Visit Japan’s Largest Chinatown: Things To Do & Must-Visit Spots

Update-Date: Sep 4, 2025

Author: Kim Kay

Categories: Chinese

Visit Japan’s Largest Chinatown: Things To Do & Must-Visit Spots

Yokohama is a popular tourist destination in Japan, thanks to its beautiful coastline and rich cultural heritage. The best way to experience Yokohama is by getting lost in Chinatown, a maze of colorful alleys, glowing lanterns, and delicious food. In fact, it is the largest Chinatown in the country, ever since 1859 when the Yokohama port opened to foreigners. Only thirty minutes from Shibuya by express train, you really feel like you’ve stepped into another world. Let’s visit Yokohama Chinatown, and discover what makes it the perfect day trip from Tokyo. These are some of my favorite things to do, along with the must-visit spots.

Kim Kay

Freelance Writer

Kim specializes in the connection between Japanese food, culture, and travel. Since moving to Japan in 2019, she has become known as the “Ramen Mistress” and enjoys over 150 bowls of ramen each year. A passionate food writer, her work history includes a variety of food and travel publications as well as various film and audio appearances.

Visit The Ten Chinese Gates

Chinatown is surrounded by ten extravagant gates pointing in all directions. Each is unique, from ornate greens and blues to vibrant yellows and oranges, they tower over the streets that enter the neighborhood. Each gate was built according to feng shui, the traditional Chinese focus of harnessing a place’s natural energy and fostering good fortune. They are one of the most iconic elements of Yokohama’s Chinatown, and as such are a must-visit spot. I like to try and get a photo of each gate whenever I visit Chinatown!

Walk The Main Shopping Road

There are countless places to shop in Chinatown, each promising a unique souvenir showcasing the neighborhood’s treasures. My favorite store is Iwakura, where you can find beautiful stone bracelets, amulets, and various other tokens of good fortune. Keep an eye out for the incense corner as well, where you can pick up a few handmade sticks to bring the magical scent of Chinatown home with you. It’s one of the best things to do on a rainy day, when the neon storefronts shimmer in puddles and give the streets a surprisingly atmospheric feel.

Iwakura
Open Hours: 10:30–20:30 (10:30–21:00 Saturdays & Sundays)
Address: 187 Yamashitacho, Naka Ward, Yokohama, Kanagawa 231-0023
Regular Holiday: None

Get Lost In The Alleys

Thanks to its size, Chinatown itself even has a mix of cultures. While the main streets offer sweeping views of the area, it’s even more fun to wander through the back alleys each devoted to different cultural groups. My personal favorite alley is Tainan Alley, where Taiwanese flags hang overhead and you can find some of the best spicy noodle dishes in the city.

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Have Your Fortune Told

For a glimpse into the future, Chinatown is one of the best places to have your fortune told. Dozens of tables line the streets, marked with palm illustrations and signs offering readings for around 1,000 yen. While many visitors visit out of simple curiosity, fortune telling here draws on centuries-old traditions that remain an important part of the neighborhood’s cultural fabric. A handful of the fortune tellers even speak English, so keep an eye out for signs advertising this unique opportunity.

Treat Yourself To A Massage

Just as the alleyways represent various countries and cultures, so do the massage parlors sprinkled throughout Chinatown. After a day of shopping and taking photos, there’s nothing I enjoy more than a firm foot massage to the sound of soft music. Taiwanese reflexology is very popular, and a great way to rejuvenate yourself for more exploring. A massage makes for an excellent day trip activity in any weather. Whether you’re looking to warm up or cool down, there’s always a good reason to indulge—and with Chinatown’s reasonable prices, it’s a budget-friendly choice too.

Visit The Temples At Dusk

As the sun sets, the temples of Chinatown come aglow and the trails of incense waft through the air. Definitely seek out Mazu Miao Temple, which has an intricately carved two-tier pagoda that towers over the courtyard. In fact, Mazu Miao Temple is known for blessing travelers on their journeys, and as such is the natural destination for anyone visiting Yokohama.

Mazu Miao Temple
Open Hours: 9:00–19:00
Address: 136 Yamashitacho, Naka Ward, Yokohama, Kanagawa 231-0023
Regular Holiday: None

Sip Bubble Tea

It wouldn’t be a trip to Chinatown without indulging in one of the most famous sweet treats: bubble tea. There are countless options to choose from, but my personal favorite store is Youcha. They have a decadent brown sugar tapioca latte made with green tea from Uji, Japan’s famous tea growing region.

Youcha
Open Hours: 11:00–21:00 Daily
Address: 139 Yamashitacho, Naka Ward, Yokohama, Kanagawa 231-0023
Regular Holiday: None

Best Time To Visit

You can’t go wrong visiting Chinatown in any season; there is ice cream to beat the heat of summer or warm up with a steamy pork bun in frosty winter. However, an insider tip is to visit during Chinese New Year in February. There’s nothing better than watching the dragon dances and experiencing giant lantern sculptures!

Nearby Attractions

Yamashita Park is just five minutes from Chinatown, and is one of the most romantic places in the city. It’s the setting for Japanese films and television shows thanks to its panoramic view of Yokohama’s skyline as well as a rose garden and stone fountains. Just another ten minutes along the coast takes you to Osanbashi Pier, nicknamed “The Whale’s Back”, thanks to its stunning wooden roof offering 360 degree views of the city.

Yamashita Park
Open Hours: Open 24 hours
Address: 279 Yamashitacho, Naka Ward, Yokohama, Kanagawa 231-0023

Osanbashi Pier
Open Hours: Open 24 hours
Address: 1-1-4 Kaigandori, Naka Ward, Yokohama, Kanagawa 231-0002

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Conclusion

I hope you will love Chinatown as much as I do. It’s easy to become enchanted by the sights, smells, and tastes, and offers a completely new experience each time I visit!

Disclaimer: All information is accurate at time of publication.

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