Let’s explore Yokohama’s Chinatown, with its rich cuisine, history, and many shopping centers.
“Chinatown in Yokohama is not only the biggest in Japan but also the biggest sensory assault you will ever experience.” This bustling area is full of mouth-watering colors, aromas and jaw-dropping architecture. Be you a foodie, lover of arts and culture, or a casual tourist, China town provides something absolutely unique at every turn.
Follow this guide to enjoy the delights of food, culture, and shopping within Yokohama’s Chinatown.
The Area Of Chinatown Is Known For Many Spicy Cuisines:
Savor the Famous Peking Duck
Peking duck is famous not only for its toughness, its meat, skin , and pancake have steamed to perfection and some of the best china has to offer. If you are looking for real flavors – Manchinro and Heichinrou are the places to go to.
An Alternate To Famous Pork Buns – Steamed Buns
You will see many Chow-Chow sellers, but with good reason- They are quite appetizing! Nikuman is a must try if you like steamed meat burritos. Its best to go to stands or Food trucks that are at an angle as it would reduce your waiting time.
Something Tasty For Your Sweet Tooth – Chinatown Style Desserts
Some of the best eateries are located in chinatown if you are looking for desserts – try out egg tarts, sesame balls, and mango pudding sugar wraps. These will give you the right energy to end your chinatown exploration.
Immerse Yourself in Culture
Don’t Miss the Kanteibyo Temple
Find yourself at Kanteibyo Temple, the temple located inside Yokohama’s Chinatown is dedicated to the Chinese god of Business, its bright red gates with a range of patterns and architecture gives this temple an attractive look to be photographed.
Celebrate The Chinese Festivals
During the day of Lunar New Year, or Mid-Autumn Festival, this culture can be celebrated by eating mooncakes and playing games on the streets, this flood of people creates a spectacular scene due to parades, lion dancing and light shining lanterns, what better time to learn and experience the culture than this.
Discover Specialty Souvenirs
Yokohama’s chinatown is filled with a variety of stores filled with unique products such as traditional chinese medicine or teas which make for great souvenirs. Tailor the amount you buy based on the time you decide to spend there.
Ingredients Which can Only be Found in China Town
If you are a fan of cooking, shopping for sauces, spices and noodles suitable for your dish will let you create the perfect meal for your family or friends. You can find all of these items in chinatown’s many stores which opens new possibilities for your cooking.
What awaits to be seen in Yokohama’s chinatown
Yokohama’s Chinatown is open through out the year with the weekands and evenings containing a special rush of energy. I enjoy the time around the afternoon when most people pour onto the streets taking in the beauty of lights as they turn on in the evening.
To avoid the bustle, it’s best to go on a weekday morning when there are fewer people around and you can take your time and wander around.
How to Get There
For public transportation, going to Chinatown is very convenient. Minatomirai Line can be boarded at Yokohama Station, from there get off at Motomachi- Chukagai Station. A few minutes are enough for you to walk to Chinatown, from Motomachi-Chukagai, you can see the red gates right away.
Final Thoughts
Chinatown isn’t just a place that you can visit while you’re in Yokohama; it’s something that you can indulge in. Starting from Shumai, all the way to those stunning lanterns at set, every single second is completely worth it.
So whether you are a shy traveler or a daring hiker, Chinatown has food, culture and beauty to such a perfect proportion. While using Jewel Tours Japan, do not omit it during your trip to Yokohama. You won’t be hungry or dissatisfied.
