The Land of the Rising Sun is one of the richest nations in history and culture on the planet. Millennia of ancient teachings are visible in Japanese symbols. Centuries of evolution are visible in its
The Land of the Rising Sun is one of the richest nations in history and culture on the planet. Millennia of ancient teachings are visible in Japanese symbols. Centuries of evolution are visible in its cities, which combine ancient temples, imperial palaces and shrines from other times, with the most amazing urban modernity. In Japan, we find cities with fantastic development, as for example, which, after a terrible history of war, has managed to recover and become an important economic and tourist center. This time we will explore the second most populated city in the country, discovering the best places to see in Yokohama. Tokyo, the modern capital, full of skyscrapers, active commercial life and advances in urban infrastructure such as the Shinkansen high-speed train. Hiroshima is also in the spotlight
Located in the Kanto region, on the island of Honshu, Yokohama is a large city with a population of over 3.7 million, and the inauguration of the port was fundamental to its development, opening up trade between Japan and abroad. In this sense, the city and its inhabitants were notoriously influenced by the cultural exchanges with foreigners who, dedicated to trade, came and went in the region. Two major events dramatically affected Yokohama: the great Kanto earthquake in 1923 and the end of the Second World War. From the second half of the 20th century, the explosion of industrial development generated both a notable increase in population and the consideration of this Japanese city as one of the main business centers in the region. In today’s article, we invite you to join us to discover the three of the most interesting destinations in Yokohama.
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Yokohama’s Landmark Tower
Many Asian countries are pioneers of the most modern architecture and urban planning, and Japan is one of them. In the city of Yokohama, we find a spectacular tower that is the second tallest building in Japan, the Yokohama Landmark Tower. It is a huge skyscraper of 70 floors and almost three hundred meters high, which was inaugurated in 1993.
Nestled in the vibrant Minato Mirai 21 district, the building is home to a luxurious five-star hotel, which occupies floors 49 to 70. The lower floors are occupied by luxurious boutiques and commercial offices.
Among the sights of this amazing building is the fact that it contains one of the fastest elevators in the world, capable of reaching the 69th floor in just forty seconds. On this floor is an observatory called Sky Garden, which is one of the reasons why the skyscraper is among the best places to see in Yokohama, and this is because it offers a spectacular 360-degree panoramic view of the city, so much so that on a clear day you can even see Mount Fuji.
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Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse
If you’re one of those travelers who like to explore old structures, you’ll find the Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse a real tourist gem that is among the best places to see in Yokohama. It is a quaint old brick warehouse that has been remodeled and converted into an active commercial and cultural center. With its many upscale restaurants and large food court, it is a fun and very urban option for an afternoon in Japan.
Its clothing, jewelry, and candy stores stand out for their handmade products by local artisans. If you’re looking to bring back a special souvenir from your time in this exotic city, you’re sure to find the perfect one at this mall. And if your trip coincides with the winter season, you’ll find a fun ice rink, plenty of events for kids and a beautiful Christmas tree full of lights, where you can take fantastic photos.
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Yokohama Chinatown
If you want to have a colorful and multicultural experience, you can’t miss a walk in Yokohama’s Chinatown, the largest Chinatown in Japan and one of the largest in the world. Its origin dates back 160 years, and it gathers about 250 stores and restaurants that allude to Chinese culture. The opening of the Yokohama seaport was the decisive event for the arrival of hundreds of Chinese immigrants, who settled in Japan to develop their economic activities.
They built a school, a community center and various other facilities that gave birth to Chinatown. Its front door is one of the must-see photos that you must take during your trip, and you can’t miss enjoying the exotic cuisine that you will find in its premises.
Here you are – you now know the three most exciting destination in Yokohama. What are your thoughts? Let us know in the comments below.
Great post!