OKINAWA
Photos by Miyuki and Takahiro Takiguchi

Photos by Miyuki and Takahiro Takiguchi ()

Whether you’re working from home, sheltering in place or just staying home, if you’re like us, you’re probably dreaming of open skies, sandy beaches, tall mountains, or perfect powdery slopes. Our travel plans may be on hold, but that doesn’t mean we can’t dream up where we’ll go next.

Welcome to virtual vacation video series where we can explore destinations from the comfort of our homes.

Join us as we take a short virtual journey to Yokohama.

The great thing about this destination is that it is located only a short 20-minute train ride from Tokyo and within an hour drive or train-ride from most of U.S. military installations in the Kanto Plain.

Yokohama is one of Japan’s largest port cities blessed with scenic landscapes and beautiful architecture in an open, relaxing atmosphere, which makes it a great getaway.

Here are a few of the best attractions this port city has to offer. Sea Bass connects these attractions while you enjoy the cityscape and view of the entire harbor in a comfortable and fun ride:

  • Yamashita Park – This large Western-style park is where you can take a panoramic view of Yokohama Bay with Bay Bridge. Stop in and check out the memorial ship “Hikawamaru” berthed at the park. Within a short walk, you’ll find Japan’s largest Chinatown filled with restaurants, cafés, grocery stores and souvenir shops housed with traditional Chinese facades.

  • Minatomirai District – This is a seaside urban area packed with many skyscrapers, such as Landmark Tower, and shopping like Queen’s Square and many amusement facilities and museums. Drop by the Cup Noodle Museum to make your own cup noodle where you can choose the toppings and soup base after decorating the cup yourself. At Oosanbashi, a large wooden pier, overlooks the entire district and the Red Brick House is a stylish place to try some great food and browse its trendy shops.

  • Around Yokohama Station – Make sure to make time for Yokohama Station’s east exit where there are many restaurant and entertainment options. Here you’ll find the Nissan Global Headquarters Gallery where the carmaker displays its latest models and technology in a sleek showroom. AsoBuild nearby is an entertainment building offering various hands-on attractions and the latest projection-mapping technologies. In Bay Quarter, grab a bite to eat at one of its countless restaurants.

While you're there, don't forget to sample “xiao long bao” or steamed soup dumplings in Chinatown. The delicious meat and crisp bun pair well with Chinese Chintao Beer you’ll find around every corner in this area.

I hope you enjoyed a look at the enchanting harbor city of Yokohama through my travel photos and that it's inspired your next trip. Stay safe and get ready to travel with us in our next video. Thanks for watching!

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