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Yokohama is
Japan's second largest city and the capital city of Kanagawa
Prefecture. To get to Yokohama one can easily catch the Tōkyū Tōyoko
Line at Shibuya station. In 1859, Yokohama's port became one of the
first ports to be openend causing Yokohama to quickly grow from a
small fishing village into one of Japan's major cities.
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Minato Mirai 21 (みなとみらい21), is
often shortened to Minato Mirai, a large urban development in
Yokohama that started in 1983. This area features the Landmark
Tower, Japan's tallest skyscaper, the Queen's Square shopping mall,
the Pacifico convention center and the Intercontinental Hotel.
Minato Mirai is one of the few places in Kanto area where the
seashore is accessible, and unblocked by industry and harbour areas.
Another one is Odaiba
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Motomachi Shopping street
was originally opened by purveyors to
foreign residents living in the foreign settlement. Today, the
shops' original clothes, shoes, and general goods are very popular
throughout Japan, creating a center trend of fashion. The street
also looks like a part of Ginza that has been relocated to
Yokohama.You will find many expensive brand label stores here, and
many people shopping.Every year, there is the Charming Sale which
takes place in February and September.
Access: Take Minamira Line from
Yokohama Station to Motomachi-Chukagai Station, which is the last
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The Ramen
Museum has new exhibitions on a rotating basis. One show
presented instant ramen packaging where you could design your own
instant ramen. You buy an cup for ￥300.($3) and after decorating it,
bring it to the assembly line where you fill it with your choice of
soup mix, noodles, meat and vegetables. Finally, your ramen is
freeze dried and placed inside a plastic bubble for easy
transportation.The Ramen Museums' main attraction is the eight ramen
shops.(representing eight of the most famous regional styles of
ramen in the country) In addition, there are shops selling old
school toys, snacks and cigarettes.
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Yokama Halkkeijima Sea Paradise is
located at the tip of Yokohama Bay and is a new generation amusement
park. It is one of the top aquariums in Japan and houses Japan's
first surf coaster which actually swings out over the ocean. There
are also special shops, restaurants, a marina and a hotel located
among the grass and flower gardens.
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China
Town (横浜中華街) is one of the biggest in the world.
Its population is about 3,000 to 4,000 and most of the residents are
from Canton and manyother regions. There are over 200 restaurants
alone which does not include the many stores in the area. My
favorite food there is the huge chashu (pork) meat buns that you can
buy for about ￥500 all over China Town. all over China Town
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