Marimari.com : Japan - Southwest of Tokyo

Yokohama is the largest port and second largest city in Japan, with a population of over 3.22 million. It is a surprise then to know that it was once made up mud flats just 150 years ago. It was only opened to foreign trade in 1858 and was geared towards the course of industrialization in the early 20th Century. Its familiarity as an international trading port has established the city as a popular sightseeing destination.

Most accommodations in Yokohama are targeted towards business travelers, and may therefore be very expensive. Ryokans, or Japanese inns, are located outside the town area and can be difficult to find. Do not despair though, as there are some hotels within town that are reasonably priced. The Yokohama International Seamen's Hall is such an example.

Getting to Yokohama is relatively easy. Several trains run from Tokyo to Yokohama, with the cheapest being the Tokyu Toyoko line, which runs from Shibuya station to Sakuragi-cho station. The train will stop at Yokohama station on the way to the Sakuragi-cho station. Within the city itself, the Blue Line bus travels through town, passing all of Yokohama's most memorable moments.

Minato Mirai 21 - A new structure located north of Sakuragi-cho station, the Minato Mirai 21 is built on a metropolis-of-the-future theme. The actual area will not be completed until the year 2000 but there are a few finished attractions worth noting. The New Landmark, for example, is not only the tallest building in Japan, but also contains the world's fastest lift at 45km per hour. The viewing platform is on the 70th floor and is open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. It closes by 10 p.m. on Saturdays.

Located around the Tower are a few other exceptional attractions such as the Yokohama Maritime Museum, the Yokohama Museum of Art, which is dedicated to modern art, and the Yokohama Cosmo World, an amusement park with the world's largest Ferris wheel.

Yamashita-koen Park Area - Located northeast of Kannai station, Yamashita-koen is Yokohama's sightseeing area, with Yamashita-koen Park located at the heart of it. The harbor view at the park is undoubtedly the most conspicuous sight in the park. The Silk Museum will take you through the world of silk and silk production, whereas the Hikawa Maru, a passenger liner moored off the park, will provide much entertainment for children. In the summer months, the boat will have a beer garden. At least three companies operate harbor cruises next to the passenger liner at the pier. Visitors can visit the Marine Tower to get a better view of the harbor.

Chinatown - Chinatown, or Chukagai as known to the Japanese, is located near the harbor area. As like most Chinatowns elsewhere, it offers Chinese goodies and items for sale. But this is a great place to go for scrumptious lunches. Do note that it can get packed on weekends.

Sankei-en Garden - A beautifully landscaped garden, the Sankei-en Garden was established in 1906 by a Yokohama silk merchant. It showcases a 500-year-old three-story pagoda, as well as an old villa and farmhouses.