Yokohama Chinatown (横浜中華街) is the largest Chinatown in Japan, packing more than 600 restaurants and shops into an area roughly 500 meters square. Colorful ceremonial gates, ornate temples such as Kanteibyo and Mazu, dim sum, and hand-held street snacks make it a top food-and-culture destination for both Japanese and international visitors. It's an easy day trip near Tokyo, reachable from Yokohama Station in about 10 minutes.
Multiple vividly painted paifang gates at the entrances and inside the district, including Zenrinmon and Choyomon
Kanteibyo Temple, a gaudily colored 1871 temple built with donations from Chinese residents, dedicated to the god of business and prosperity
Mazu Temple, established in 2006 on the site of the former Qing Dynasty consulate
Street snacks to eat on the go — xiaolongbao, pan-fried dumplings, panda-shaped buns — plus dim sum specialists
Long-established restaurants and all-you-can-eat spots covering the four major Chinese cuisines: Cantonese, Shanghai, Sichuan and Beijing
Good to know
MannersEating while walking is generally discouraged in Japan. Here the norm is to finish your snack at the vendor's standing counter or nearby bench and use their bin, since there are almost no public trash cans on the street.
MannersTipping is not customary in Japan and can even be considered rude. Do not tip at restaurants.
RulesSome famous long-standing shops (e.g. certain noodle restaurants) are cash-only, so carry some cash in addition to cards. Confirm prices and payment methods before your visit.
SeasonDuring the Lunar New Year / Spring Festival (e.g. mid-Feb to early March 2026), lion and dragon dances draw huge crowds. Arrive early to see performances up close and expect it to be very busy.
SafetyThe narrow lanes get heavily congested on weekends, evenings and festival dates, and popular restaurants have long dinner lines. Allow extra time and keep an eye on your belongings in the crowds.
CautionWith many all-you-can-eat and tourist-oriented stalls, quality and value vary. Don't buy at the very first stall — do one loop to compare queues, portions and prices, then choose.
Practical info
The closest station is Motomachi-Chukagai on the Minatomirai Line, about a 1-minute walk from Exit 2. The streets are open 24 hours while individual shops keep their own hours; some dim sum places open around 10:00. A tourist information center is typically open about 10:00–22:00. Plan for a 2–4 hour visit (verify hours and prices before going).
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