Yokohama

Comprehensive Guide to Japanese Cuisine in Yokohama, Japan

Yokohama, Japan’s second-largest city, is a vibrant hub of culinary delights that blends traditional Japanese cuisine with international influences. Its proximity to Tokyo and its history as one of Japan’s first ports to open to foreign trade have shaped its unique food culture. Below is a detailed guide to exploring Japanese cuisine in Yokohama, including local specialties, dining etiquette, and tips for making the most of your culinary journey.

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1. Popular Dishes Specific to Yokohama

While Yokohama offers a wide range of Japanese dishes, the city is particularly known for the following specialties:

a. Sanma-men (サンマーメン)

• What it is: A local variation of ramen, Sanma-men features a light soy sauce-based broth topped with stir-fried vegetables and sometimes pork. Despite its name, it does not contain "sanma" (Pacific saury fish); the name is derived from the Chinese word "san" (散), meaning "scattered," referring to the scattered vegetables.
• Cultural Significance: This dish reflects Yokohama’s history as a port city with strong Chinese culinary influences.
• Where to Try:
  • Ramen Kiyoken (Price: ¥800–¥1,200)
  • Heichinrou Yokohama (Price: ¥1,000–¥1,500)

b. Shumai (焼売)

• What it is: A type of steamed dumpling filled with pork or seafood, shumai is a staple in Yokohama’s Chinatown and is often served as a side dish or snack.
• Cultural Significance: Shumai is a nod to Yokohama’s Chinatown, the largest in Japan, and its rich Chinese heritage.
• Where to Try:
  • Kiyoken (Famous for their shumai bento boxes; Price: ¥500–¥1,000)
  • Manchinro Honten (Price: ¥1,000–¥2,000)

c. Gyunabe (牛鍋)

• What it is: A predecessor to sukiyaki, gyunabe is a hot pot dish made with beef, vegetables, and a soy-based broth. It became popular in Yokohama during the Meiji era when beef consumption was introduced to Japan.
• Cultural Significance: Gyunabe represents the Western influence on Japanese cuisine during the late 19th century.
• Where to Try:
  • Araiya (Established in 1895; Price: ¥3,000–¥6,000)

d. Yokohama-style Napolitan (ナポリタン)

• What it is: A Japanese take on spaghetti, Napolitan is made with ketchup-based sauce, onions, green peppers, and sausage. It was invented in Yokohama after World War II.
• Cultural Significance: This dish showcases Yokohama’s Western influences and its role as a gateway for foreign cuisines.
• Where to Try:
  • Hotel New Grand (The birthplace of Napolitan; Price: ¥1,500–¥2,500)

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2. Notable Food Markets and Dining Areas

a. Yokohama Chinatown (横浜中華街)

• Overview: The largest Chinatown in Japan, this area is packed with restaurants, food stalls, and shops offering Chinese and Japanese-Chinese fusion dishes.
• Must-Try Foods: Shumai, Peking duck, steamed buns, and dim sum.
• Tips: Visit during the day for street food or in the evening for a sit-down meal. Be prepared for crowds on weekends.

b. Minato Mirai Area

• Overview: A modern waterfront district with upscale restaurants and casual eateries offering stunning views of Yokohama Bay.
• Must-Try Foods: Sushi, sashimi, and Kaiseki (traditional multi-course Japanese meals).
• Recommended Spots:
  • Sushi Kappo Noguchi (Price: ¥5,000–¥10,000)
  • Kaiseki Takemura (Price: ¥8,000–¥15,000)

c. Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse (横浜赤レンガ倉庫)

• Overview: A historic building turned into a cultural and dining complex. It offers a mix of Japanese and international cuisines.
• Must-Try Foods: Seasonal Japanese desserts and craft beer from local breweries.

d. Isezaki-cho Shopping Street (伊勢佐木町商店街)

• Overview: A bustling shopping street with affordable eateries and izakayas (Japanese pubs).
• Must-Try Foods: Yakitori (grilled chicken skewers), takoyaki (octopus balls), and tempura.

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3. Dining Etiquette in Yokohama

To fully enjoy your dining experience in Yokohama, it’s important to follow Japanese dining etiquette:

• Chopstick Use: Avoid sticking chopsticks upright in rice, as it resembles a funeral ritual. Use the provided chopstick rest when not eating.
• Slurping: It’s polite to slurp noodles like ramen or soba—it shows appreciation for the food.
• Tipping: Tipping is not customary in Japan. Excellent service is expected and included in the price.
• Reservations: For high-end restaurants, reservations are often required. Punctuality is highly valued.
• Payment: Many restaurants accept cash only, so carry yen. Credit cards are more common in upscale establishments.

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4. Recommended Restaurants in Yokohama

a. Heichinrou (聘珍樓)

• Cuisine: Chinese-Japanese fusion
• Location: Yokohama Chinatown
• Price: ¥2,000–¥5,000
• Why Visit: One of the oldest Chinese restaurants in Japan, known for its authentic flavors and elegant atmosphere.

b. Araiya (荒井屋)

• Cuisine: Gyunabe (beef hot pot)
• Location: Near Yokohama Station
• Price: ¥3,000–¥6,000
• Why Visit: A historic restaurant offering a taste of Yokohama’s Meiji-era cuisine.

c. Sushi Daiwa (寿司大和)

• Cuisine: Sushi
• Location: Minato Mirai
• Price: ¥3,000–¥8,000
• Why Visit: Fresh, high-quality sushi with a view of Yokohama Bay.

d. Kiyoken (崎陽軒)

• Cuisine: Shumai and bento boxes
• Location: Multiple locations, including Yokohama Station
• Price: ¥500–¥1,500
• Why Visit: Famous for its shumai and convenient bento boxes, perfect for travelers.

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5. Local Tips for Enjoying Japanese Cuisine in Yokohama

• Timing: Lunch menus (ランチメニュー) are often more affordable than dinner, with set meals (teishoku) offering great value.
• Seasonal Ingredients: Japanese cuisine emphasizes seasonality. Look for dishes featuring seasonal fish, vegetables, and fruits.
• Language Barrier: While many restaurants in tourist areas have English menus, smaller establishments may not. Learning a few basic Japanese phrases or using a translation app can be helpful.
• Street Food: Don’t miss the street food in Chinatown and at food festivals. Popular items include nikuman (steamed pork buns) and gyoza (dumplings).

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6. Conclusion

Yokohama’s culinary scene is a delightful mix of traditional Japanese dishes, Chinese influences, and Western-inspired creations. From the historic gyunabe to the modern Yokohama-style Napolitan, the city offers something for every palate. Whether you’re exploring the bustling streets of Chinatown, enjoying waterfront dining in Minato Mirai, or savoring a bowl of Sanma-men at a local ramen shop, Yokohama promises a memorable food journey. Follow local dining etiquette, embrace the seasonal flavors, and don’t hesitate to try something new—you’re in for a treat!