Located just south of Tokyo, the Yokohama cruise port is Japan’s premier gateway for cruises around Japan and other Asian destinations. The Osanbashi Pier, a significant part of Yokohama’s history, has been operating as a port since 1894.
As Japan’s first modern international trading port, Yokohama has welcomed visitors for over 160 years. Its location makes it an ideal alternative to the busier city of Tokyo for those who prefer a relaxed pace.
We found the terminal at Osanbashi Pier particularly noteworthy for its impressive architecture, grass roof, and popular walking path.
Where Is The Yokohama Cruise Port
Yokohama Cruise Port, nestled in Tokyo Bay, is a mere 28 km south of Tokyo City. It is the dominant port for cruise vessels visiting Japan. Its strategic location provides handy access to both Yokohama and Tokyo.
Staying In Tokyo Vs. Yokohama For A Pre-Cruise Stay
We recommend considering both Tokyo and Yokohama for a pre-cruise stay. Tokyo offers world-famous attractions and a bustling metropolis experience. Yokohama, however, provides a more relaxed atmosphere with closer proximity to the cruise port.
Traveling by train between Tokyo and Yokohama takes around 30 minutes, making it easy to explore both cities. One of Yokohama’s benefits is the shorter transfer time to the port, and we managed to save more than 50% on accommodation costs compared to staying in Tokyo.
For cruise passengers, Yokohama offers waterfront attractions like Minato Mirai 21 and Yokohama Cosmo World. Tokyo’s highlights include the Imperial Palace, Senso-ji Temple, and vibrant neighborhoods like Shibuya.
We suggest splitting your time between both cities. To enjoy both destinations, we spent two nights in Yokohama before and four nights in Tokyo after our cruise on the Celebrity Millennium. This allowed us to experience Tokyo’s electric energy while enjoying a stress-free embarkation from Yokohama.
Ways To Access The Cruise Port
Yokohama Cruise Port provides multiple transportation options for travelers. We’ll guide you through the routes from Tokyo and Narita Airport. Choose from train and bus connections to ensure you reach your ship smoothly.
Getting There From Tokyo
From central Tokyo, the quickest way to reach Yokohama cruise port is by train. We recommend taking the Toyoko Line from Shibuya to Nihon-Odori station, which takes about 29 minutes. It’s an 8-minute walk to Osanbashi Pier, where ships dock.
Those departing from Shinjuku should take the JR train to Yokohama Station. This journey takes 29 minutes. From Yokohama Station, a short taxi ride will get you to the cruise terminal.
Narita Airport To Yokohama
While Tokyo has two airports, Haneda and Narita, most international visitors fly into the latter. Haneda is closer to the cruise port but offers fewer options for international travelers. Travelers arriving at Narita Airport have several options for reaching the Yokohama Cruise Port.
The Narita Express train is a convenient choice. It takes approximately 90 minutes to reach Yokohama Station. From there, take the Minatomirai Line to Nihon-Odori Station and walk to Osanbashi Pier.
Please note that rail travel discourages bringing large luggage during peak hours. For a fee, luggage drop-off services are available at the airport to deliver to Tokyo and Yokohama hotels.
Bus service is an excellent alternative to rail. Buses run frequently from Narita to the Yokohama City Air Terminal (YCAT), and the journey takes 1-1/2 hours.
We chose this option on the Keisei Bus because our luggage could accompany us, and we could forego the delivery fee. Advanced tickets are not required and we purchased tickets right after luggage pickup.
The tickets were inexpensive, the bus comfortable, and included complimentary Wi-Fi. Buses, like trains, are reliable and run on time.
Celebrity Cruises, who we cruised with, offered transfers at USD 75.95 pp from Narita and USD 50.95 pp from Haneda. However, these were more than double what we paid for the Keisei Bus.
Those staying in Tokyo pre-cruise could get a cruise transfer between Narita and Tokyo City for USD 61 pp.
Cruises To And From Yokohama
Yokohama is a popular departure point for cruises exploring Japan and other Asian destinations. We explore the diverse itineraries available to and from this bustling port city.
Japan Itineraries
Many cruises departing Yokohama focus on exploring Japan’s coastal cities. These voyages typically last 7-14 days and visit iconic destinations like Shimizu, Osaka, and Hiroshima. Some include a port day in South Korea. Docking in Hiroshima and Nagasaki provide a rich history connected to the A-bomb.
Other ports offer a chance to explore temples and shrines, savor a classic tea ceremony, and enjoy the majestic views of Mount Fuji (when docked in the port day in Shimizu). Many ports feature UNESCO World Heritage Sites, which we explored during our stops.
Some itineraries include stops at lesser-known ports, offering a deeper look into Japanese culture and history. Others may consist of an overnight stay in Osaka, providing an opportunity to stay a night in Kyoto or Osaka to extend the land experience.
The benefit of a roundtrip Japan cruise is skipping immigration at the Yokohama cruise terminal. Our embarkation was fast, going from curb to ship in ten minutes. I think that was an all-time record!
One-Way Voyages
Yokohama also serves as a starting or ending point for longer, one-way cruises across Asia and beyond. These voyages can range from 14 to 34 days or more.
Popular routes include:
- Vancouver to Yokohama, crossing the Pacific Ocean at the end of the Alaska season.
- Yokohama to Singapore, exploring Southeast Asia.
- Yokohama to Sydney, visiting various Pacific islands.
These extended journeys often combine multiple countries, offering a comprehensive exploration of the region.
Some cruise lines, like Princess, offer regular departures between Japan and Singapore. The routes between Yokohama and Vancouver usually coincide with the beginning and end of Alaska cruise season as ships reposition to chase the sun.
Hotels Near The Yokohama Cruise Terminal
We’ve found several excellent accommodation options close to the Yokohama cruise terminal.
We suggest the Citadines Harbor Yokohama for travelers arriving by train. It is positioned next to the Nihon-Odori Station. We stayed there and loved its spacious rooms compared to most Japanese hotels and its location to the port.
I selected a room overlooking the harbor, offering views of our ship arriving in the wee hours on embarkation day. We liked that we could walk to the port on embarkation day.
Another excellent option is the Hyatt Regency Yokohama. It’s a 7-minute walk from the Yokohama Marine Tower and offers a fitness center, restaurant, and bar.
The InterContinental Yokohama is a top choice, although a little further away. It overlooks the bay and sits within close distance of Osanbashi Cruise Pier. This hotel provides a luxurious stay with lovely views.
These hotels provide a range of amenities to suit different preferences:
- Fitness centers.
- On-site restaurants.
- Bars.
- Self-serve laundry.
- Ocean or city views.
We advise booking early, especially during peak cruise seasons, to secure your preferred accommodation near the Yokohama terminal.
What To Do In Yokohama
We enjoyed Yokohama for its blend of modern attractions and historical sites. We felt safe exploring the city’s iconic landmarks and attractions day and night.
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Explore The Red Brick Warehouses
The Red Brick Warehouses are beautifully restored 20th-century buildings that now house trendy shops, cafes, and art galleries. Located near the port, they offer lovely views of the dock and waterfront.
We strolled through the complex to admire the architecture and soak in the atmosphere. We liked the use of iron gates and cobblestones, which added to the ambiance.
This area is particularly charming in the evening when the buildings are illuminated. Don’t miss the chance to browse unique local crafts and shop for authentic Japanese souvenirs.
Many great dining options offer breakfast, lunch, and dinner. When seeking breakfast, we found most restaurants didn’t open until 10 am. We opted to eat at Bills, which opened at 9 am and had a good menu, although pricey.
Ride The Clock 21 Observation Wheel
For breathtaking views of Yokohama and beyond, the Clock 21 Observation Wheel delivers. This giant Ferris wheel in Cosmosworld Park was constructed for the 1989 World Exposition.
We rode the Clock 21 Wheel and found it reasonably priced at 1000 Yen. Although the wheel can accommodate 400 passengers simultaneously, it wasn’t busy when we went and enjoyed a car to ourselves.
Each gondola is climate-controlled, keeping it comfortable during high humidity. The ride ascends 112 meters and lasts about 15 minutes, giving us ample time to snap photos and admire the views.
We rode during daylight hours. However, the wheel’s colorful illumination adds to the magical atmosphere after dark.
Cosmosworld Amusement Park’s attractions make it a must-visit when traveling with children. Popular characters there include Thomas the Tank, Pokemon, and Pikachu.
NYK Hikawa Maru
The NYK Hikawa Maru on the waterfront offers a unique glimpse into maritime history. This historic 1930 ocean liner served as a passenger and cargo vessel. It was instrumental in linking Japan to the global community.
Retired from service, the ship houses a museum with beautifully preserved interiors. Amongst the passenger cabins, browse exhibits documenting its history during wartime and the legacy of those who journeyed aboard.
As one of Yokohama’s notable attractions, the NYK Hikawa Maru Museum reflects on the broader global travel and trade narrative. Viewing it from the Millennium’s deck, its older design starkly contrasted with new cruise vessels.
Yokohama Chinatown
Yokohama’s Chinatown offers a vibrant cultural experience near the cruise port. One evening, we explored this bustling area and found it a great place to dine on Asian and other cuisines.
The district features colorful streets lined with Chinese-style buildings, shops, and restaurants. Visitors can try some of the best local cuisine in Yokohama at the numerous eateries.
Key areas to check out in Chinatown:
- Goodwill Gate: One of several decorative gates marking the district’s entrances.
- Street food stalls: Perfect for sampling local specialties.
- Souvenir shops for inexpensive gifts, teas, and traditional Chinese medicines.
- Kanteibyo (Kuan Ti Miao): An ornate Taoist temple.
We visited the Taoist temple (which is open until 7 pm). It’s complimentary to enter and enjoyed viewing its lovely architecture.
Depending on the time of day, we suggest trying traditional Chinese dishes like dim sum, steamed buns, and Peking duck. Many restaurants offer set menus for those wanting to taste a variety of flavors.
We ate at Nakshatra, a South and North Indian Restaurant. Like many businesses in the area, it only accepted cash.
Yokohama Marine Tower
Yokohama Tower, a modern observation tower, offers panoramic views of the city’s skyline. The Yokohama Marine Tower, standing at 106 meters, was constructed in 1961 and became a city symbol.
Its unique design and strategic location near the waterfront make it a popular destination. So, if you want to experience an aerial view of Yokohama, the tower is an excellent alternative to the Clock 21 Observation Wheel.
