Yokohama Chinatown, Shopping district in Naka Ward, Yokohama, Japan
Yokohama Chinatown is a shopping and dining district in the Naka Ward of Yokohama, Japan. Its streets are lined with over 600 shops and eateries, framed by large decorated gates at each of the main entrances.
The district took shape in the second half of the 1800s, when Chinese traders settled near the port after it opened to international commerce. Over time, it grew into a permanent part of the city, surviving earthquakes and rebuilding to become what it is today.
The Kanteibyo temple sits at the heart of the district, dedicated to a Chinese deity of business and good fortune. Visitors come to light incense and pray, and the building glows red and gold in the evening light.
The district is within walking distance of both Motomachi-Chukagai Station and Ishikawacho Station. Taking the side streets rather than the main road is a good way to find smaller shops and a quieter pace.
The district has several gates aligned with the four cardinal directions, each associated with a different animal from Chinese tradition: the dragon to the east, the bird to the south, the tortoise to the north, and the tiger to the west. The most recognizable gate, the Zenrin-mon, stands in bright red at the main entrance as a welcoming point for all visitors.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
