and cafés that offer a wide range of tasty food for every dietary preference, including halal, vegetarian, and vegan—all within easy reach of convention venues. Japan’s customer service is impeccable—and Yokohama’s is no exception. The city offers top-quality business hotels and world-class luxury hotels, as well as venues that can accommodate VIP guests with unparalleled hospitality and attention to detail.

Yokohama is: Accessible

Not only is Yokohama itself easy to navigate, with its many walkways and well-connected local transport, but it is also a hub of convenient transportation to the rest of Japan and Asia. The city is just a 25-minute train ride from Tokyo’s Haneda Airport, and the Tokaido Shinkansen bullet train (that runs between Tokyo and Osaka) makes regular stops at Shin-Yokohama Station. Most travelers to Japan can enter the country without a visa, so conference attendees can enjoy a quick and stress-free arrival process.

Yokohama is: Multicultural

Yokohama was the first port in Japan to open up to the world, over 160 years ago after Japan’s 200 years of seclusion. It is no surprise then that many aspects of the city—from its architecture to its cuisine—reflect a fusion of nationalities and cultures. There are more than 115,000 foreign nationals spanning 171 nationalities living in Yokohama, coming together to build one of the most diverse cities in Japan.

Yokohama is: Traditional

Yokohama’s history reflects the city’s openness to change and its innovative spirit and progressive values, which remain strong today, often leading the rest of Japan and even the world. Whether it’s striving for sustainability through its eco-friendly venues or developing the next generation through student interaction with researchers, Yokohama remains at the forefront of positive change in line with the SDGs.

Must Visit: City

Why not take a stroll through the cosmopolitan and stylish Minato Mirai 21 district? This high-rise haven has it all—stunning waterfront views, modern shopping centers, hotels, an amusement park, a hot-spring spa, and Yokohama’s premier convention center. Yokohama City Action Plan for Global Warming Countermeasures outlines how the city is proactively adapting to climate change—for example, by employing the latest innovations in renewable-energy use, smart recycling, and convenient public transport.

Although a modern city, Yokohama has not abandoned its roots. Head over to the 160-year-old Chinatown to discover the city’s history in international exchange, taste some delightfully authentic cuisine, and witness many colorful sights.

Must Visit: Blue & Green

Yokohama is an environmentally conscious city with plenty of Blue and Green spaces where visitors can slow down and unwind. The PACIFICO Yokohama convention center is situated next to Rinko Park, a spacious seafront park with incredible views of the Yokohama skyline, both day and night. Nearby Yamashita Park offers respite from the hustle and bustle, with its refreshing sea breezes and dynamic scenery of Yokohama Port. Walk through the historic Japanese-style gardens at the exquisite Sankeien Garden, or venture further on to the tranquil Kanazawa ward with its bayside beach and idyllic nature park. Yokohama offers many ways to reconnect with nature.

Must Visit: Seasons

Experience Japan’s four seasons in Yokohama—a pleasant, comfortable place all year round, where streetside cherry trees blossom in spring and pop-up ice rinks attract cheerful skaters in winter. The hottest month of the year is August, when temperatures are around 30°C (86°F), and the coldest months are January and February, with average temperatures of 10°C (50°F).

Must Visit: Events

The city’s unique festivals are not to be missed. In June, be sure to visit the Yokohama Port Opening Festival to celebrate the anniversary of the 1859 opening of Yokohama Port for trade with America, Holland, Russia, Britain, and France. Events include music, dance, and fireworks, as well as hands-on sailing workshops.

In mid-August, crowds flock to scenic Rinko Park for the Minato Mirai Bon Odori Festival, which features lively beer gardens and gourmet yatai (mobile food stalls). Taiko drummers enthrall the yukata-clad festival-goers, who dance around the stage. This popular Japanese tradition is open to everybody, so feel free to join in the summer fun!

The Tori-no-Ichi Festival is held at Kotohira-Otori Shrine in November, and visitors come to pray for good luck in financial and business affairs. They can also wander among the many stalls selling unique items and delicious food, and they can purchase “lucky rakes” to ensure good fortune in the coming year.

Get to Know: Culture

Did you know these points about Yokohama?

English is widely spoken throughout Yokohama and other major cities in Japan.

Yokohama is an extremely safe city for travelers, including women traveling solo. Small police stations (koban) can be found in most neighborhoods and near train stations.

Thanks to its multicultural history, Yokohama is an inclusive and friendly city, welcoming all people regardless of religion, race, gender identity, or other.

Business cards are a must in Japan, and it is customary to bow when meeting someone. However, don’t worry if you don’t do it properly. Any attempt is appreciated!

Tipping is not customary in Japan.

If you need any assistance planning your stay, feel free to contact YCVB and we can connect you with leading Japanese travel agencies.

Checklist

Voltage: 100V

Time Zone: Japan Standard Time (UTC+9)

Wi-Fi: Free Wi-Fi is widely available throughout Yokohama.

Duty-Free Shopping: Available at the point of payment in some shops and department stores, making Japan’s duty-free system one of the most convenient in the world.

Payments: Cashless payments using smartphone digital wallets, transit IC cards, or payment apps are widely accepted throughout Japan, although some smaller stores and restaurants still require payments in cash.

Smoking: Smoking is banned in most indoor spaces in Yokohama; however, convention facilities have designated indoor smoking areas. Smoking while walking outside is frowned upon in Japan and banned completely in some areas of Yokohama. In the city center, smokers are permitted to light up only in designated smoking spots, often located near train stations.

Business Information

Welcome to Yokohama!

Everything you need to know for your event in Yokohama

What kind of city is Yokohama?