Where to Stay in Yokohama 🇯🇵: 5 Best Areas & Hotels in Yokohama

Updated on October 5, 2024
by Alex Miller

Yokohama, Japan’s second largest city, offers a variety of neighborhoods and accommodations to suit every traveler. The modern Minato Mirai district features stunning views of the Yokohama sky and is home to luxury hotels like the Yokohama Royal Park Hotel. For those who like Yokohama’s blend of history and modernity, areas like Kannai & Isezakicho offer a mix of traditional and contemporary attractions.

Yokohama Station is a major transportation hub, making it an excellent base for exploring the city. Hotels in the area provide convenient access to Shin-Yokohama and other parts of the city. The Yokohama Bay Sheraton Hotel and other nearby accommodations offer comfort and accessibility.

Our Pick of the Best Hotels in Yokohama🔝

Quick Guide on Best Area to stay in Yokohama 🌸

  • 🏙️ For Futuristic City Experience: Minato Mirai
  • 🥢 For Cultural Immersion: Yokohama Chinatown
  • 🍺 For Nightlife and History: Kannai & Isezakicho
  • 🚉 For Convenient Exploration: Sakuragicho
  • 🏰 For European Charm: Motomachi & Yamate

1. Minato Mirai – Yokohama’s Futuristic Wonderland 🏙️

🏙️ Skyline Spectacle: Minato Mirai is one of the best areas in Yokohama, offering breathtaking views of the city’s futuristic skyline. The Yokohama Landmark Tower, Japan’s second-tallest building, dominates the view. It’s especially stunning at sunset! Nearby, you’ll find some of the best hotels like the Yokohama Royal Park Hotel and InterContinental Yokohama Grand.

🎡 Cosmo Clock 21: This giant Ferris wheel isn’t just a thrill ride – it’s the world’s largest clock! I always recommend riding it at night when the wheel lights up in a dazzling display. The views of Yokohama’s twinkling lights are simply unforgettable.

Insider Tip: Book your tickets online to avoid long queues, especially during weekends.

🛍️ Shopping Paradise: Minato Mirai is a shopper’s dream come true. The Landmark Tower and nearby malls offer a plethora of shopping options. Here are some must-visit spots:

  • Landmark Plaza: Multiple floors of shops and restaurants
  • Queen’s Square Yokohama: Over 200 stores to explore
  • Yokohama World Porters: Unique shopping on a man-made island
  • Red Brick Warehouse: Historic buildings turned into trendy shops
  • Marine & Walk Yokohama: Waterfront shopping and dining

🚢 Nippon Maru Sailing Ship: Step back in time aboard this beautiful sailing ship, now a museum. It’s a fantastic glimpse into Japan’s maritime history and a great photo op. The ship is beautifully lit up at night, making for a romantic evening stroll along the waterfront.

🍜 Cup Noodles Museum: Who knew instant ramen could be so fascinating? This quirky museum is one of my favorite spots in Yokohama. You can create your own custom cup noodles, learn about the history of this global food phenomenon, and even taste noodles from around the world.

Best hotels to stay in Minato Mirai 🏨

⭐ Best hotels in Minato Mirai

  • The Westin Yokohama – A luxury hotel offering stunning views of Yokohama Bay, located in one of the best areas to stay in Yokohama near the Landmark Tower.
  • The Kahala Hotel & Resort Yokohama – An upscale resort-style hotel in the Mirai 21 district of Yokohama, perfect for those who want to stay in the city center.
  • InterContinental Yokohama Grand – One of the best hotels in Yokohama, offering luxury accommodation with a view of Yokohama Bay, minutes from Yokohama Station.

🏨 Best middle-range hotels

  • Mitsui Garden Hotel Yokohama Minatomirai Premier – A great place to stay near Yokohama Cosmoworld Amusement Park, offering comfortable rooms and convenient access to tourist areas.
  • Hilton Yokohama – A reliable business hotel option close to Yokohama Station, ideal for both leisure and business travelers visiting Yokohama.
  • Yokohama Bay Hotel Tokyu – Considered one of the best options for accommodation in Yokohama, offering great views and easy access to Yokohama Chinatown.

🛏️ Best Hostels

2. Yokohama Chinatown: A Cultural Feast for the Senses 🏮

🥟 Authentic Chinese Cuisine: Yokohama Chinatown is considered the best area to stay for indulging in authentic Chinese dishes. From steaming soup dumplings to crispy Peking duck, the culinary options are endless. I recommend trying the all-you-can-eat dim sum at one of the local favorites.

Money Saver: Many restaurants offer lunch specials that are significantly cheaper than dinner prices.

🐉 Kantei-byo Temple: This stunning temple is a spiritual landmark in Yokohama’s Chinatown, dedicated to the Chinese god of business and prosperity, Guan Yu. Built in 1873, it has been rebuilt several times due to natural disasters and war.

🎭 Chinese New Year Festivities: If you can, plan your visit around Chinese New Year. The streets come alive with dragon dances, fireworks, and traditional performances. It’s an unforgettable experience that showcases the best of Chinese culture in Yokohama city.

Time Saver: Book your accommodation well in advance if you’re visiting during this popular time.

🍵 Traditional Tea Houses: Take a break from the bustling streets and enjoy a moment of tranquility in one of Chinatown’s traditional tea houses. I love the calming ambiance and the chance to learn about Chinese tea culture, which is a great place to stay near the Yokohama Bay Hotel Tokyu.

🛒 Exotic Market Shopping: Chinatown is a shopper’s paradise with its exotic markets offering everything from traditional Chinese medicines to unique souvenirs. I always find myself picking up some high-quality tea and intricate trinkets to take home.

Top Tip: Many shops are willing to negotiate prices, especially if you’re buying multiple items.

Best hotels to stay in Yokohama Chinatown 🏨

⭐ Best hotels in Yokohama Chinatown

  • Hotel New Grand – A historic luxury hotel located in the heart of Yokohama, offering stunning views of Yokohama Bay and easy access to the Yokohama Station area.
  • Super Hotel Yokohama Kannai – A convenient budget-friendly option close to Yokohama Stadium, perfect for those who want to stay in this area and catch a Yokohama DeNA BayStars baseball game.
  • Hyatt Regency Yokohama – A modern luxury hotel in one of the best neighborhoods in Yokohama, offering easy access to Yokohama’s attractions like the Cup Noodles Museum and Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse.

🏨 Best middle-range hotels

🛏️ Best Hostels

  • Hotel JAL City Kannai Yokohama – A budget-friendly hotel option close to Yokohama’s major attractions, offering comfortable rooms and easy access to train services to Yokohama Station.
  • Grand Garden Hotel – A mid-range hotel located in the Shin-Yokohama area, offering a comfortable stay with easy access to both Yokohama and Tokyo.
  • Hare-Tabi Traveler's Inn Yokohama – A cozy hostel in the heart of Yokohama, perfect for budget travelers who want to explore Yokohama’s modern features and historical sites.

3. Kannai & Isezakicho: Where History Meets Modern Vibrancy 🏙️

⚾ Baseball Fever: Let me tell you, the energy around Yokohama Stadium on game days is electric! I’ve spent many evenings cheering for the DeNA BayStars alongside passionate locals. It’s a great way to immerse yourself in the city’s culture, just minutes from Yokohama Station.

Top Tip: Book your tickets online to avoid queues and secure the best seats.

🍺 Craft Beer Paradise: Kannai has become my go-to spot for unique brews. The area around Yokohama Station is dotted with craft beer bars that rival those in Tokyo. I love sampling local IPAs while chatting with friendly bartenders about the best places to stay in Yokohama.

Money Saver: Many bars offer happy hour specials – perfect for budget-conscious travelers!

🏛️ Historical Treasures: Walking through Kannai feels like stepping back in time. The former Yokohama Specie Bank and other Western-style buildings transport you to the city’s early days as a major port. I always recommend a visit to the Yokohama Port Museum for a deep dive into the area’s rich maritime history.

🎨 Cultural Hotspot: Art lovers, listen up! Kannai is home to some of Yokohama’s best cultural institutions. Here are my top picks:

  • Yokohama Museum of Art: World-class exhibitions
  • NYK Maritime Museum: Fascinating nautical history
  • Kanagawa Prefectural Museum of Cultural History: Local heritage
  • BankART1929: Contemporary art in a historic building
  • Yokohama Creative City Center: Innovative cultural space

Time Saver: Many museums offer combination tickets, saving you both time and money.

🍜 Culinary Adventures: Kannai and Isezakicho offer some of the best cuisine in the city. From traditional izakayas to modern fusion restaurants, your taste buds are in for a treat. I always make a point to try the local specialty, Yokohama-style ramen, when I’m in the area.

Insider Tip: Look for restaurants with ticket vending machines outside – they’re often cheaper and faster!

Best hotels to stay in Kannai & Isezakicho 🏨

⭐ Best hotels in Kannai & Isezakicho

  • Richmond Hotel Yokohama Bashamichi – A modern hotel in the heart of Yokohama, offering easy access to Yokohama’s features like the Yokohama DeNA BayStars baseball team stadium.
  • PROSTYLE RYOKAN YOKOHAMA BASHAMICHI – A unique blend of traditional ryokan and modern hotel, considered one of the best options for a cultural stay in Yokohama.
  • Hotel Comment Yokohama Kannai – A comfortable hotel close to Yokohama Station, which is a major transportation hub, making it ideal for a trip to Yokohama.

🏨 Best middle-range hotels

  • Citadines Harbour Front Yokohama – A serviced apartment-style hotel offering views of Yokohama Bay, part of the modern Yokohama skyline.
  • APA Hotel Yokohama Kannai – A budget-friendly option with convenient access to Yokohama’s attractions, suitable for those who like Yokohama’s bustling atmosphere.
  • Hotel Route-Inn Yokohama Bashamichi – A reliable choice for business and leisure travelers, offering comfort similar to the Yokohama Bay Sheraton Hotel at a more affordable price.

🛏️ Best Hostels

  • Sotetsu Fresa Inn Yokohama Sakuragicho – A budget hotel close to Yokohama Sakuragicho Washington Hotel, perfect for exploring Yokohama, Japan’s second largest city.
  • Chisun Hotel Yokohama Isezakicho – An affordable option in the lively Isezakicho area, known for its vibrant atmosphere and considered the best cuisine district.
  • Comfort Hotel Yokohama Kannai – A comfortable budget hotel offering amenities similar to Hotel Resol Yokohama, making it a great choice for those looking to save on accommodation.

4. Sakuragicho: The Heart of Yokohama’s Urban Adventure 🌆

Insider Tip: Grab a PASMO card for seamless travel on trains and buses – it’s a real time-saver!

🎡 Yokohama Cosmoworld Amusement Park: Just steps from Sakuragicho Station, you’ll find Cosmoworld. The giant Ferris wheel, Cosmo Clock 21, is an iconic part of Yokohama’s skyline. I always recommend taking a ride at night – the view of Yokohama Bay is absolutely breathtaking. It’s a perfect spot for that Instagram-worthy shot!

🏬 Shopping Paradise: If you’re a shopaholic like me, you’ll love Sakuragicho. The World Porters shopping center is a treasure trove of fashion, food, and fun. I could spend hours browsing the unique shops here. Don’t miss Sogo Yokohama nearby – it’s one of the city’s best department stores.

Money Saver: Many restaurants offer lunch specials that are significantly cheaper than dinner prices.

🌉 Night Views of Minato Mirai: As the sun sets, Sakuragicho transforms into a magical wonderland of lights. The view of Mirai 21 district from here is simply stunning. I love taking an evening stroll along the waterfront – it’s the perfect way to end a day of exploring.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family Fun: If you’re visiting with kids, the Yokohama Anpanman Children’s Museum is a must-visit. It’s a hit with the little ones and just a short walk from Sakuragicho Station.

Best hotels to stay in Sakuragicho 🏨

⭐ Best hotels in Sakuragicho

🏨 Best middle-range hotels

🛏️ Best Hostels

  • FlexStay Inn Sakuragicho – A budget-friendly option with basic amenities, ideal for travelers on a tight budget.
  • Guesthouse FutaReno – A cozy guesthouse offering both dormitory and private rooms in a renovated traditional house.
  • Far East Village Hotel Yokohama – A stylish hostel with a mix of dormitory and private rooms, featuring a communal kitchen and lounge area.

5. Motomachi & Yamate: A European Enclave in Japan’s Second City

🏠 Western-style Historical Houses: When you visit Yokohama, stepping into Yamate feels like you’ve been transported to Europe! This district, near Yokohama city center, is a treasure trove of Western-style architecture. I love wandering through the area, admiring the preserved houses that showcase Yokohama’s international past.

Yokohama, Motomachi
Yokohama, Motomachi
Yokohama, Motomachi

Insider Tip: Many historical houses are open to the public. Don’t miss Bluff No. 18 House!

☕ Charming Cafes and Bakeries: Yokohama Motomachi Shopping Street is where you’ll find some of the best cafes in the city. The aroma of fresh pastries is irresistible! It’s a great place to stay if you want to be close to both culinary delights and tourist areas.

🌳 Harbor View Park: For stunning views of Yokohama Bay and the Yokohama Marine Tower, head to Harbor View Park. On clear days, you can even spot Mount Fuji! Here’s what you can enjoy:

  • Panoramic city skyline views
  • English Rose Garden
  • Historical Western-style buildings
  • Picnic areas
  • Photo opportunities

Time Saver: Visit early to avoid crowds and get the best photos.

🎻 Yokohama Foreign General Cemetery: This peaceful spot offers a unique glimpse into Yokohama’s international history. It’s located within the Yokohama area, just minutes away from Yokohama Station.

🍰 European-inspired Sweets: The district is famous for its confectioneries. Try the Mont Blanc at a local bakery – it’s considered some of the best cuisine in the city!

🏛️ Yamate Italian Garden: Don’t miss this hidden gem that blends Italian and Japanese designs. It’s perfect for relaxation after exploring the Mirai 21 district of Yokohama or the Cup Noodles Museum.

Best hotels to stay in Motomachi & Yamate 🏨

⭐ Best hotels in Motomachi & Yamate

  • Shukuya Yokohama Main Building – A charming hotel that captures the essence of Yokohama’s modern features while offering a cozy stay in this historic part of Yokohama, Japan’s second largest city.
  • Heian-tei Annex – This hotel is the best option for those who like Yokohama’s blend of Japanese and Western influences, offering a unique stay experience in the Motomachi & Yamate area.

🏨 Best middle-range hotels

  • Chinatown Yokohama Stadium 4ppl Ishikawacho Sta – A comfortable apartment-style accommodation that’s part of Yokohama’s diverse hotel offerings, close to major attractions and Yokohama Station, which is a major transport hub.
  • Grand Cave Yokohama – This hotel is the best choice for travelers looking to explore both Motomachi & Yamate and Shin-Yokohama areas, offering easy access to Yokohama’s sky-high attractions.

🛏️ Best Hostels

  • BnB Yokohama Motomachi – A budget-friendly option in the heart of Motomachi, perfect for travelers who want to experience the local atmosphere. The hostel offers amenities similar to what Yokohama Bay Hotel Tokyu offers, but at a more affordable price.

FAQs About Best Place to Stay in Yokohama Hotels ❔

What are the best neighborhoods in Yokohama to visit, and how close are they to Yokohama Station area and Yokohama Stadium?

The best neighborhoods to visit in Yokohama are Minato Mirai, Chinatown, Kannai & Isezakicho, Sakuragicho, and Motomachi & Yamate. Minato Mirai and Sakuragicho are closest to Yokohama Station, while Kannai & Isezakicho is near Yokohama Stadium.

How can I plan a walking tour of Yokohama that includes the Yokohama Museum of Art, Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse, and Yokohama Port Museum?

Plan a walking tour starting at Minato Mirai for the Yokohama Museum of Art, then head to the Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse nearby. Finally, walk along the waterfront to reach the Yokohama Port Museum in the Kannai area.

What’s the most convenient accommodation in Yokohama for exploring Yokohama Motomachi and using the Yokohama train station?

For exploring Yokohama Motomachi and using the train station, accommodations in Minato Mirai or Sakuragicho would be most convenient, as they offer easy access to both areas via public transportation.

How do the Yokohama Bay Sheraton Hotel, Hyatt Regency Yokohama, and Yokohama Sakuragicho Washington Hotel compare for a stay in Yokohama?

The Yokohama Bay Sheraton Hotel and Hyatt Regency Yokohama are luxury options in Minato Mirai, offering great views and amenities. The Yokohama Sakuragicho Washington Hotel is a more budget-friendly choice with a convenient location near Sakuragicho Station.