April 16, 2026

For years Yokohama’s Osanbashi cruise terminal has been the primary port for cruises calling on Tokyo. Ships reach it first and pay less for pilot services. And until recently Tokyo’s original cruise terminals were blocked by a bridge too low for today’s cruise ships to pass under. From the Yokohama pier, it takes about an hour by bus or train (with connections) to reach Tokyo’s tourist attractions. As we have visited Tokyo before, we decided to spend the day in Yokohama.

The passenger ship terminal is conveniently located near parks, shopping and the world’s biggest Chinatown outside of China. After getting a map and directions from the friendly visitor’s information booth in the terminal, we walked a little more than a mile to a park alongside the bay.

We spent a wonderful morning at the Sankeien Garden in Yokohama. This 43-acre garden features 17 temples and other historic structures that were gathered from throughout Japan.

Much of it encircles a large pond, with a three-story pagoda built in 1457 sitting atop a hill. It offered several outstanding views.

We watched as a couple in traditional garb posed for photographs on a scenic footbridge.

While wandering the paths through the garden, we thought it would be lovely to return here again – ideally in the spring when the cherry trees are blooming or later in the autumn for the wild chrysanthemums and fall foliage.

After our morning at Sankeien Garden we decided to find Yokohama’s Chinatown. As I shared, It is the largest Chinatown outside of China. We got there along with the lunch crowds forming lines to order stuffed buns and dumplings, fruit on a stick and fiery fried chicken, among other treats. The narrow street we chose to enter along were lined with restaurants. A couple of blocks later we came upon dozens of shops. It reminded us of Chinatowns in Chicago, San Francisco and New York, just much bigger and without seemingly anyone who spoke English.

Of course, Chongae was drawn to one lunch time specialty. You guessed it-dim sum. They say that Yokohama dim sum is the best in Japan.

Thanks for traveling with us.