Yokohama is a port city on Tokyo Bay, south of Tokyo, and its waterfront and historic districts sit close enough together that where you base yourself shapes what you see on foot. The city grew up around its harbour, and the areas most visitors care about cluster along the bay and around the two main rail hubs.
For a visitor, the city divides into a handful of practical bases: the Minato Mirai waterfront, the historic Kannai and Yamate districts, Chinatown and the Motomachi shopping street, the area around Yokohama Station, and the Shinkansen stop at Shin-Yokohama. This guide covers which of those areas suits which kind of trip, and what standard of accommodation you can expect in each.
Best areas to stay in Yokohama
1. Minato Mirai 21
The waterfront development on reclaimed land is the city's showpiece, home to the Landmark Tower and the Cosmo Clock 21 ferris wheel, with the Yokohama Bay Bridge nearby. It is the most convenient base for first-time visitors who want the bay views and the landmark sights within walking distance.
This is where you find the city's luxury accommodation, with the largest hotels concentrated here. It connects easily to the rest of the waterfront, and the promenades make it a pleasant area to walk in the evening.
2. Kannai and Yamate
Kannai was the foreign trade and commercial district, and Yamate, the elevated district overlooking the city, was where foreign residents later settled. Together they form the historic heart of Yokohama, with the old foreign settlement areas stretching from Kannai up to the Bluff.
This suits travellers who want character and history over waterfront views, and it puts you within reach of Yamashita Park and the harbour. Yamate is on elevated ground, so expect some uphill walking if you stay there.
3. Chinatown and Motomachi
Yokohama Chinatown and the Motomachi Shopping Street sit beside Yamashita Park on the waterfront. This is a good base for travellers who want to be in the middle of the city's most atmospheric eating and strolling districts.
Accommodation here ranges from mid-range hotels to simpler guesthouse-style places, and the area is served by the Motomachi-Chukagai station. It is a short walk to Chinatown's gates and to the park.
4. Around Yokohama Station
The area around Yokohama Station, on the western side of the city centre, is the main transport hub and a practical base for getting around the region. It suits travellers who prioritise connections over sightseeing on the doorstep.
You find a mix of mid-range and upper mid-range hotels here, including larger chain properties. The station area is well connected by rail, and it is a short ride from the waterfront sights.
5. Shin-Yokohama
Shin-Yokohama, in Kohoku ward, is where the Shinkansen calls. It is a quieter corner of the city, well connected by the Yokohama Line, the municipal subway and city buses.
This suits travellers arriving or departing by bullet train, or those using Yokohama as a base for wider trips. You find large mid-range hotels here, some directly connected to the station, and it is around ten minutes from the central sights.
Where to stay on a budget, mid-range or splurge
- Budget: hostels and guesthouses, often with dormitory rooms or small self-contained apartments, some with their own kitchen and bathroom. Several sit within a short walk of a JR station.
- Mid-range: business-style hotels and larger chain properties, with singles, doubles and twins, often close to a station or within walking distance of Chinatown. Some occupy the upper floors of station buildings.
- Splurge: the large luxury hotels in the Minato Mirai area, plus historic and high-rise properties overlooking Yamashita Park and the bay. These occasionally offer rooms on sale at lower prices.
Best area for a first visit
Minato Mirai 21 is the best base for a first visit, because the city's landmark sights and its waterfront are concentrated there and the area is easy to walk. It also holds the widest choice of full-service hotels, so you can stay in the middle of what you came to see.
Frequently asked questions
Which area is best if I am arriving by Shinkansen?
Shin-Yokohama, where the Shinkansen calls. It is a quieter part of the city but well connected by the Yokohama Line, the municipal subway and city buses, and it is around ten minutes from the central areas.
Where should I stay to be near Chinatown?
The Chinatown and Motomachi area, or the Kannai and Yamate districts beside it. Several mid-range hotels sit within a short walk of Chinatown's gates and the Motomachi-Chukagai station.
Is Yamate flat?
No. Yamate is the elevated district overlooking the city, so expect uphill walking if you base yourself there.
Can I find budget accommodation near a station?
Yes. Budget hostels and guesthouses in the city include places within a short walk of Ishikawa-cho and Yokohama Station's west exit.
Compare live prices for your dates with the booking tools on this page before you decide.