Yokohama (横浜) is Japan’s second largest city with a population of over three million. Yokohama is located less than half an hour south of Tokyo by train, and is the capital of Kanagawa Prefecture.
The gateway to Japan, Yokohama has influenced modern Japanese culture and incorporated diversity into its society. An open spirit and willingness to embrace new ideas give the area a youthful vibe, making it a draw for college students. Yokohama has all of the perks of Tokyo within a more affordable city. Considered the birthplace of Japan’s modern culture, the city introduces new and modern art, cuisine, and customs from other countries through its busy port.
An urban lifestyle balanced by beautiful natural landscapes offers endless activities—festivals, concerts, hikes, sumo matches. Discover a distinctive food culture where new dishes incorporate Western flavors, including a Japanese version of beef stew called gyu-nabe.
Until today, Yokohama remains popular among expats, has one of the world’s largest Chinatowns and preserves some former Western residences in the Yamate district.
Yokohama Chinatown (横浜中華街, Yokohama Chūkagai) is Japan’s largest Chinatown, located in central Yokohama. A large number of Chinese stores and restaurants can be found in the narrow and colorful streets of Chinatown. Various events and festivals such as Chinese New Year around the beginning of February are also held at Chinatown.
Zoorasia (ズーラシア) is one of Japan’s newest, largest and best kept zoos. The zoo was established in 1999, and since then has been operating under the themes of “Symbiosis of Life” and “Harmony with Nature”. The animals are generally kept in spacious areas that mimic their natural habitat to a degree that is not usually seen in Japanese zoos.