Yokohama is Japan’s second-largest city and is just 28 minutes from Tokyo by the JR Tokaido Line. It has one of Japan’s finest Chinatowns, a beautiful waterfront district, and a distinctly different character from Tokyo. Here is how to get there and what to do when you arrive.
Quick Answer: JR Tokaido Line from Shinagawa to Yokohama: 28 minutes, 480 yen. The fastest and most direct option from central Tokyo. Alternatively, the Tokyu Toyoko Line from Shibuya to Yokohama (Yokohama Station) takes 25 minutes and costs 280 yen, covered by a Suica card.
Train Options from Tokyo to Yokohama
JR Tokaido Line (recommended)
From Shinagawa Station (which connects from central Tokyo via JR Yamanote Line), the JR Tokaido Line rapid reaches Yokohama Station in approximately 28 minutes—covered by the JR Pass guide. Pay 480 yen with a Suica card or a guide card if not using the pass.
Tokyu Toyoko Line
From Shibuya (see the Shibuya guide) to Yokohama (Yokohama Station) in approximately 25 minutes. Costs approximately 280 yen. No JR Pass. Convenient if you are starting from Shibuya or Daikanyama.
JR Negishi Line
From Sakuragicho or Kannai Stations (the Yokohama tourist center), directly from Tokyo Station via the JR Keihin-Tohoku Line. About 38 minutes from Tokyo Station to Sakuragicho. 550 yen. Useful if heading directly to Minato Mirai rather than Yokohama Station.
Shinkansen
The Kodama Shinkansen stops at Shin-Yokohama Station, but this is west of the city center and not practical for sightseeing. The regular JR lines are faster and far more convenient. See the Shinkansen guide for Shinkansen booking.
Cost
JR Tokaido Line: 480 yen with Suica. Covered by JR Pass.
Tokyu Toyoko Line: 280 yen. Not covered by JR Pass.
JR Keihin-Tohoku to Sakuragicho: 550 yen. Covered by JR Pass.
Travel Time
Tokyo to Yokohama Station: 25-30 minutes. Tokyo to the Yokohama Minato Mirai tourist area: 35 to 45 minutes, depending on the starting point.
What to Do in Yokohama
Chinatown (Chukagai)
Japan’s largest Chinatown was established in the 1860s. The Kantei-byo Temple and the main Chukagai-dori street are lined with Chinese restaurants and food stalls. Best at lunch for the dim sum and steamed bun stalls.
Minato Mirai 21
Yokohama’s waterfront district with the Landmark Tower (Japan’s tallest building for over a decade), the Sky Garden observation deck, the Cosmo Clock 21 Ferris wheel, and the Red Brick Warehouse (Akarenga). An excellent evening location for harbour views.
Yamashita Park and Marine Tower
Waterfront park along the harbour with views of visiting ships. The Marine Tower observation deck offers a 360-degree view of Yokohama and, on clear days, Mount Fuji.
Sankeien Garden
A traditional Japanese landscape garden in Honmoku, 20 minutes from Yokohama Station by bus. Contains 17 historical buildings relocated from around Japan. Outstanding in cherry blossom season (see Japan cherry blossom guide) and autumn foliage (see Japan autumn foliage guide).
How Long to Spend in Yokohama
Yokohama makes an excellent half-day or full-day trip from Tokyo. Half-day: Chinatown for lunch and Minato Mirai for the afternoon. Full day: add Sankeien Garden and Yamashita Park. For other Tokyo day trip options, see the Tokyo day trips. For the broader Tokyo itinerary context, see the Tokyo 5-day itinerary or the Tokyo in 3 days itinerary.
Nearby Guides
- Yokohama guide
- Tokyo day trips
- Mount Fuji guide
- Kamakura guide
- Tokyo to Kamakura guide
- Tokyo 5-day itinerary
- JR Pass guide
FAQ
Is Yokohama worth visiting from Tokyo?
Yes. The 28-minute train from Shinagawa makes Yokohama one of the easiest Tokyo day trips. The Chinatown and Minato Mirai waterfront are genuinely impressive and feel very different from the Tokyo experience. See the full Yokohama guide for the complete attractions list.
Can I combine Yokohama and Kamakura in one day?
Yes, easily. Yokohama and Kamakura are on the same JR Yokosuka Line from Yokohama Station. Yokohama in the morning, Kamakura in the afternoon. The Kamakura guide covers what to see, and the Tokyo to Kamakura guide covers the full Tokyo to Kamakura route.
Do I need a JR Pass for the trip from Tokyo to Yokohama?
No. The cost is only 480 yen with a Suica card. A JR Pass is not cost-effective for just this single journey. See the JR Pass guide to see whether the pass saves money on your full Japan itinerary, and the Suica card guide for the IC card.
