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🛍️ Yokohama Shopping · Minato Mirai · Chinatown · Motomachi

Where to Shop in Yokohama
Minato Mirai, Motomachi, Chinatown

From the bayside malls of Minato Mirai to the European-style boutique street of Motomachi · from Japan's largest Chinatown to the red-brick warehouses on the waterfront — here are Yokohama's shopping districts, easier to walk than Tokyo, with each area's highlights, opening hours, how to get there, the Kiyoken Shiumai Bento souvenir, and Japan's new 2026 tax-free rules.

Home › 🇯🇵 Japan › Yokohama › Yokohama Shopping — 6 Districts
Quick Overview

Yokohama Is a Shopping City That'sEasy to Walk, with Beautiful Bay Views

Here's the honest truth: Yokohama is a fun place to shop without the crush of Tokyo — it's only about 30 minutes by train from Shibuya, yet the seaside atmosphere feels a world apart. On one side you have the ultra-modern bayside malls of Minato Mirai; on the other, the European-style boutique street of Motomachi; and there's also Japan's largest Chinatown for walking and eating your way through. So we've gathered the city's 6 main shopping areas into one page, spelling out exactly what each is best for, which malls are worth entering, when they open, which station to use, and tips from people who've actually shopped here.

The first tip we want to whisper — Yokohama's main shopping areas are closer together than you'd think. Minato Mirai, the Red Brick Warehouse, Chinatown, and Motomachi all line the same bay; walk along the water or hop a few stops on the Minatomirai Line and you're there. Yokohama Station, meanwhile, is the big-mall hub that's perfect to base yourself at on your last day before heading home. You can do it as a half-day or a full day and still get everything done with ease.

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Very Close to Tokyo
About 30 minutes on the Tokyu Toyoko/JR from Shibuya/Tokyo, on a single Suica/PASMO card — easy as a day trip.
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Tax-Free Across the City
Big malls and tax-free shops are everywhere — spend ¥5,000 and show your passport (rules change Nov 2026).
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Bayside Shopping, Easy Walking
Malls line the water at Minato Mirai with lovely views, far less crowded than Tokyo, and a waterfront stroll for the night lights.
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Japan's Biggest Chinatown
Chukagai has around 250 shops, the largest in Japan — hot niku-man, Chinese gifts, and plenty of street snacks.
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2026 Update · Important

New Tax-Free Rules — Changing on 1 November 2026

Until 31 October 2026, the existing system applies: spend ¥5,000 or more per store per day, show your passport at the tax-free counter, and the 10% consumption tax is deducted right at the point of sale.

From 1 November 2026, Japan switches to a "pay first, refund later" system — you pay the full tax-inclusive price when you buy, then claim the refund at the airport on departure. The upside: the old rules separating consumables from general goods (and the sealed-bag requirement) are abolished, making it much easier to reach the ¥5,000 threshold. Always check the latest procedure and dates on the official customs / JNTO sources before every trip.

6 Shopping Areas

Yokohama Shopping DistrictsYou'll Want to Cover

Ordered from the all-round bayside area that's perfect for first-timers, through to the boutique street and the markets that locals love. Each listing covers the highlights, opening hours, how to get there, and tips from real shoppers.

Minato Mirai district in Yokohama — bayside malls with the Landmark Tower and Ferris wheel 🌆 All-Round Bayside1
Minato Mirai
Minato Mirai · Yokohama

If you can only shop one area, choose Minato Mirai — an ultra-modern bayside district where the malls sit side by side within walking distance: Landmark Plaza beneath the Landmark Tower, Queen's Square, MARK IS Minatomirai, World Porters, and Yokohama Hammerhead on the waterfront. When you're done, stroll along the water past the Cosmo Clock 21 Ferris wheel and catch the night lights.

🛍️Best for: Fashion · homeware · toys/anime · souvenirs · bay-view restaurants
⏰Hours: Landmark Plaza 11:00–20:00 · Queen's Square 11:00–20:00 · MARK IS 10:00–20:00 (Fri–Sun/holidays to 21:00) · World Porters 10:30–21:00
🚆Getting there: Minatomirai Station (Minatomirai Line) or Sakuragicho (JR), a ~5–8 min walk
💡Tip: Come from afternoon into evening for shopping plus night lights · the malls connect by indoor walkways, so it's easy even in the rain
Minato Mirai Guide →
Motomachi shopping street in Yokohama — a European-style boutique street in the early-evening light 🛍️ European Boutiques2
Motomachi
Motomachi · Yokohama

A classic shopping street running about five blocks between Chinatown and the Yamate hills, lined with over 230 boutiques — local labels and big international brands alike. The clean, European feel is the birthplace of the classic "Hama Tora" style, and you'll find clothing, leather goods, long-established bakeries, and lovely cafes. It's perfect for shoppers who like to wander slowly and shop with a sense of taste.

🛍️Best for: Fashion/leather brands · Western sweets/old bakeries · jewellery · premium gifts
⏰Hours: Most shops ~11:00–19:00/20:00 · some close on Wednesdays
🚆Getting there: Motomachi-Chukagai Station (Minatomirai Line), Exit 5 — right at the top of the street
💡Tip: Pair it with the adjoining Chinatown — you can walk straight through · stop at the old Western-sweets shops for gifts
Yokohama City Guide →
Yokohama Chinatown (Chukagai) — the Kanteibyo shrine lit up at night 🏮 Largest in Japan3
Chinatown (Chukagai)
Yokohama Chinatown

The largest Chinatown in Japan — bigger than Kobe's or Nagasaki's — with around 250 shops packed into one district, ringed by brightly coloured Chinese gates. What people come to buy: hot niku-man (pork buns) eaten on the go from the famous stalls, shumai and dumplings to take home, mooncakes, Chinese tea, spices, and prettily packaged gifts. It's an area where you shop and eat in the same place.

🛍️Best for: Niku-man/shumai to go · mooncakes/Chinese sweets · Chinese tea/spices · gift boxes
⏰Hours: Most shops ~10:00–20:00 (many restaurants run late) · very crowded on weekends
🚆Getting there: Motomachi-Chukagai Station (Minatomirai Line) Exit 2, or Ishikawacho (JR), a ~5 min walk
💡Tip: Carry cash, as many small stalls are cash-first · come on a weekday late morning for easier walking · try a niku-man at famous stalls like Edosei
Yokohama Chinatown Guide →
🚉🚉 Big-Mall Hub4
Yokohama Station
Yokohama Station

If you're short on time or about to head home, base yourself at Yokohama Station and you'll still get everything — the area around the station is packed with big malls: Sogo, the 12-floor landmark department store; Takashimaya on the West Exit side; JOINUS, an underground mall with around 300 shops; and CIAL and NEWoMan inside the JR Yokohama Tower. They all connect indoors, so you never have to step into the sun.

🛍️Best for: Fashion brands · cosmetics · depachika edible gifts · Yokohama souvenirs · restaurants
⏰Hours: Sogo & Takashimaya ~10:00–20:00 · JOINUS ~10:00–21:00 (varies by zone) · CIAL ~10:00–21:00
🚆Getting there: Yokohama Station (JR/Minatomirai/Tokyu/Keikyu/Sotetsu) — the malls connect directly from the station
💡Tip: The depachika under Sogo/Takashimaya is the most complete spot for edible gifts · ideal for last-day shopping before your train
Yokohama City Guide →
Red Brick Warehouse in Yokohama — the historic brick warehouses lit up at night 🧱 Crafts & Events5
Red Brick Warehouse
Aka Renga Soko · Red Brick Warehouse

Two historic red-brick warehouses on the waterfront, restored into a charming shopping and events spot. Warehouse 2 gathers fashion shops, design homeware, handmade crafts, Yokohama-only souvenirs, and cosy cafes. The plaza out front rotates seasonal events — a Christmas market, an ice rink, food festivals. It's a great place to continue to from the nearby Minato Mirai.

🛍️Best for: Handmade crafts · design homeware · Yokohama-only souvenirs · small fashion labels
⏰Hours: Warehouse 1 ~10:00–19:00 · Warehouse 2 ~11:00–20:00 (may change for events; check before you go)
🚆Getting there: Bashamichi or Nihon-odori Station (Minatomirai Line), a ~6 min walk
💡Tip: Check the plaza's event schedule before you go — there's a Christmas market in winter · you can stroll here along the water from Minato Mirai
Minato Mirai Guide →
🌊🌊 Waterfront Mall6
Bay Quarter
Bay Quarter Yokohama

An airy, ship-shaped waterfront mall on the East Exit side of Yokohama Station, an easy walk from the platforms. It gathers fashion shops, homeware, restaurants with riverside terraces, and the Sea Bass pier for the passenger boat to Minato Mirai and the Red Brick Warehouse. The mood is relaxed and uncrowded — perfect for some light shopping after the station or a rest with a water view.

🛍️Best for: Fashion/lifestyle · homeware · riverside restaurants · Sea Bass boat pier
⏰Hours: Shops ~11:00–20:00 · restaurants ~11:00–22:00/23:00 (varies by venue)
🚆Getting there: Yokohama Station, East Exit, a ~3–5 min walk
💡Tip: Take the Sea Bass boat from here to Minato Mirai/Red Brick instead of the train for a lovely bay view
Yokohama City Guide →
Map

Where All 6 ShoppingDistricts Sit

See how the bayside districts are spread out so you can plan a single day of walking along the water — most of them are closer together than you'd expect.

Shopper's Tips

6 Things That Make Yokohama ShoppingWorth It and Hassle-Free

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Always Carry Your Passport
Tax-free needs your physical passport every time — a photo won't do. Spend ¥5,000 per store per day to claim the 10% tax deduction (see the new Nov 2026 rules above).
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The Souvenir to Buy — Kiyoken Shiumai Bento
The city's icon, sold since 1928, available at every major station · the ship-shaped Ariake Harbour chestnut cake is a hit too · plus Motomachi Western sweets and Kirin beer.
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All the Edible Gifts at the Depachika
The basement food halls of Sogo and Takashimaya at Yokohama Station are the best place for beautifully packaged snacks, cakes, and sweets from famous brands.
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Come on a Weekday Morning
10:00–12:00 is quietest — easy walking and no waiting to try things on · on weekends Minato Mirai and Chinatown get very crowded in the afternoon.
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Carry Both Cash and an IC Card
Big malls at Minato Mirai/the station/Motomachi take cards easily, but many food stalls in Chinatown are cash-first · keep a Suica/PASMO for trains and convenience stores.
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Leave Room in Your Bag
Edible gifts, cosmetics, and snacks add up faster than you'd think — pack a larger bag · a Shiumai Bento is just right to eat on the train along the way.
Related Guides

Plan Your Whole Yokohama Trip — Sights, Food & Souvenirs

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Full Japan Tax-Free Guide

The ¥5,000 threshold, the passport procedure, and the new refund rules changing on 1 Nov 2026 — read it before you shop.

Tax-Free Guide →
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Minato Mirai Guide

Landmark Tower · the Ferris wheel · Cup Noodles Museum · the Red Brick Warehouse and this bayside district's highlights.

Visit Minato Mirai →
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Yokohama Chinatown Guide

Japan's biggest Chinatown — which niku-man stalls are best, what to eat on the go, and the souvenirs worth trying.

Visit Chinatown →
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Yokohama Attractions

Minato Mirai · Yamashita Park · Sankeien · Cup Noodles Museum and the unmissable spots in this port city.

Yokohama Attractions →
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Yokohama Food Guide

Soy-sauce ramen (Iekei) · Chinatown bites · bayside cafes — what to eat, where, all in one place.

Yokohama Food Guide →
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Full Yokohama City Guide

A complete overview of Yokohama across every tab — where to stay, eat, what to see, itineraries, and trip prep.

Open Yokohama Guide →
Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ —Yokohama Shopping

How is Japan's tax-free shopping changing in 2026?
Until 31 October 2026, the existing system applies — spend ¥5,000 or more per store per day, show your passport at the tax-free counter, and the 10% consumption tax is deducted right at the point of sale. From 1 November 2026, Japan switches to a refund-based system: you pay the full tax-inclusive price up front, then claim the refund at the airport on departure. The upside is that the old rules separating consumables from general goods (and the sealed-bag requirement) are abolished, making it far easier to reach the ¥5,000 threshold. Always check the latest procedure on the official customs/JNTO sources before you travel.
Which Yokohama district is best for shopping?
If you want everything in one place, choose Minato Mirai — the malls sit side by side within walking distance: Landmark Plaza, Queen's Square, MARK IS, World Porters and Yokohama Hammerhead, all with lovely bay views. For European-style luxury brands, head to the Motomachi boutique street; for Chinese souvenirs and hot niku-man, go to Chinatown, the largest in Japan; and if you're connecting onward or short on time, base yourself at Yokohama Station, where Sogo, Takashimaya, JOINUS and CIAL all gather in one spot.
What should I buy in Yokohama Chinatown, and what time does it open?
Yokohama Chinatown (Chukagai) is the largest in Japan, with around 250 shops. The most popular buys are hot niku-man (pork buns) eaten on the go from famous stalls like Edosei, shumai and dumplings to take home, mooncakes, Chinese tea, and prettily packaged gifts. Most shops open around 10:00–20:00, with many restaurants staying open late. Weekends get very crowded, so come on a weekday late morning. Enter through the landmark Zenrinmon or Choyomon gates.
What are the best souvenirs to buy in Yokohama?
The city's icon is the Shiumai Bento by Kiyoken, sold since 1928 and available at every major station and department store. Other favourites are the ship-shaped Ariake Harbour chestnut cake, Western sweets and bakes from the old shops in Motomachi, Chinese gifts from Chinatown, and Kirin beer, since Yokohama is the brand's birthplace. The depachika (basement food halls) at Sogo and Takashimaya by the station are the best one-stop place for edible gifts, all beautifully packaged.
What's the best day and time to shop in Yokohama to avoid crowds?
Weekday mornings from 10:00 to 12:00 are the quietest — easy walking and no waiting to try things on. On weekends, Minato Mirai and Chinatown get very crowded, especially from afternoon into the evening. Most Minato Mirai malls open at 10:00–11:00 and close at 20:00–21:00 (restaurants run to 22:00–23:00). Come in the evening if you want the lively buzz and night lighting, but for serious shopping a weekday morning is best.
Should I use cash or card when shopping in Yokohama?
The big malls in Minato Mirai and at Yokohama Station, plus the brand shops in Motomachi, take credit cards (Visa/Mastercard) and e-wallets without issue. But many small food stalls in Chinatown are still cash-first. Carry some yen for niku-man and street snacks, and keep an IC card (Suica/PASMO) handy for trains and convenience stores.
Ready to Go?

Pick the Right Base
and Start Planning Your Yokohama Shopping Trip

Staying near Minato Mirai or Yokohama Station makes shopping and the waterfront walk wonderfully easy — open the full Yokohama city guide, or find a hotel with a smooth train link into Tokyo.

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