Yokohama Chinatown 横浜中華街

Yokohama Chinatown district is Japan's largest. The approximately 500-square-meter area has 500 or so Chinese shops and restaurants to explore, so bring your appetite and leave plenty of time for your visit.

Both stations are under 10 minutes away from Yokohama Station, and less than an hour from downtown Tokyo.

JR Rail Pass holders may want to use Ishikawacho Station on the JR Negishi Line.

Yokohama Chinatown's story goes back to 1859 when Yokohama's seaport opened and attracted Chinese merchants who settled here and built up their own community.

Many of the district's ethnic Chinese residents come from the southern province of Guangzhou; now, however, Yokohama Chinatown has more stores and shops that residences.

There are many reasons to make the trip to Yokohama Chinatown, but the most common draw is the food. Pick up a steamed bun or other small bite to eat and take it away as you stroll along taking in the district's ornate architecture.

If you're hungry for something more substantial, check out the profusion of restaurants. Menus and food samples at many restaurants let you know what to expect before going inside, and you may find yourself pleasantly bewildered by the dizzying array of Chinese cuisine to choose from.

Some restaurants have tweaked their dishes to cater to the Japanese palate, but you can still enjoy authentic Chinese food.

You may not have the time to taste all of Yokohama Chinatown's savory food in a short time, but you sure can try. If that fails, you can take some home from one of several shops selling products imported directly from China, including preserved food, herbs, and alcohol. Clothing, ornaments, panda-themed souvenirs, and so much more are available here too.

One shop, Torikama Shoten, keeps poultry on-hand so restaurants and hotels can get their deliveries fresh. Stop by for a behind-the-scenes peek into the world of Chinatown's cuisine. The store is on the north side of the street running parallel to Chukagai-odori, the main avenue.

Several fortune tellers have stores throughout the area, though it might be challenging to find one who speaks English.

For a bit of relaxation, stop in for a traditional Chinese massage. Your feet may love it after all that walking around Chinatown. You can also try an acupuncture or moxibustion treatment.

The Zenrinmon Gate on the western side is the district's most recognizable symbol. You can enter the pedestrian-friendly main street from there.

Kids in need of a fun break may enjoy the Yokohama Omoshiro Aquarium, where peculiar sea creatures are on display in creative exhibits resembling a Chinese kindergarten. There's even an indoor playground with fish tanks built into the slide and jungle gym.

Yokohama Chinatown's restaurants and shops are amazing any time, but if your timing is right, don't miss the Chinese New Year festivities in early February. Lion dances, dragon dances, and exuberant and colorful parades all add to the atmosphere.