Yokohama

Yokohama

Often travelers to Japan hear about the amazing transport network and using the unlimited JR pass “over-travel”, waste time and leading to frustration and exhaustion. How to avoid “travel fatigue” in Japan?
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The Good	The Not-So Good
Less crowds	Somewhat “tame”
	Enjoy the “blue lights”

When you say Yokohama in Japan people will think of the mega-hit “Blue Light Yokohama” released by Ishida Ayumi in 1968. Everyone knows this song. Learn a few lines to surprise Japanese on your travels.

The other thing Yokohama is known for is the Chinatown, which is a direct train from Shinjuku Sanchome Station on the Fukutoshinsen Line to Motomachi Chukagai Station. Forget the timetable as it is ridiculously complicated and just get on the next train that goes direct to the Motomachi Chukagai Station. It will only take 60 minutes. Why you would want to go to Chinatown while in Japan is not clear, but it’s there and popular with Japanese and tourists, although you can get decent Chinese food anywhere in Tokyo.

The other main attractions are Cosmoworld, an amusement park that contains the iconic Ferris Wheel, the Hakkeijima Sea Paradise and Landmark Tower, which is the 2nd tallest building in Japan and houses offices, shops, and a 5-star hotel. There is an observation deck at the top, but it costs ¥1000 and the view is fairly tame compared to what you would see in Tokyo.

Check out the official tourist page for more ideas. People don’t go to Yokohama for hot springs, although if Tokyo is a bit too overpopulated your your liking, shopping and eating in Yokohama may suit you better as there are less people and more space. You can take a look at the Ramen Museum however it is clearly geared towards tourists. Why not sample some ramen noodles from actual authentic ramen areas in Tokyo, of which there are plenty.