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

1. Manchinro – A dim sum institution in Chinatown with classy interiors and an English-friendly menu.
2. Bills Yokohama – Famous for fluffy ricotta pancakes and relaxed beach vibes right inside the Red Brick Warehouse.
3. World Porters Food Court – Ideal for families with mixed tastes—everything from Japanese curry to tacos under one roof.
4. 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can you do a full-day trip to Yokohama from Tokyo with kids?

Absolutely! Yokohama is only about 30–40 minutes by train from central Tokyo, making it perfect for a family day out. With attractions like the Cup Noodles Museum, Cosmo World, the waterfront, and Chinatown, there’s plenty to keep kids and adults entertained without it feeling overwhelming.

2. Do I need to reserve tickets for the Cup Noodles Museum in Yokohama?

We recommend reserving in advance if you’d like to participate in the My CUPNOODLES Factory (where you design your own cup noodles) or the Chicken Ramen Factory workshops. General admission tickets can sometimes be bought on the day, but weekends and holidays get busy, so booking ahead is safest.

3. Is Cosmo World suitable for toddlers and young children?

Yes! While the famous Cosmo Clock 21 Ferris wheel is the star, Cosmo World has three different zones, including one with gentle rides, carousels, and fun games for little ones. It’s free to enter, and you only pay per ride, which makes it flexible for families.

4. What’s the best way to get around Yokohama with a stroller?

Totally doable to do with a stroller! Yokohama is very stroller-friendly. Wide sidewalks and waterfront promenades connect the main attractions around Minato Mirai, Yamashita Park, and Chinatown. Public transport (JR, Minato Mirai Line, buses) also accommodates strollers easily.

5. Are there English-speaking guides or signage at Yokohama’s main attractions?

Yes, most major attractions, including the Cup Noodles Museum, Landmark Tower, and Yokohama Air Cabin, have English signage. Some tours in Yokohama also cater to English speakers if you’d like a guided experience.

We recommend you check out some of our respected partners, Arigato Travel, Rakuten Travel Experiences, and Unseen Japan, close to when you are travelling.

6. Is the Yokohama Air Cabin wheelchair or stroller accessible?

Yes! The Air Cabin (ropeway from Sakuragicho to Unga Park) is designed to be accessible for both strollers and wheelchairs, making it an easy way to cross the waterfront while enjoying great views. You shouldn’t have any issues.

7. What’s the best time of day to visit Yokohama Chinatown to avoid crowds?

Early morning (around 10–11 am) or later in the evening (after 7 pm) are the calmest times. Midday can get very busy, especially on weekends, when locals and tourists flock for lunch.

8. Are pets allowed in Yamashita Park or on the Yokohama waterfront?

Yes, pets are welcome in Yamashita Park and along the waterfront promenades as long as they’re leashed. Many locals walk their dogs here, and it’s a pleasant area for families with pets.

👉 At Tokyo Family Stays, we often recommend Yokohama as an easy day trip with kids—it’s close, stroller-friendly, and full of fun attractions for all ages. From slurping noodles you’ve designed yourself to riding a giant Ferris wheel, it’s a city that combines big adventure with family comfort.