Day Trip to Yokohama – Bayside Fun and Instant Noodles
If Tokyo had a younger, trendier sibling with a sea breeze and a flair for fun, it would be Yokohama. Just under an hour from central Tokyo, this stylish port city offers a perfect blend of modern attractions, global culture, and family-friendly charm. With its open skies, waterfront promenades, and quirky museums, Yokohama makes for an easy and exciting escape from the city’s hustle. It’s vibrant but not overwhelming, polished yet playful—and always ready for a good photo op.
Yokohama is also packed with things kids will absolutely love. The Cup Noodles Museum is a hands-on favorite, letting children design their own ramen cups and learn the story of instant noodles in an engaging, interactive space. Right next door is Cosmo World, a small amusement park featuring kid-friendly rides, carnival games, and a giant Ferris wheel. The wide walking areas around Yamashita Park and the waterfront are perfect for strollers, scooters, or a relaxing family picnic. And if you’ve got toddlers in tow, the Anpanman Museum is practically a rite of passage in Japan. Add in endless food options, an internationally flavored Chinatown, and stroller-friendly paths, and you’ve got a destination that’s as enjoyable for parents as it is exciting for little explorers.
Getting There
From Shinjuku Station: Take the JR Shonan-Shinjuku Line or Yokosuka Line (about 40 mins, ¥470).
From Shibuya Station: Take the Tokyu Toyoko Line (about 35 mins, ¥270).
Places to Visit
- Cup Noodles Museum – A hands-on museum where you can design your own cup noodle and learn the fascinating story of instant ramen. Kids love customizing their own flavor combinations!
- Yokohama Cosmo World – A seaside amusement park featuring a giant Ferris wheel, kiddie rides, and arcade games. No entrance fee—just pay per ride.
- Yokohama Chinatown – The biggest Chinatown in Japan, buzzing with colorful gates, traditional shops, and mouth-watering street food. Don’t miss the pork buns and sesame balls!
- Yamashita Park – A peaceful seaside park with fountains, flower gardens, and the historic Hikawa Maru ship. Great for a stroll or picnic with a bay view.
- Yokohama Air Cabin – Japan’s first urban gondola lift, offering a quick and scenic ride between Sakuragicho and the waterfront area.
Places to Eat
- Manchinro – A dim sum institution in Chinatown with classy interiors and an English-friendly menu.
- Bills Yokohama – Famous for fluffy ricotta pancakes and relaxed beach vibes right inside the Red Brick Warehouse.
- World Porters Food Court – Ideal for families with mixed tastes—everything from Japanese curry to tacos under one roof.
- Anpanman Museum Café – Cute café with themed meals that bring the Anpanman universe to life. A hit with toddlers and their grown-up fans.
Sample Itinerary
10:00 AM – Kick off with a trip to the Cup Noodles Museum.
11:30 AM – Try rides at Cosmo World.
1:00 PM – Refuel with lunch at Bills or World Porters.
2:30 PM – Stroll through Chinatown.
4:00 PM – Enjoy the view from Yamashita Park or hop on the Air Cabin.
Whether you're chasing temples, pirate ships, sakura-covered hills, or a steaming bowl of ramen by the sea, these day trips from Tokyo are packed with adventure, culture, and plenty of photo ops. They're all easy to access from central Tokyo—and even easier to enjoy when you have a comfy base to come home to. At Tokyo Family Stays, our spacious, fully equipped homes are perfect for families, couples, or groups looking for convenience, comfort, and local charm and are perfect home bases to take short trips to Nikko, Kawagoe Chichibu, Hakone or others - , there's no shortage of great escapes. Whether it’s a first-time visit or your fifteenth, Tokyo and its surroundings always have something new to discover—and we’d love to host you while you explore.