Written by Hanana, with photo notes from Hanakiki
Hi, I’m Hanana! Yokohama is only about 30 minutes from central Tokyo by train, but it feels like a different world. In winter, the old red brick warehouses by the harbor host a German-style Christmas market, the waterfront skyline lights up every night, and just a short walk away, Chinatown glows with hundreds of red lanterns. It’s a perfect day trip, or a cozy night out.
At a glance
- Where: Minato Mirai and the Yokohama waterfront, plus Yokohama Chinatown (Kanagawa Prefecture)
- When: Mid-November to late December for the Christmas events; Chinatown’s lanterns stay up until late February
- Access: About 30 minutes from Tokyo or Shibuya Station by train. Take JR to Sakuragicho or Ishikawacho Station, or the Minatomirai Line (direct from Shibuya via the Tokyu Toyoko Line) to Minatomirai, Bashamichi, Nihon-odori, or Motomachi-Chukagai Station
What to eat & try
Street snacks in Chinatown
Yokohama Chinatown is one of the largest Chinatowns in the world, with hundreds of shops and restaurants packed into a few blocks. It grew from the community of Chinese merchants who settled here after Yokohama’s port opened to foreign trade in 1859. In winter, the best way to enjoy it is to hop from stand to stand and snack as you go.
- Nikuman (steamed pork buns): Big, fluffy buns sold hot from bamboo steamers right on the street. Watching the steam rise on a cold evening is half the fun.
- Xiaolongbao (soup dumplings): Many stands sell them to go. Take a small bite first to let the hot soup cool, then enjoy the rest.
- Roasted chestnuts: Sweet chestnuts roasted in hot stones are a classic winter street snack. Vendors may offer you a sample; it’s fine to politely say no.
- Sesame balls and egg tarts: Easy, bite-size treats to enjoy in front of the shop before you head off to see the lanterns.
Things to try
- Mug collecting at the Christmas market: At many Christmas markets in Japan, warm drinks are served in a seasonal souvenir mug that you can take home. It’s a fun keepsake from your trip.
- German-style holiday food by the harbor: At the Red Brick Warehouse market, you can try sausages, pretzels, and hot spiced wine (and non-alcoholic versions) in wooden huts, just like a market in Germany. The legal drinking age in Japan is 20.
- Pray at a Chinese temple: Kanteibyo and Masobyo in Chinatown are colorful temples that welcome visitors. Follow the posted instructions for offering incense.
What to see
Christmas Market in Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse
The two red brick warehouses at the harbor were built in the early 1900s as government customs warehouses. Today they hold shops and event halls, and each winter the plaza in front turns into a Christmas market with wooden huts, a big Christmas tree, and warm lights.
Minato Mirai lights and “YORUNOYO”
Across the harbor, the Minato Mirai skyline glows every night. In December, the city’s night light program “YORUNOYO” adds a short light show called “Highlight of Yokohama,” in which buildings along the waterfront light up together. Another free Christmas market runs at Grand Mall Park near Minatomirai Station.
Chinatown’s winter lanterns
From November to February, Chinatown is decorated with rows of red lanterns for the “Shunsetsu Touka” lantern festival, leading up to the Lunar New Year. The gates, like Zenrinmon on the main street, are especially beautiful after dark.
Hanakiki’s photo spot
Hanakiki’s camera note: Walk out onto the Osanbashi Pier at sunset. From the wooden deck, you can fit the Red Brick Warehouses, the Ferris wheel, and the Minato Mirai towers into one frame. If you time your visit for the “Highlight of Yokohama” show, the whole skyline lights up for about five minutes. Hold your camera steady against the railing for a sharp night shot!
Event info
Dates below are based on official announcements as of November 12, 2026. Hours and content may change because of weather or other reasons.
| Event | Dates (2026–2027) | Hours | Nearest stations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Christmas Market in Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse | Nov 20 – Dec 25, 2026 | Generally 11:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. (until 10:00 p.m. from Dec 5). Opening day from 5:00 p.m. | Bashamichi, Nihon-odori |
| Minatomirai Christmas Market (Grand Mall Park) | Nov 13 – Dec 25, 2026 | 11:00 a.m. – 9:30 p.m. | Minatomirai |
| YORUNOYO 2026 light show “Highlight of Yokohama” | Dec 4 – Dec 30, 2026 | 5-minute shows every 30 minutes, 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. | Nihon-odori, Kannai |
| Chinatown lantern festival (Shunsetsu Touka 2027) | Nov 1, 2026 – Feb 20, 2027 | 4:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. | Motomachi-Chukagai |
- The Red Brick Warehouse market charges an admission fee for its main area, and on some busy days you need a ticket in advance. Check the official site before you go.
- The Minatomirai Christmas Market, YORUNOYO, and the Chinatown lanterns are free to enjoy (food and goods are extra).
Official websites
- Christmas Market in Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse: https://www.yokohama-akarenga.jp/christmas/
- Minatomirai Christmas Market: https://www.mmcm-wli.com/
- YORUNOYO: https://yorunoyo.yokohama/
- Yokohama Chinatown: https://www.chinatown.or.jp/
- Yokohama Official Visitors’ Guide: https://www.welcome.city.yokohama.jp/
Please check the official website for the latest information before you go.
Travel tips
- Best timing: Visit Chinatown in the late afternoon for snacks, then walk about 15 minutes along the waterfront to the Red Brick Warehouse as the lights come on.
- Avoid the busiest days: Weekends in December and Christmas Eve are very crowded. Weekday evenings in late November are calmer.
- Dress warmly: The harbor is windy at night, and it can feel colder than Tokyo. Bring gloves and a scarf.
- Eat-and-walk manners: In Chinatown, some shops ask you to eat in front of the stand instead of while walking. Look for signs, and take your trash with you or use the shop’s bin.
- Cash and cards: Many stalls accept cards and IC transit cards, but having some cash is helpful for small street-food stands.
Book your trip
- Getting there: JR East (trains in eastern Japan, including Tokyo): https://www.jreast.co.jp/multi/en/
- Plan your trip: Japan National Tourism Organization: https://www.japan.travel/en/
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