Yokohama Chinatown
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Why go
- About 250 Chinese-owned or themed shops and restaurants to eat and shop in
- Walking the district, which is larger than the Chinatowns in Kobe and Nagasaki
- The quarter, the largest outside mainland China on its continent
- Streets where about 3,000 to 4,000 residents, mostly from Canton, live
Don't miss
- Goodwill gateA goodwill gate built in 1955.Yokohama Chinatown On the map
- Mazu Miao templeA temple founded in 2006 to mark the district's 150th anniversary.Yokohama Chinatown On the map
- Central shopping areaWalk the densest cluster of shops and restaurants in the district.Central part of Yokohama Chinatown, about 300 square metres On the map
Know before you go
- The district has its own official website.
Tips for your visit
- Use the Japanese name, 横浜中華街 (Yokohama chūkagai), when you search in Japanese.
Interesting facts1
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In Japanese the district is written 横浜中華街, read Yokohama chūkagai.
Chinatown (Yokohama) - Wikipedia
Shorts
History
The district took shape in the late 19th century, after the sea port opened in 1859. Immigrants were barred from living outside the designated foreign settlement area. Traders built a Chinese school and community center, which marked the start of the district. American and British trading firms brought Chinese agents, who negotiated raw silk and tea purchases with Japanese merchants. The 1923 Great Kantō earthquake devastated the Kanto area. Four years after it, about half of the Chinese residents were barbers, tailors or chefs.
- 1859The sea port opened, and Chinese immigrants arrived and formed settlements.
- 1871The Sino-Japanese Trade Treaty drew Chinese workers into one area, and early growth followed.
- 1899New laws gave Chinese residents more freedom of movement but kept strict limits on the work they could do.
- 1923The Great Kantō earthquake killed as many as 1,541 Chinese residents, about a third of the community. Many immigrants left rather than rebuild.
- 1937Full-scale war between China and Japan effectively halted the district's growth.
Show all
- 1972After Japan set up diplomatic ties with China, visitor numbers grew sharply and the district became a major sightseeing spot.
How to get there
- 35 minTrainTake the Minatomirai Line to Motomachi-Chūkagai Station, which serves the district directly. From Shibuya Station it takes about 35 minutes.
- 35 minTrainFrom Shinagawa Station, the Negishi Line reaches Ishikawachō Station in about 35 minutes.
- BusSixteen bus routes serve the district. Six of them start at the Yokohama Station East and Sakuragichō bus depots.
- CarTake the Shuto Expressway K1 Yokohane Route and exit at Yokohama Kōen.
- CarDrivers can also reach the district on the Tomei Expressway via the Hodogaya Bypass.
- BoatThe district can also be reached by seabus.
Sources: Yokohama Chinatown - Wikipedia · Chinatown (Yokohama) - Wikipedia · checked 20 Oct 2026
- Website
- chinatown.or.jp/
Questions and answers
What is Yokohama Chinatown called in Japanese?
Its name is also written 横浜中華街 in Japanese, read Yokohama chūkagai. Use that form when you search in Japanese.
What did the 1899 laws change for Chinese residents of Yokohama Chinatown?
The 1899 laws let Chinese residents move about more freely. Limits on the jobs they could take stayed in place.
Which buses go to Yokohama Chinatown?
Sixteen bus routes stop in the district. Six of them leave from the Yokohama Station East and Sakuragichō depots.
Can I drive to Yokohama Chinatown?
Yes. Drivers can take the Shuto Expressway K1 Yokohane Route to the Yokohama Kōen exit, or use the Tomei Expressway and the Hodogaya Bypass.
Does Yokohama Chinatown have an official website?
Yes, the district has its own official website.
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