Relocating To Yokohama? – Destination Guide For Experts

Anyone moving to Yokohama should know what to expect when they get there. As the major city found to the south-southwest of Tokyo but still in the Greater Tokyo Area, you can expect to find some large corporations.

The history of the city is that of a port town from the late Edo period so there will be several foreign residents already there. Yokohama remains Japan’s second-biggest city so there will be plenty to do once you relocate there. 

In this guide, we will look at the livability of Yokohama, the city’s history, and its layout. We will also look at what you can expect from working in Yokohama and which districts you should look at to reside in.

The Livability Of Yokohama

Many Japanese cities are tinged with tradition and well-stocked with temples and odes to the past. However, Yokohama is comparatively new so you will not find those wooden houses, Shinto shrines, or Buddhist temples.

The city is exceptionally liveable and remains close enough to Tokyo, even as a municipality with a population greater than any of Japan’s capital city.

Yokohama remains the capital of the Kanagawa Prefecture on Tokyo Bay though it has outgrown its status as a fishing village.

Here you will find some amusement facilities and tourist attractions as well as plenty of malls and international schools. In terms of places to visit, there is Queen’s Square, Yokohama Bay, Yamashita Park.

Sankeien Garden, and the Landmark Tower. 

The History Of Yokohama

The real start for Yokohama to become the bustling city it is today was back in 1853. This is when Commodore Matthew Perry and his warships (known as Black Ships) forced Japan to finish its isolation and trade along with the west.

From then, the city of Yokohama (see also ‘Quality Of Life Within The City Of Yokohama, Japan‘) became the base for many Western traders with a fair amount of diplomats too.

A Chinese community grew as the trade increased and that remains the case with Yokohama having one of only two of Japan’s official Chinatowns, with the other one being in Nagasaki. 

The Layout Of Yokohama

Tokyo is only a 90-minute train ride away yet Yokohama is far removed from the capital city (see also ‘Which Is The Capital Of Japan, Kyoto Or Tokyo?’). To compare the two cities, it helps to look at the layout.

While Tokyo sprawls outward and can seem overwhelmingly big, Yokohama has a walkable and company city center. That’s right, while Tokyo can boast over 20 centers, there is just the one to consider in Yokohama.

With just one center to the city, you can quickly wander around and it is quite nice. There are bridges to connect shopping malls and a waterside promenade to enjoy.

The moving walkways also transport you to train stations alongside harbor views and over busy roads. Such a walkable center means that the city is great for a weekend getaway for those escaping the hustle and bustle of Tokyo. 

Working In Yokohama

While Yokohama may be great for the weekend, a lot of offices are busy during the week. That’s largely because the city is home to several large corporations.

Even if you do not work for one of them, you should be able to find a co-working space which is ideal for remote working. The co-working scene is making swift business as there are many small, local enterprises opening up.

If you do need a co-working space then you should find a better deal than one in Tokyo. There is WeWork Yokohama which is the city’s own branch of a chain of co-working spaces which includes kitchens.

Of course, you still get the private offices and rapid internet but the central location is convenient and there are some great views on offer.

Simply drop in, pay for the very affordable daily rate or take advantage of the monthly rates.

Then there is Bakatsudo in Minatomirai which is one of Yokohama’s malls. The workspace includes a communal kitchen, a yoga studio, and a bookshop. There is even a café for coffee and snacks when you need them. 

Finally, try G Innovation Hub Yokohama which is in the Kannai region. This is a more modern spot and should be spacious enough. You can still use the communal kitchen and attend a few events.

This is another co-working space that offers an affordable daily rate though you can go for the monthly rate if you want to create some roots. 

If coworking spots are not for you then you can simply use one of Yokohama’s many cafés. Sure, you will find the odd Starbucks but you should immerse yourself in the local culture.

That means popping into a Tully’s from time to time or some of the city’s independent cafés though not all of them have Wi-Fi.

If you do not want to buy a coffee then use some of the free publicly available Wi-Fi in the malls and new developments. 

Where To Live In Yokohama

The city of Yokohama remains reassuringly compact compared to Tokyo but it is still a big city. Surrounded by hills, the city has a bowl shape and you can expect a highly dense population.

There are 18 wards and the most popular look to be Yamate for its charm, Minatomirai for city living, and Hodogaya Ward for the park and range of places to live.

The likes of Isogo Ward has more of an industrial setting, Enkaizan is good for a hike, while Kohoku Ward is great for the entertainment facilities.

Final Thoughts

When you do take the decision to relocate to Yokohama, try to work out a budget for your monthly rent. Do bear in mind that locations closer to train stations will be more expensive so think of travel costs too.

Yokohama has several modern blocks though you can expect city living to be in a studio or two-bedroom apartment.

First things first, make sure you have a long-stay visa (see also ‘How Long Does The Visa Process Take In Japan?‘) such as a working holiday visa and a large amount of money saved up.

While the initial costs involved with renting an apartment may seem feasible, deposits, estate agent fees and ‘key money’ have to be factored in too.

You may even prefer to stay in an Airbnb first to get a feel for the city and work out which area you want to live in first. There are so many areas to choose from and your relocation can hugely depend on which one you choose.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Is Tokyo Linked To Yokohama On The Train?

If you did want to go from Tokyo to Yokohama, you need to use the JR Tōkaidō line, Yokosuka line, or the Keihin-Tohoku line which you can get from Ueno Station.

The train may only take 48 minutes to complete the journey. It certainly looks to be the quickest route from Tokyo Station to its equivalent major station in Yokohama. 

Which Food Dishes Is Yokohama Known For?

Each Japanese city has its own preferred dishes and even its own cuisine. Yokohama is no different and you can expect to find a Beef Hotpot known as gyunabe.

There is also a house-style ramen called iekei ramen and mooncakes that go by the name of geppei. Their steamed Chinese dumplings are called shumai, soup dumplings are called xiaolongbao while there is also Edomae sushi to try.