The AIPPI World Congress in Yokohama is approaching. In our earlier Strolling Guide, we introduced attractions around the Minato Mirai district. Here, we would like to highlight sightseeing spots outside Minato Mirai.
Of course, there are already plenty of excellent travel guides available online:
- Yokohama Official Visitor’s Guide
As one would expect from the City of Yokohama, this guide is comprehensive, accurate, and user-friendly. Free downloadable maps are available. That said, its “Top 50 Things to Do in Yokohama” list may feel overwhelming—fifty spots are more than anyone can cover in one trip. - Japan Guide
Compact, practical, and written from a foreign visitor’s perspective. A great starting point to shortlist destinations, then follow up with the Yokohama Official Guide for details. - Tripadvisor
Easy to navigate, though somewhat commercial with booking links. Still, it provides helpful rankings and traveler reviews.
These guides all highlight well-known attractions such as the Cup Noodles Museum Yokohama, Yokohama Landmark Tower, Osanbashi International Passenger Terminal, Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse, and Yamashita Park. Since we already covered them in our Strolling Guide, we will not repeat them here. Instead, let us introduce some additional recommendations.
Sankeien Garden
Google Maps | Official Website
Ranked No. 1 by both Yokohama Official and Japan Guide, and No. 2 on Tripadvisor. Interestingly, it is less popular among Japanese visitors, who are already accustomed to traditional gardens. But for international visitors, it is a spectacular site—an expansive Japanese garden blending seasonal nature with historic architecture relocated from Kyoto and Kamakura. Truly one of the best places to experience Japanese aesthetics and tradition.
Shin-Yokohama Ramen Museum
Google Maps | Official Website
Ranked No. 5 by Yokohama Official, No. 6 by Japan Guide, and No. 11 by Tripadvisor. Do not let the ranking fool you—its popularity is immense. While many visitors associate Japanese food with sushi, ramen is arguably the true everyday staple. Walk through any Japanese city and you will see ramen shops everywhere. Ramen may have originated from Chinese noodles, but its evolution into uniquely Japanese styles makes it a cultural phenomenon worth experiencing.
Yokohama Chinatown
Google Maps | Official Website
Ranked No. 10 by Yokohama Official, No. 4 by Japan Guide, and No. 3 by Tripadvisor. For Japanese locals, Chinatown is often a place to visit when they want a change from Japanese food. While it may seem unusual for foreign visitors to eat Chinese cuisine during a trip to Japan, Yokohama Chinatown offers a uniquely safe, accessible, and reasonably priced experience of Chinese food in Japan.
Yokohama Hakkeijima Sea Paradise & Zoorasia
Sea Paradise is an expansive aquarium complex, while Zoorasia is one of Japan’s largest zoological parks. Both are excellent family-friendly options, especially if children might find a historic garden less engaging. Perfect for a full-day outing.
Manyo Club Hot Springs
Google Maps | Official Website
Listed as No. 27 by Yokohama Official, but absent from Japan Guide and Tripadvisor. If you are interested in hot springs, this is a hidden gem right in Minato Mirai. The waters are sourced from Atami and Yugawara, and facilities include rooftop open-air baths and a panoramic footbath with harbor views. A unique chance to experience Japanese onsen culture without leaving Yokohama.
Other Notable Spots
There are, of course, many more places worth exploring in Yokohama. Examples include Motomachi Shopping Street, Harbor View Park, Yokohama Marine Tower, Mitsubishi Minatomirai Industrial Museum, and the Yamate Western Houses. If these interest you, we recommend checking one of the official tourist guides for details.
Bonus: A Day Trip to Kamakura
Google Maps | Visit Kamakura (Official Guide)
Since you are already in Yokohama, this is the perfect opportunity to also experience Kamakura—one of Japan’s most beloved historic cities. If you have a free day after exploring Yokohama, a short trip to Kamakura is highly recommended.
Kamakura can be reached in about 40 minutes by train (via Yokohama Station), making it an easy day trip. It is extremely popular among international visitors, and for good reason. As the seat of Japan’s first samurai government under Minamoto no Yoritomo, Kamakura combines deep history, cultural treasures, and natural beauty.
Highlights include Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, the Great Buddha at Kotoku-in, Hase-dera Temple, Meigetsu-in, and Engaku-ji. Beyond temples and shrines, Komachi-dori Street offers casual food and shopping, while Yuigahama and Shichirigahama beaches invite visitors to enjoy sea breezes. The Kamakura Museum of Literature and other cultural sites add further depth to the experience.
Most visitors take the train from Yokohama, which is quick and convenient, though organized bus tours are also available if you prefer a guided experience. If you choose to travel by train, note that the Official Kamakura Guide linked above provides suggested itineraries that can help you plan an efficient and enjoyable visit.
A trip to Kamakura adds an entirely different layer to your AIPPI Yokohama experience—blending Japan’s medieval samurai history with timeless coastal scenery.
Bonus: A Day Trip to Mt. Fuji or Hakone
If you have even more time to explore beyond Yokohama, consider a full-day trip to the Mt. Fuji or Hakone regions. Both are reachable from Yokohama in about two hours each way, making them realistic day-trip options.
Joining a bus tour is highly recommended—it is far more efficient than trying to navigate multiple trains and buses on your own. Tours will take you directly to major sights, and your hotel concierge can usually help you book one.
- Mt. Fuji is, of course, Japan’s iconic symbol, and many tours include stops at scenic lakes, viewpoints, or the Fifth Station on the mountain itself.
- Hakone is one of Japan’s most famous hot spring areas, combining onsen experiences with views of Mt. Fuji, the Hakone Open-Air Museum, and a picturesque lake cruise on Lake Ashi.
Because travel alone takes time, be sure to set aside an entire day to fully enjoy either destination.
Final Note
Yokohama is full of attractions—some world-renowned, others lesser known but equally rewarding. Depending on your time and interests, we hope this list helps you enjoy the city beyond Minato Mirai during your stay for AIPPI Yokohama 2025.
