Yokohama Chinatown, one of the largest Chinatowns in the world
During the Edo period, Japan was under a policy of national isolation, but in 1859, the port of Yokohama was opened near Edo (now Tokyo). A foreign settlement area was created around Yokohama Port, where many foreigners came to Japan. Around the time the port opened, many Chinese from Canton and Shanghai came to Yokohama. They played an important role in trade, construction, and other fields as intermediaries between the Westerners who came to Japan.
In the early Meiji period, around 1,000 Chinese people lived in Yokohama, forming Chinatown. Today, Yokohama Chinatown is one of the largest Chinatowns in the world, with about 200 restaurants offering authentic Chinese cuisine, as well as entertainment facilities such as Yokohama Daikoku, shopping centers, specialty stores for Chinese ingredients and cooking utensils, and facilities where you can dress up in traditional Chinese clothes for photos. Seasonal events like the Chinese New Year and the Obon festival are also held on a large scale. Since it’s so close to Tokyo, it’s worth taking a trip there.
Delicious Popular Restaurants in Yokohama Chinatown
- Minfuku Beijing Kaoya Restaurant (Chinatown Branch)
A famous restaurant for Peking duck in Yokohama Chinatown. Enjoy luxurious all-you-can-eat options with popular dishes from Shanghai, Sichuan, and Guangdong! The crispy skin, juicy meat, and the unique flavor of the special sauce all come together in the perfect bite that you can only taste here. The all-you-can-eat Peking duck plan is especially popular, with a variety of side dishes such as dim sum also available. Private rooms are available for smaller groups.
- Budget: ¥3,000–4,000 per person
- Open every day
- Hours: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Phone: 045-305-6677
- Address: 191-10 Yamashita-cho, Naka-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa
Website
- Wangfujing Restaurant
A dim sum and dumpling restaurant, famous for its fried xiao long bao. There’s a long line at the takeout counter, selling up to 50,000 xiao long bao daily. Upstairs, you can enjoy freshly made xiao long bao and creative Chinese dishes. Try the famous “authentic xiao long bao” (choose between steamed or fried), and the mouthwatering spicy Mapo tofu!
- Budget: ¥2,000 per person
- Open every day
- Hours: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Phone: 045-226-5717
- Address: 185 Yamashita-cho, Naka-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa
- Banzinrou Main Store
For traditional Cantonese cuisine, this is the place to go. The pure Chinese-style architecture stands out at Banzinrou, a long-established restaurant that has been around since 1892. The restaurant doesn’t use any chemical seasonings and only uses traceable ingredients, making it a reliable choice. In addition to traditional Cantonese dishes, they also offer a variety of creative Chinese cuisine. In the evening, you can enjoy live performances of traditional Chinese music.
- Budget: ¥7,000 for a dinner course, ¥4,000 for a lunch course
- Closed on Mondays
- Hours: Weekdays: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM, 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM; Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Phone: 050-5871-3316
- Address: 153 Yamashita-cho, Naka-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa
Shopping in Yokohama Chinatown
- Yokohama Daikoku
A comprehensive entertainment facility located near the Yokohama Mazu Temple, standing eight stories tall on the South Gate Silk Road. The first floor has a market offering Chinatown and Yokohama souvenirs, and the second floor features the Yokohama Chocolate Factory and Museum. The 4th to 8th floors host the Art Trick Museum, where you can enjoy optical illusion art. Additionally, there’s a service where you can wear traditional Chinese clothing for photos, as well as a Chinese tea specialty shop.
- Open: Varies by store
- Hours: Varies by store
- Phone: 045-681-5588
- Address: 97 Yamashita-cho, Naka-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa
Website
- Yokohama Kanteibyo (Temple)
In 1862, not long after the port opened, a Chinese man brought a wooden statue of Guan Yu and established a small shrine at the current location. Since then, Yokohama Kanteibyo has been a spiritual refuge for the Chinese residents of Yokohama Chinatown. Guan Yu, a famous hero from the Three Kingdoms period, is worshipped here. Known for his expertise in both martial arts and finance, he is revered as the God of Wealth and Business in China, representing trust and credibility.
- Address: 140 Yamashita-cho, Naka-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa
- Phone: 045-226-2636
- Hours: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Closed: Open every day
Website
Events at Yokohama Chinatown
Yokohama Chinatown hosts a variety of traditional Chinese festivals throughout the year. Major events include the Chinese New Year (Spring Festival), Dragon Boat Festival, and Mid-Autumn Festival, which are loved by both tourists and locals. Event details are listed on the Chinatown website, so be sure to check if any events coincide with your visit. Note that the events are based on the lunar calendar, so the dates vary each year.
- Chinese New Year (Spring Festival)
Chinese New Year is the most important holiday in China, falling on the first day of the lunar calendar. During this period, you can enjoy events such as the lion dance (Saixing), where colorful lions parade through the streets of Chinatown to chase away evil spirits and bring good fortune. The streets are decorated with vibrant decorations, and special foods and souvenirs are available. Fireworks light up the night, adding to the celebratory atmosphere. - Dragon Boat Festival (Duanwu Festival)
The Dragon Boat Festival takes place on the 5th day of the 5th month in the lunar calendar, and is known for the traditional food “zongzi,” rice dumplings wrapped in bamboo leaves. During this festival, various types of zongzi are sold in Chinatown shops, allowing visitors to enjoy this culinary tradition. The festival also features dragon boat races and other lively events throughout the neighborhood. - Mid-Autumn Festival (Moon Festival)
The Mid-Autumn Festival occurs on the 15th day of the 8th month in the lunar calendar, celebrating the harvest moon. During this time, you can find “mooncakes,” a traditional Chinese pastry filled with sweet red bean paste or salted egg yolk. The festival is a time for families and friends to gather, enjoy mooncakes, and admire the moon. Chinatown shops also offer other traditional treats for the occasion.
Access to Yokohama Chinatown
- JR Keihin Tohoku/Negishi Line, Ishikawacho Station North Exit, 5-minute walk
- JR Keihin Tohoku/Negishi Line, Kannai Station South Exit, 7-minute walk
- Minatomirai Line, Motomachi-Chukagai Station, 5-minute walk from Exit 2
- Minatomirai Line, Nihon-Odori Station, 5-minute walk from Exit 3
Official Yokohama Chinatown Website
https://www.chinatown.or.jp/
