Many travelers visiting Tokyo independently include Yokohama Chinatown in their itinerary. As Japan's largest Chinatown, it has a history of more than a century. From freshly made pan-fried xiaolongbao and adorable panda buns to a wide variety of made-to-order all-you-can-eat restaurants, century-old establishments, and temple attractions, this is one of Yokohama's most iconic must-visit areas. This guide covers must-try foods, souvenirs, transportation, and nearby attractions to help you easily plan your own one-day trip to Yokohama Chinatown!
Introduction to Yokohama Chinatown
Where Is Yokohama Chinatown?
Yokohama Chinatown is located in Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture. It is the largest Chinatown in Japan and one of the largest in East Asia. Since the Port of Yokohama opened in 1859, Chinese immigrants, particularly from Guangdong, gradually settled and developed the area, giving it a history of more than a century. Today, Yokohama Chinatown is home to around 600 shops, offering everything from authentic Chinese cuisine and dim sum to souvenirs and general goods. Grand ornamental gates and red lanterns add to its rich exotic atmosphere.
Why Yokohama Chinatown Is Worth Visiting
A visit to Yokohama Chinatown offers a uniquely Japanese take on Chinese food culture that differs from Taiwanese-style Chinese cuisine. Cantonese, Sichuan, Beijing, and Shanghai cuisines are all represented here alongside Tabelog Top 100 restaurants, while creative Japanese-style Chinese snacks such as panda buns and pan-fried xiaolongbao are also easy to find. Walking among streets lined with Chinese-style architecture while still being in Japan creates a striking contrast that is well worth experiencing in person!
How to Get to Yokohama Chinatown
Nearest Stations
There are two main stations for reaching Yokohama Chinatown. From Shibuya or Yokohama, taking the Minatomirai Line to Motomachi-Chukagai Station is recommended; Chinatown is about a 1–3 minute walk away. From Tokyo or Saitama, you can take the JR Keihin-Tohoku Line to Ishikawacho Station. If you also plan to visit the Red Brick Warehouse or Osanbashi Pier, you can get off at Nihon-odori Station, about a 5-minute walk away.
From Tokyo, Shibuya, and Yokohama Stations
| Departure Point | Route | Approx. Travel Time |
|---|---|---|
| Shibuya | Tokyu Toyoko Line Tokyo Metro Fukutoshin Line Direct service onto the Minatomirai Line → Motomachi-Chukagai Station | Approx. 50 minutes |
| Tokyo Station | JR Keihin-Tohoku Negishi Line → Ishikawacho Station | Approx. 1 hour |
| Yokohama Station | Minatomirai Line → Motomachi-Chukagai Station | Approx. 15 minutes |
※ Actual train services, fares, and transfers are subject to official railway information or route-planning tools.
The Nearest “Entrance” After Arrival
The gates are positioned according to the four cardinal directions: Choyomon Gate to the east, Suzaku Gate to the south, Enpeimon Gate to the west, and Genbumon Gate to the north. If you exit from Motomachi-Chukagai Station on the Minatomirai Line, Choyomon Gate is the first one you will see. If you arrive at JR Ishikawacho Station, you will first pass Seiyomon Gate before reaching Enpeimon Gate and entering Chinatown.
Yokohama Chinatown Gourmet Pass
If you plan to take the train from Tokyo or Shibuya and also want to enjoy local food, Tokyu Railways' “Yokohama Chinatown Gourmet Pass (Yokohama Chinatown Tabi Gourmet Kippu)” is a great-value option that bundles a full day of transportation with a delicious meal!
What the Pass Includes
This pass combines three benefits in one: a one-day Tokyu Line pass, a one-day Minatomirai Line pass, and a dining voucher! The meal voucher can be used for special set menus at participating restaurants in Chinatown, Minatomirai, Motomachi, and other areas. Showing the rail pass can also unlock exclusive discounts at partner facilities and shops.
Who It Is For and How to Buy
This pass is ideal for travelers departing from Shibuya or other stations along the Tokyu lines who plan to spend a full day in Yokohama. It bundles transportation and dining while saving you the trouble of buying separate tickets. Participating restaurants and prices may change from time to time, so check the official website for the latest information before your trip.
Yokohama Chinatown Gourmet Pass Price
Reference price: Adults ¥3,300; Children ¥2,200
Where to buy: Ticket counters at Tokyu Line stations (excluding the Setagaya Line and Kodomonokuni Line), or online via Q SKIP (digital ticket; simply show it on your phone to ride)
Must-Try Foods in Yokohama Chinatown
One of the best parts of visiting Yokohama Chinatown is sampling freshly made, piping-hot street snacks from shop to shop! Below are some classic takeaway favorites you should not miss. After purchasing food, remember to stop near the shop to eat rather than eating while walking. See the snack-eating guidelines at the end of this section for details.
Houtenkaku & Wangfujing
Houtenkaku and Wangfujing are two of Chinatown's most popular spots for pan-fried xiaolongbao, and long lines are common on holidays! Both shops fry the dumpling wrappers until golden and crisp, while the filling bursts with hot soup when bitten into. In addition to pork, they offer seafood and other flavors, making them especially satisfying to enjoy piping hot as takeaway!
Houtenkaku
Address: 192-15 Yamashita-cho, Naka-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa
Hours: 11:00–22:00 (L.O. 21:30)
Access: About a 4-minute walk from the Yamashita Park Exit of Motomachi-Chukagai Station on the Minatomirai Line
Wangfujing
Address: 191-24 Yamashita-cho, Naka-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa
Hours: 9:30–21:30 (Saturday 9:30–22:30)
Access: About a 2-minute walk from Exit 2 of Motomachi-Chukagai Station on the Minatomirai Line
Edosei
Founded in 1894, the long-established Edosei is best known for its freshly steamed, jumbo “pork bun.” Several times larger than an ordinary meat bun and packed with juicy filling, it is one of Yokohama Chinatown's most iconic must-try specialties! In addition to the classic pork bun, the shop also sells oversized chicken cutlets and buns in a variety of flavors—perfect for anyone craving a hearty bite of meat!
Address: 192 Yamashita-cho, Naka-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa
Hours: Weekdays 10:00–19:30; Saturday 10:00–21:00; Sunday and public holidays 10:00–20:30
Access: About a 3-minute walk from Exit 2 of Motomachi-Chukagai Station on the Minatomirai Line
Rouishin
The adorable panda-shaped buns at Rouishin are a must-try snack in Yokohama Chinatown! Cute, round, photogenic, and delicious, they are among the area's most popular treats for photos. The shop also carries a wide range of panda-themed goods, so you can browse for souvenirs while enjoying your sweets!
Address: 145 Yamashita-cho, Naka-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa
Hours: Monday–Thursday and Sunday 10:00–20:45; Friday–Saturday 10:00–21:45
Access: About a 10-minute walk from the North Exit of JR Ishikawacho Station
Chinatown Daihanten
Chinatown Daihanten is famous not only for its all-you-can-eat dining but also for its extremely popular takeaway counter! Its signature “one-handed Peking duck” wraps crispy duck skin, tender duck meat, cucumber, and shredded scallions in a thin pancake with sweet bean sauce, letting you enjoy this classic dish conveniently without sitting down.
Address: Rao Building 1F, 202-8 Yamashita-cho, Naka-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa
Hours: 11:00–21:30 (L.O. 21:00)
Access: About a 4-minute walk from JR Ishikawacho Station
Hong Kong Daihanten
Known for its authentic “all-you-can-eat Hong Kong-style dim sum,” Hong Kong Daihanten is a dream destination for dim sum lovers! From translucent shrimp dumplings and juicy shumai to a wide selection of piping-hot steamed dishes, everything is made to order and served without limit, letting you sample authentic Hong Kong flavors in one sitting.
Address: 146-6 Yamashita-cho, Naka-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa
Hours: 10:30–22:00 (L.O. 21:30)
Access: About a 3-minute walk from Exit 1 of Motomachi-Chukagai Station on the Minatomirai Line
Manchinro
Founded in 1892, Manchinro is one of Yokohama Chinatown's most iconic century-old Cantonese restaurants. Its grand and ornate exterior is itself a local landmark, and in 2026 it was selected for Tabelog's “Chinese Cuisine EAST Top 100,” making it a prestigious restaurant with both history and distinction!
Address: 153 Yamashita-cho, Naka-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa
Hours: Tuesday–Friday 11:00–15:00 and 17:00–22:00; Saturday–Sunday 11:00–22:00; closed Monday
Access: About a 6-minute walk from the Chinatown Exit of Motomachi-Chukagai Station on the Minatomirai Line
Kyokaro Main Restaurant
If you want to try Sichuan cuisine, Kyokaro—selected for Tabelog's “Chinese Cuisine EAST Top 100” in 2024—is a great choice! Its signature authentic Sichuan mapo tofu is spicy, fragrant, and perfect with rice, while the Sichuan dan dan noodles and knife-cut noodles deliver an equally bold kick. Spice lovers should not miss it!
Address: 138 Yamashita-cho, Naka-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa
Hours: Monday–Friday 11:30–21:30; Saturday–Sunday and public holidays 11:00–21:30
Access: About a 7-minute walk from Exit 3 of Motomachi-Chukagai Station on the Minatomirai Line
Peking Hanten
Founded in 1955, Peking Hanten specializes, as its name suggests, in Beijing cuisine and is known for helping popularize authentic Peking duck across Japan. It was also selected for Tabelog's “Chinese Cuisine EAST Top 100” in 2024, and diners may even get to see a spectacular Sichuan face-changing performance—combining visual entertainment with great food!
Address: 79-5 Yamashita-cho, Naka-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa
Hours: 11:30–21:00
Access: About a 1-minute walk from Exit 1 of Motomachi-Chukagai Station on the Minatomirai Line
Jogenro
Opened in 1955, Jogenro is a highly representative long-established Shanghai restaurant. The interior is furnished with antiques collected in Shanghai, recreating the glamorous and elegant atmosphere of “Old Shanghai” in the 1920s. Beyond its photogenic vintage setting, it is also famous for premium shark-fin dishes, making it a must-visit for gourmets!
Address: 191 Yamashita-cho, Naka-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa
Hours: Monday–Friday 11:30–16:00 and 17:00–22:00; Saturday–Sunday and public holidays 11:30–22:00
Access: About a 3-minute walk from Exit 2 of Motomachi-Chukagai Station on the Minatomirai Line
Must-Buy Souvenirs from Yokohama Chinatown
After eating your fill, do not forget to bring home some elegant Chinatown-exclusive souvenirs and sweets! Below are several classic long-established shops loved even by locals, helping you end your food journey on the perfect note.
Juraku: Mala Gao
Founded in 1960, Juraku is located near Zenrinmon Gate, with its own factory right beside the shop. Its handmade sweets are made without additives. Selected for Tabelog's Sweets EAST Top 100, its affordable treats often sell out soon after opening! The signature item is mala gao, a Chinese steamed cake with a soft, moist texture. The shop also sells mooncakes, sesame balls, and many other Chinese pastries.
Address: 143 Yamashita-cho, Naka-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa
Hours: 11:30–19:30; closed every Tuesday and the third Wednesday of each month
Access: About a 6-minute walk from Motomachi-Chukagai Station on the Minatomirai Line
Kobai: Egg Tarts
Founded in 1952, Kobai is a highly popular long-established Chinese pastry shop in Chinatown, best known for its freshly baked egg tarts. The flaky, crisp pastry and rich, smooth custard are irresistibly addictive. The shop also sells a variety of mooncakes and Chinese breads, with a wide selection and gift-friendly packaging—ideal for taking home or giving as presents!
Address: 190 Yamashita-cho, Naka-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa
Hours: 10:00–18:00
Access: About a 5-minute walk from Exit 2 of Motomachi-Chukagai Station on the Minatomirai Line
Yokohama Daihanten: Almond Soft-Serve Ice Cream
Located beside Zenrinmon Gate, Yokohama Daihanten serves dishes from the four major regional Chinese cuisines—Cantonese, Shanghai, Sichuan, and Beijing—but do not miss its signature dessert, the “Original Almond Soft-Serve Ice Cream.” Made with plenty of fresh cream and almond powder, it is rich and silky while still refreshing after a meal. The first-floor shop also carries many souvenirs, especially bite-size Chinese mooncakes that are perfect for gifting.
Address: 154 Yamashita-cho, Naka-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa
Hours: 11:00–21:00; shop 10:00–21:00
Access: About a 10-minute walk from Exit 2 of Motomachi-Chukagai Station on the Minatomirai Line
Must-See Attractions in Yokohama Chinatown
Beyond the food, Chinatown's distinctive feng shui gates, the bustling Kanteibyo Temple, and its many fortune-telling shops are must-see highlights. Walking through Chinatown is not only highly photogenic, but also a great way to experience the area's rich Chinese cultural atmosphere.
10 Ornamental Gates
Chinatown has 10 ornamental gates designed according to feng shui directions. The four cardinal points are guarded by Choyomon Gate in the east, Suzaku Gate in the south, Enpeimon Gate in the west, and Genbumon Gate in the north. The most iconic, Zenrinmon Gate, is associated with the origin of the name “Chinatown.” The current gate is the second-generation structure rebuilt in 1989 and is one of the area's most popular photo spots!
Yokohama Mazu Temple
Yokohama Mazu Temple and Kanteibyo Temple are the two major centers of worship in Chinatown. Mazu Temple is richly decorated with colorful carvings and is dedicated to prayers for protection at sea and safety. Just about a 3-minute walk away, Kanteibyo Temple enshrines the famous general Guan Yu and is a popular place to pray for wealth and prosperous business. Both temples showcase traditional Chinese architectural aesthetics and are easy to visit together, offering a familiar cultural touch even while abroad!
Fortune-Telling
When talking about Chinese culture, fortune-telling cannot be left out, and Yokohama Chinatown has long been famous for it. Fortune-telling shops can be found all over the area, offering everything from palm and face reading to Four Pillars astrology and tarot. Many shops also provide short, quick sessions, so curious travelers can easily give it a try and experience this distinctive Chinatown attraction!
Nearby Attractions to Visit with Yokohama Chinatown
After eating and exploring Chinatown, do not leave just yet! There are many classic Yokohama attractions nearby that are easy to visit. Most can be reached on foot or within one or two train stops, making them ideal for a half-day or full-day itinerary while enjoying the romantic atmosphere of Yokohama's waterfront.
Motomachi Shopping Street
Motomachi Shopping Street is on the opposite side of Motomachi-Chukagai Station, only about a 5-minute walk away. Known for its elegant European-style atmosphere, this upscale shopping street offers a striking contrast to lively Chinatown and is filled with local fashion boutiques, general goods stores, and stylish cafés—perfect for a leisurely stroll and shopping.
Yamashita Park
Yamashita Park is only about a 5-minute walk from Chinatown and sits right beside Yokohama Port. From its spacious lawns and gardens, you can enjoy views of the harbor and see the historic ship Hikawa Maru up close, permanently moored along the waterfront. It is the perfect place to relax, take a leisurely walk, and enjoy the sea breeze after shopping.
After experiencing the exotic atmosphere of Yokohama Chinatown and the surrounding harbor area, you may want to discover even more of this port city's charm. Whether you are looking for classic landmarks or lesser-known routes, the guide below has everything organized for you—keep exploring and uncover more surprises in Yokohama!
Whether you are tasting famous dishes at classic restaurants, choosing distinctive souvenirs, or visiting historic temples and feng shui gates, Yokohama Chinatown is always full of energy and fun. Still wondering where to go from Tokyo? Plan a trip to Yokohama and experience its one-of-a-kind colorful atmosphere and abundance of delicious food!
Frequently Asked Q&A
1.How Long Should I Spend in Yokohama Chinatown? Is Half a Day Enough?
Yokohama Chinatown covers an area of roughly 500 meters, so about half a day is enough to comfortably sample its food and visit the main attractions. If you also want to explore nearby Yamashita Park, the Red Brick Warehouse, and Minatomirai, a full-day itinerary is the smoothest option.
2.What Are the Opening Hours in Yokohama Chinatown?
Yokohama Chinatown does not have uniform opening hours; they vary by business. Most shops open around 10:00–11:00 and close around 20:00–21:00, and many operate year-round. Before setting out, check the official information for any specific shop you plan to visit to avoid a wasted trip.
3.Is Yokohama Chinatown Suitable for Seniors and Children?
Absolutely! Chinatown's streets are flat and compact, with a huge variety of street snacks and restaurants to choose from. All-you-can-eat restaurants often offer discounted children's prices as well, making the area very family-friendly. The main thing to watch for is heavier holiday crowds; if you are using a stroller or accompanying seniors, avoiding peak hours is safer and more comfortable.
4.Do Restaurants in Yokohama Chinatown Require Reservations? Are There Long Lines?
Popular snacks such as pan-fried xiaolongbao and meat buns often have lines on holidays, but service is usually quick, so waits are generally not too long. For all-you-can-eat restaurants and full-service traditional restaurants, however, booking online or by phone in advance is recommended to avoid a long wait on site.
5.Can I Use Credit Cards or Mobile Payments in Yokohama Chinatown?
Many large restaurants, all-you-can-eat venues, and some well-known establishments now accept credit cards, and more shops are also supporting mobile payments such as PayPay. However, some street-food stalls and long-established shops are still cash-only, so it is safest to carry enough Japanese yen in cash.