N’EX, the Narita Express train, glided elegantly in near silence, taking us from the airport to Yokohama, a modern-day city full of historical evidence.

The port city of Yokohama at the center of Tokyo Bay opened Japan’s door to international trade in 1859 when its population was 600. Today, with almost 4 million people, Yokohama has something to offer for every traveler.

 1

 2

It was a sunny morning when we arrived in a pleasant 20 degree Celsius Yokohama. We went straight to our hotel, oddly named Washington Hotel. The hotel is strategically placed, adjacent to Sakuragicho train station and most of the shopping centers, bus stops and taxi stands.

Since we could not check in before 02.00 PM, we looked around and saw an interesting red bus. We hopped in without knowing where it went by paying ¥100 a person. It was the right decision since pretty soon the retro styled red bus known as Akai Kutsu took us around sight seeing points in Yokohama for more than an hour through the Chinatown Motomachi Route.

 3

The Minato Mirai, Yokohama Central’s Business District is the center of attraction. It is where business, shopping, and tourism facilities are located, including the 300-meter tall Landmark Center and the Cosmo World Amusement Park with its giant Ferris wheel.

Shopping malls are practically located next to each other, among them Colette Mare, Minato Mirai 109, Queen’s Square, and Yokohama World Porters. Many passengers get on and and some get off at Aka Renga Soko, a 100-year old redbrick warehouse, originally a custom building owned by the Port of Yokohama. The place is now popular as a cultural hall for events such as plays and concerts, and a commercial structure with unique shops and restaurants.

 4

 5

Our bus went up to the hilly area of Yamate, where its street is similar in view to Lombard Street in San Francisco. The Yokohama International School is in Yamate since the area was and is still a favorite residential area for Westerners. Some houses were built in the late 1920s or early 1930s.

In contrast with Yamate, Motomachi or the Chinatown is a packed region since it is one of the largest Chinatowns in the world complete with temples and gates. The Chinese population there is less than 5000 but the area has more than 300 Chinese shops and restaurants in the area.

 6

 7

The Osanbashi pier, a trendy spot, was constructed during the late 1800’s. It underwent a new construction with a whale-shape design, winner of a worldwide competition of more than 300 entries. The newly designed pier use old-fashioned wood making it a unique boardwalk with the best view of Yokohama skyline during the day and mostly at night.

Culinary wise, Yokohama is a haven for food lovers seeking international tastes. Eateries with different sizes keep popping up over the years, carrying an assortment of food, from Japanese to American, French, Italian, Asian Ethnic, Vegetarians and Halal food.

 8

 9

We are fascinated that Yokohama has two big tourist attractions focusing on noodles. Shin-Yokohama Raumen Museum, the world's first food-themed amusement park in 2-14-21 Shinyokohama, Kohoku-ku is a one-stop place to enjoy the flavors of this national dish from renowned shops across Japan. The Cup Noodles Museum in 2-3-4 Shinko, Naka-ku is a hands on museum where visitors can enjoy exhibits and workshops featuring instant noodles.

 10

 11

The Akai Kutsu bus tour showed us that Yokohama is a city of characters in that it blends development periods in style, featuring modern structure and comfort for travelers without sacrificing Japanese traditional culture.

Taking N’EX, the Narita Express, back to Tokyo after a three-day stay in Yokohama, we felt like Hamakko (Yokohama natives) who left their beloved aesthetic city.

 Photo: Omar Niode Foundation

--------------------------

Images:

Cover, 8: Murni Titi Resdiana; 1: Japan Rail Pass; 2, 4, 9: Yokohama City Guide; 3: TTTNIS; 5: Narang Saknagadhana/123RF; 6: Hirun Laowisit/123RF; 7: Yuriz/123RF; 10: Shinyokohama Raumen Museum; 11: Cup Noodles Museum; 12: Omar Niode Foundation