If you’re planning a trip to Chinatown, don’t expect to find anything groundbreaking as a tourist attraction. It’s more of a place to check off your bucket list and indulge in some delicious food.
Now, the food scene here is absolutely fantastic! You’ll find a wide variety of cuisines to suit every taste bud. But, I must admit, I noticed that many shops and restaurants offer similar dishes. So, if you’re looking for something truly unique, you might want to explore a bit further.
A Stroll Through the Bustling Walking Street
Walking through this lively street is like stepping into a festival that never ends. It’s packed with people soaking in the vibrant energy, and the sheer number of restaurants and snack stalls makes it feel like a food lover’s paradise. The crowd is part of the charm, so patience is key—long queues are the norm here. But the fun part? Watching other people enjoy their food as you eagerly wait your turn, knowing your treat is coming soon!
With so many choices, you’ll want to strategize a bit. Not every spot lives up to its picture-perfect displays. Some places will draw you in with tempting food photos, but the taste might not match the hype—cold dishes and underwhelming flavors can be a letdown. Unfortunately, the restaurant I tried didn’t have an English name, so I can’t recommend it specifically, but let’s just say it was hit-or-miss.
What truly stole the show for me, though, were the adorable dogs! They added a delightful touch to the lively atmosphere, making the experience even more enjoyable. If you’re visiting, bring your appetite, your patience, and maybe a mental checklist of which spots to try. You’ll have a memorable time soaking in the sights, sounds, and tastes of this bustling street.
We decided to spend the afternoon wandering through Yokohama’s Chinatown, mostly because I’d heard it was one of the biggest in the world and people kept mentioning the dumplings. The entrance was super photogenic, and there’s definitely a fun energy as soon as you step in. Bright signs, food smells hitting you from all directions, and so many people weaving between stalls and storefronts. It felt like a street festival that just never ends.
I was really looking forward to grabbing dumplings from one of the busier shops — figured that would be a safe bet. But honestly, they were pretty disappointing. The meat filling barely tasted like meat, and I actually found myself wondering if there was any inside at all. The bottom of the dumpling was burnt, not crispy in a good way, and the dough was thick and chewy. I still ate a few out of hunger, but it wasn’t what I’d call enjoyable. Maybe I just picked the wrong place, but with all the hype, I expected better.
That said, it was still a cool spot to explore. The temples tucked between food stands were unexpected and gorgeous, and the mix of old-school shops and over-the-top touristy ones made for a fun contrast. If you go, I’d suggest looking up a few spots in advance or asking locals where to eat. There’s definitely good food here — I just didn’t find it on my first try.
Just a Chinatown lor. Many students are here for the food. Judging but the crowds, the most famous one could be the Taiwanese fried chicken.
Many Chinese restaurants, but I didn't try any one.
The location is good, near the beach park and the train station is within 10 minutes walk also.
I visited this place twice around May 2023 and February 2025, and it’s a dream for anyone who loves Chinese cuisine. There are countless stores, restaurants, and cafés to check out. The vibe of the area and the variety of food make it, in my opinion, a must-visit when you’re in Yokohama.
