Yokohama Chinatown - The Charm Of The Biggest Chinatown In Japan

The Chinatown in Yokohama is undoubtedly very popular, but did you know it is also the biggest Chinatown in Japan?

Let us introduce you to it.

The Biggest Chinatown in Japan

With an area of 0.2 km-square and more than 600 shops, this is truly the biggest Chinatown in Japan, and in South Asia. Together with "Kobe Chinatown" and "Nagasaki Chinatown", they are known as the three biggest Chinatowns in Japan. All three of them are visited by many locals and tourists every year.

This Chinatown was founded in 1860s during the Bakumatsu period (the final years of the Edo period) as a settlement place for foreigners. This is why it is also seen as an old place with a deep history.

Just Like In China? The Colorful Neighborhood

Photo by Pixta

Yokohama Chinatown has entrances in every direction, known as "Pairo". Pairo are colorful gates which represent the different "Guardian Gods" based on "Feng Shui". It is believed that since the ancient times, the "Guardian Gods" have looked over the prosperity of the neighborhood.

This is the south gate. You can clearly see the detailed decoration and the sharp colors. Don't forget to investigate the gates you pass a little closer when you visit Yokohama Chinatown.

Now, let us pass through the gate and enter Chinatown.

Once you enter, you will be surrounded by all these colorful shops.

The shape of the buildings and the goods offered in the shops give the place an exotic atmosphere completely different from the one you can normally experience in Japan.

Taste Authentic Chinese Cuisine

Photo by Pixta
Without a doubt, the biggest charisma of Yokohama Chinatown is its "Chinese Cuisine"!
Here, you can try Chinese Cuisine from four different areas of China: Canton, Shanghai, Sichuan, and Beijing.

There are many places to choose from. Maybe taking a look at the samples on display will help you to make a choice. 

Each shop offers a wide range of Chinese delicacies. The prices vary but there are a lot of shops that offer all-you-can-eat options as well.

Souvenirs and Delicious Food! The Charisma of Chinatown

Photo by Pixta
In Chinatown, you can wander around while eating "Nikuman" (Chinese buns), dumplings and ice cream. The most popular choice is Nikuman.
There are many shops calling themselves the World's no.1 Nikuman shop. We don't know if one of them truly archived this title but it is true that they are all delicious.
There is a rich selection of "Nikuman" at all of the shops. Do you want beef or pork? What kind of flavor do you want? The choice is all yours.
Nikuman is the perfect size for holding it in your hands while strolling around and enjoying a bite every once in a while. If you like Nikuman, you should definitely try them in Yokohama Chinatown!

If you are searching for souvenirs, we recommend Yokohama Hakurankan.

Besides typical Chinese souvenirs, there are other Yokohama related souvenirs as well such as Yokohama Navy Curry and Chinese wine.

Stroll Trough China While in Japan

Yokohama Chinatown is not only a place where you can eat delicious Chinese cuisine but where you will discover a different kind of charm when you visit.

Please enjoy "your trip to China" in Yokohama Chinatown.

Yokohama Chinatown

231-0023 Yamashita-cho, Naka-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture

It is the largest Chinatown in Japan. There are supermarkets where you can buy Chinese ingredients, Chinese-style fashion clothing stores, a...