In a country known for its samurais, temples, and old post towns, there exists a hidden world that goes under the radar by many travellers. The Yokohama Chinatown is a vibrant mix of colours and aesthetics that appear like 1950s shanghai with a culinary delight for all Asian food lovers.
One of the biggest Chinatown in the world, the Yokohama Chukagai (local name for the place) is a place where history mingles with modern life in harmony. As you wander through the narrow streets, you’ll find yourself surrounded by an array of shops selling everything from popular jade ornaments and sculptures to traditional Chinese herbal remedies.
Whether you’re visiting for the food, the culture, or simply to explore a unique side of Japan, Chinatown promises an unforgettable adventure that captivates the senses and warms the soul.
Chinatown’s gates also connects to various other tourist spots in Yokohama making it a perfect place to start and transition to other spots. Yokohama has always been a hotspot for pop culture being featured in anime like Bungou Stray Dogs and the action-filled urban fantasy novel Daybreak.
So, make sure you wear your stylish clothes and comfy walking shoes because this city will have you exploring its every corner.
Significance
Just like how Japan and Yokohama itself is a pot of history with each placing have its own interesting story, the Yokohama Chinatown has one too.
Yokohama was the first city in Japan to open its waters to foreign trade in 1859. And when it did, it became the residence for Chinese traders who settled down in the city.
Soon after, merchants and restaurant owners also established themselves in Yokohama. During that time, foreigners were given specific areas such as the Harbour View Park for the English and the close-by France Yama for the French.
Yokohama Chinatown became known as the Chinese established their own temples, residences, shops etc within the area. With the establishment of diplomatic relations with China in 1972, Yokohama’s Chinatown has grown to be one of the city’s major sightseeing attractions today.
The Five Gates
Five main beautifully ornate Chinese gates signal entry to Chinatown. Four of them are from the four directions while the fifth gate is the main popular symbol of Chinatown.
There are a total of ten gates throughout Chinatown (some of which you might come across as you walk through the streets), but it’s these five gates that stand out for its architecture and beauty and welcomes travelers that passes underneath it.
Choyomon
Known as the east gate, Choyomon, displays a vibrant blue color and earns its name as the “Sunrise Gate”. Choyomon has its color due to its guardian deity the Blue Dragon of the East known as Seiryu in Japanese. Designed with feng shui principles, it wards off negative energies from the north, creating a safe and harmonious space for the area.
Choyomon gate is located close to Yamashita Park so if you plan to take a stroll near the Yokohama Bay, then exiting or entering through this gate will be your easiest route.
Suzakumon
Named after Suzaku, the red-colored Phoenix of the South, this gate stands in the southern part of Chinatown, adorned with the red, golden, and blue hues of the mythical bird. A painting of the Suzaku is found on the head of the gate.
The gate leads into the Motomachi Shopping street – one of the famous and old streets of Yokohama where merchants sold their items.
If you are hopping to go shopping or take a leisure stroll through Yokohama’s famous street, head to Suzakumon gate to make your way through.
Enpeimon
The Enpeimon gate, also known as the Byakko Gate, marks the western boundary of Chinatown. Representing the White Tiger of the West in Chinese mythology, this gate symbolizes courage and strength. Its bold design and rich cultural significance celebrate the resilience and determination of the Chinatown community.
Its placement and ornate design safeguard Chinatown while marking a vibrant entry point for visitors coming from Ishikawacho Station, making this the first gate that signals entry into the area.
Genbumon
In Chinese mythology, Genbu is the Black Tortoise of the North, often depicted entwined with a snake. This deity symbolizes protection, longevity, and stability. As the guardian of the northern direction, Genbu is associated with winter and is believed to bestow long life and prosperity upon descendants or perhaps the people who pass underneath it.
This north gate showcases traditional Chinese architectural motifs, including intricate carvings and symbolic decorations that honor Genbu. The use of specific colors and designs reflects the cultural significance attributed to the northern guardian.
Genbu-mon faces Yokohama Park and Yokohama Stadium. Visitors approaching Chinatown from Kannai Station will pass under this gate as the entrance to the vibrant district.
Zenrimon Gate
This main gate is the most ornate and significant one that holds more symbolism than all other gates in Chinatown. The Zenrimon gate is unlike the other gates and is not aligned with any specific direction. It serves as a welcoming symbol of peace, friendship, and cultural harmony between China and Japan.
Located near the western entrance to the Chinatown district, Zenrimon was constructed in 1955 as a gesture of goodwill following the rebuilding of the area after World War II.
Its name, which translates to “Gate of Good Neighborliness,” reflects the gate’s purpose of fostering positive relations between the Chinese community and the broader Japanese population.
As visitors pass through Zenrimon, they are reminded of Chinatown’s mission to serve as a bridge between different communities, offering an inviting atmosphere that celebrates diversity, cultural exchange, and the shared values of peace and friendship.
The gate, with all its beauty and meaning, became even more popular after it got featured in the popular Bungou Stray Dogs anime along with other locations in Yokohama.
The Streets
Image: Lanterns hung on some of the streets in Chinatown in Yokohama Photo Credit: Ameena Navab
Walking through the streets of Yokohama’s Chinatown is of course its most definitive experience that fills your visual senses and cultural experience. You can see reminisce of the early Chinese settlements as well as restaurants that dates back to the 1950s.
The most popular and significant street is the Ichibadori Street. The street is an essential part of the area’s cultural landscape. It is where visitors can experience the lively, festive energy of Chinatown, especially during important cultural celebrations such as Chinese New Year and the Mid-Autumn Festival. Parades, dragon dances, and other performances are often held along Ichibadori Street, attracting crowds from all over the city.
Kanteibyo Temple (Kuan Ti Miao Temple)
Built in 1859, the Kanteibyo Temple is the most significant and iconic landmarks in Yokohama Chinatown. Dedicated to the Chinese god of wealth and protection, Guan Yu, the temple is an elaborate and grand representation of original Chinese temples.
Many of its components and craftsman are originally from China itself. The dragon marble slabs that flank the entry ways came from Beijing while the colorful dragon cornices that adorn the tops of the temple gates and roofs where crafted in Taiwan and carefully shipped to Yokohama.
The inside of the temple is an awe-worthy decor with colors of gold and red stunning the place. Motifs and art of Chinese folklore decorate the walls and roofs of the temple reflecting dragons, phoenixes and many other heavenly deities of Chinese mythology.
Inside the temple, you’ll find the statue of the Jade Emperor, the monarch of all deities in Chinese mythology, dressed in regal clothing. The soaring ceiling of Kuan Ti Miao directs worshippers’ gaze upward, linking them to the Heavens where the Jade Emperor resides.
Chinese Cuisine and Street Food
If you’re a fan of Chinese food and would love to munch on some delicious, quality Chinese cuisine, then Chinatown will be your foodie heaven. From steaming hot bao buns, dumplings, kebab sticks to mouth-watering pecking duck, soups and desserts, this place is packed with all kinds of street foods and cuisines.
Instead of sticking to restaurants, walk around and try out all kinds of delicious dishes your stomach calls forth! The street food is authentic and made with Japan-level quality to satisfy your taste buds.
To make the most out of your culinary experience, we recommend booking this food and walking tour so you can munch on the best dishes this place is known for.
Gorgeous Souvenir Shops
The shops in Chinatown offer a stunning array of unique souvenirs, each showcasing the vibrant charm and cultural richness of the area. As you wander through the lively streets, the intricate designs and bright colors of the goods draw you in—from ceramic figurines and silk fans to decorative lanterns.
The stores brim with porcelain vases, jade jewelry, and hand-crafted treasures, making them perfect for finding something truly special. Whether you seek tea sets, medicinal herbs, calligraphy scrolls, or miniature dragons, the variety ensures you’ll discover something unique.
The shops also feature Chinese sweets, incense, and embroidered silk scarves, each with its own cultural significance. With so many options, you’ll easily find a meaningful keepsake or a beautiful item that captures the spirit of Chinatown.
Chinese New Year
As if Yokohama’s Chinatown wasn’t spectacular already, the entire area comes to life with a leveled-up vibrance during its Chinese New Year.
Occurring around late January to early February, you will see traditional lion and dragon dances, where performers skillfully maneuver large, colorful lion and dragon costumes through the streets, bringing luck and driving away evil spirits.
The rhythm of the drums and gongs fills the air, adding an exhilarating energy to the festivities. Local temples, including the Kanteibyo Temple, hold special prayers and ceremonies to honor deities and seek blessings for a prosperous year.
During the Lunar New Year, people hold a countdown and continue the festivities for another 15 days, ending with a gorgeous lantern festival. The entire area becomes a vibrant hub of culture, music, and cuisine, making it one of the most memorable places to experience Chinese New Year in Japan.
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