Useful information about Kanagawa Yokohama
Information about Yokohama City
Yokohama is a city of around 3.72 million people, and is the capital of Kanagawa Prefecture. It is a major port city and is also a popular tourist destination. It has an area of roughly 437 km², and has a geography that includes flatland, hills, and artificial land. Yokohama is home to several famous places such as Yokohama Chinatown, Yamashita Park, and the commercial district called Minato Mirai 21. The city is also known for foods such as the Chinese cuisine in Chinatown, Kiyoken Shumai, and its local ramen.
Besides being a popular tourist destination, Yokohama also serves as a commuter town for Tokyo, and is one of the most popular places to live in in the metropolis. From 2018 to 2020, it topped the ranking for the most desirable cities to live in Japan. This desirability is partly based on its convenient transportation that is centered on Yokohama Station. This station is a major terminal that is served by multiple lines from six different railway and subway operators. Its surrounding area is a commercial and business district that includes high-rise buildings and underground complexes.
Yokohama is currently undergoing urban redevelopment which intends to improve accessibility between its different areas. This includes the operation of a bendy bus that connects Yokohama Station, Minato Mirai, Kannai, and Yamate, as well as the development of a tram system.
Foreign Residents in Yokohama City
As of August 2021, there were 100,335 foreign residents living in Yokohama. It has the most number of foreign residents among all municipalities in Kanagawa Prefecture. In terms of nationality, Chinese nationals far outnumber the rest with a population of 39,415, a testament to the size of its Chinatown. Next come Koreans with 12,258 residents, followed by Vietnamese, Filipinos, Nepalese, Indians, Taiwanese, Brazilians, Americans, and so on.
Data source: Yokohama City Government, Foreign Resident Population (as of August 2021)
Popular Residential Areas in Yokohama City
One of the most popular residential areas in Yokohama for foreigners is the Kannai district in Naka Ward. This area is a commercial district with a variety of shopping and dining options to enjoy, but it is also rich in greenery. It is located not far from the Nogeyama Zoological Park, making it popular with families raising children. Since it is also a popular sightseeing area, it can sometimes get crowded with tourists.
Another sought-after residential area is Tsurumi Ward. This area is conveniently located near the midpoint between Tokyo Station and Yokohama Station, and either station is accessible by train within 30 minutes. It is also replete with commercial facilities, so shopping for daily necessities is not an issue.
Other popular residential areas in Yokohama include Minami Ward and Nishi Ward, though the city as a whole is quite good in terms of livability.
Transportation in Yokohama City
Yokohama has an extensive railway network, and some of its busiest stations include Yokohama Station, Kannai Station, Totsuka Station, and Shin-Yokohama Station. Yokohama Station is the largest station in Kanagawa Prefecture, and is served by several JR East lines, the Keikyu Main Line, the Tokyu Toyoko Line, the Sotetsu Main Line, the Minatomirai Line, and the municipal subway Blue Line. Another major station is Shin-Yokohama Station, a stop on the Tokaido Shinkansen. There are also many other railways passing through and interconnecting various parts of the city.
Yokohama also has an extensive network of buses that supports the transportation needs of its residents. The main bus operators include the Yokohama Municipal Bus, Keikyu Bus, Tokyu Bus, and Odawara Bus. The Yokohama Municipal Bus has routes covering nearly half of the city.
Expressways also play an important part in the transportation of Yokohama. Some of the most important expressways in the city include the Tomei Expressway that connects Tokyo and Nagoya, and the Dai-san Keihin Road which connects various areas in Kanagawa Prefecture.
Recommended Spots in Yokohama City
With plenty of sightseeing spots and entertainment attractions, Yokohama is one of the most popular destinations in Japan for both Japanese and foreign tourists. One popular area is the Minato Mirai 21 district. Located in Yokohama's Nishi Ward and Minami Ward along the coast of Yokohama Bay, this commercial district features many different attractions, such as the Yokohama Port Museum, the Pacifico Yokohama Convention Center, the Cosmo World amusement park, the Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse District, and the Yokohama Landmark Tower that offers a panoramic view of the city from its observatory. It is also home to Yokohama World Porters, a shopping mall with plenty of shopping and dining options. Minato Mirai 21 is definitely a must-visit in Yokohama.