VIDEO: An evening walk in Yokohama’s cheerful, charming Chinatown

Kantei Mausoleum (Photo by Takahiro Takiguchi)

If you’re based in the Kanto, a visit to Japan’s largest Chinatown is not too difficult and one you should definitely plan to make.

The district dates back to 1859 when Yokohama Port opened to trade with foreign countries. Back then, Chinese traders established a community that has now involved into the current day Chukagai.

Yokohama Chukagai (Chinatown) features about 600 restaurants and shops packed into a 50-acre neighborhood bursting with energy and a menagerie of delicious scents wafting off the street food stalls. This busy area is well-known and a popular place for locals and tourists garnering about 20 million visitors per year, according to the City of Yokohama. Be prepared for crowds, but, the shopping and amazing treats that await are worth it.

My family visits often and we enjoy heading over in the evening to experience the lively lantern-illuminated streets. At the entrance of the district a stunning traditional Chinese-style gate greets visitors and plenty of golden and red shop facades add to the atmosphere of Chukagai.

When we get hungry, we always stop at one of the stalls for xiao long bao (steamed soup dumplings). The small dumplings stuffed with meat and seasoned to perfection are a perfect walking snack. Besides xiao long bao, you’ll also find vendors selling thick nikuman (steamed buns stuffed with meat or sweet beans), braised pork buns, tapioca milk tea, ice cream and more.

If you want more of a sit-down dining option, there are many restaurants serving authentic Chinese cuisine at various price points. Restaurants usually have the plastic dish replicas on display or menus posted outside to help lure customers in, so look out for those.

An evening walk in Yokohama Chinatown. (Photo by Takahiro Takiguchi)

Though you may not be able to resist the main street’s many food stalls and restaurants, down the side streets of Chukagai are two temples known for being power spots for luck in business and success. Kantei and Masao Mausoleums are also illuminated in the evenings, so you can visit anytime.

Ambitious visitors can visit the 10 distinct, decorative Chinese-style gates constructed around the district following the Feng Shui tradition. The gates are popular photo spots for tourists, so don’t forget to snap some shots.

Chukagai is about a one-hour drive from most Kanto bases and accessible via Motomachi-Chukagai Station. Neighboring the district is the Yokohama Baseball Stadium, home to the Yokohama BayStars, making it a perfect spot to grab a bite before or after the game!

Yokohama Chukagai (Chinatown)

URL: https://www.chinatown.or.jp/

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