From the majesty of Mt Fuji, to the mindfulness of the 400-year-old Japanese tea ceremony, and ropeway rides along the Minato Mirai waterfront, Japan’s second-largest city is a great destination for the leisurely traveller
Pic/iStock
In travel mode, we identify as a serial walker. It sets a harmonious pace for the surroundings to narrate a visual story.
Our first morning in Japan begins with a 1.5-km walk from The Westin Yokohama, in the waterfront district of Minato Mirai, to Oshanbashi pier to catch a 5.13 am sunrise. The sunrays fall on the same Pacific waters which, in 1859, welcomed international traders, making Yokohama the first gateway port to Japan.
An aerial view of Mt Fuji watching over the city of Yokohama. Pic/iStock
On our way back, we get our first taste of a “konbini”, the infamous convenience stores that give snacking a 24/7 status. From onigiris (nori-wrapped rice), ice cream in pouches, to bento boxes and the fluffiest egg sandos, Seven Eleven, Lawson and Family Mart make Japan’s snacking game a tempting indulgence. On our way back, we also spot a ‘Pokémon’ manhole located at the entry of Nippon Maru, a docked sail training ship.
An evening view of Mt Fuji from our window
The buffet lunch at the hotel’s Pacific Table represents the port’s story of being a bridge to the world. International cuisine with local produce. On Executive Chef Sarah Madigan’s recommendation, we try walnut and sesame Tantanmen; a slurpy duck miso ramen with Chinese dandan noodles — an ode to the country’s largest China Town that the city houses. Satiated, we curl up on the hotel’s signature Heavenly Bed, to beat the jetlag. We wake up to clear skies and stare into the Yokohama skyline, blinking twice. Before us stands the unmissable conical shape of Mt Fuji.
We tour Berrick Hall, a residence done up in Spanish-style architecture in 1930
Yokohama’s cultural heritage of its past tenants comes alive in the Yamate historic district nicknamed The Bluff. Some of the lavish homes of foreign settlers from the 19th and 20th century are open to public viewing. The area also boasts of churches, museums and parks. We tour Berrick Hall, a two-floor residence done up in Spanish-style architecture in 1930. The structure with arched windows, wall fountains and expansive rooms was once home to DR Berrick, a foreign trade merchant who served as Honorary Finnish consul. At a stone’s throw away is Harbour View Park and a cemetery with 3000 gravestones.
We’re also invited to a tea ceremony in Mugen-an, a tea ceremony space on the fourth floor of Imperial building, again a historic structure with Art Deco touches that was built for foreigners in 1930.
A touch of whimsy with a Pokemon manhole cover
This scribe may have dodged the matcha latte hype so far, but it was ceremonious to take part in the 400-year-old Urasenke Chado tradition. Ukiyo Kiyama, an 80-year-old tea master donning a beige kimono receives us with a warm smile. He points to a small window opening at the bottom of a wall. “Bow your head and get inside,” he tells us.
Every move going forward is a slow-mo show of respect — to the utensils, fellow guests, to the tea and his master. Ukiyosan kneels and spends the next few minutes wiping the matcha bowl (chawan) with a satin napkin in an unhurried manner. He notices our serious faces and lightens the mood. “You are allowed to talk.”
During World War II, Japan’s first cargo-passenger ship Hikawa Maru was set up as a hospital ship
He readies the wooden whisk, tea bowl, a slender scooper, kettle, containers for the tea powder and a jug of cold water to prepare the tea.
As guests, we play our part: We place the bowl between us and the next guest. We bow to them and say, “Excuse me for going before you.” Then, placing it in front of us, we thank the tea master for the tea. Placing the porcelain cup with motifs of green branches on our left palm, we express thanks to the design. We turn the better side of it away from us and drink; wiping the rim with our thumb and index finger. We turn it and appreciate the design. We then turn the good side towards the host and return it. “The whole idea of the tea ceremony is to give importance to others and share the moment with them,” Ukiyosan reminds us.
We sample an onigiri from a konbini, one of Japan’s famous convenience stores
Our 70-year-old driver reminisces that not much has changed since his childhood days. The advancements are crafted for ease and without disrupting the essence of the city. A ride on the Yokohama Air Cabin, Japan’s first urban type circular rope way, offers the stunning view of the Ferris wheel by the pier, and our keen eye spots jellyfish in the waters below. At the other end, Redbrick Warehouse, once the shipping hub along the port, is now a busy shopping district.
We go aboard another piece of heritage: Japan’s first cargo-passenger ship Hikawa Maru, built in 1930. It sits anchored on the pier by Yamashito Park. All of 163.3 meters in length, it once had a speed of 18.38 knots with a capacity of 286 passengers. It feels like a Titanic moment as we walk through the first-class lounges, cabins and the engine.
Westin’s wellness programme gives us a reset each day after being out and about. One morning, we do a 20-minute session of stretching and a sprint around the block with the hotel’s Run Concierge. A sleep session with music consultants focuses on winding down for the night, while a cup of tea and mediation to sound therapy prepare the body for deep slumber.
Everything they tell you about Japan is true. Yokohama turned out to be an ideal starting point to savour the Japan experience, sans the full-throttle overwhelm its neighbour Tokyo tends to give.
ADVENTURE
TOUR & TASTE
RELAXING
EDUCATIONAL
ANCIENT & HISTORICAL
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WHAT TO DO
. Cupnoodles Museum
Ramen fans have Momofuku Ando to thank for inventing chicken ramen noodle in 1958, and instant noodles in 1961. The Cupnoodle Museum traces his life’s work and the global craze of instant noodles. The Instant Noodles History cube displays 3000 ramen samples from 1958-2025. Guests can also make their own noodles.
Where to eat
. Iron Bay
Chef Yamashita Shota combines French techniques, Japanese produce and the art of wood-fired cuisine at Iron Bay.
At: The Westin Yokohama
. Chinatown
Yokohama is home to one of the biggest Chinatowns in the country and best known for its steamed panda buns, peking duck and pork-filled dumpling soup.
. Hit the streets
Yokohama station, Redbrick Warehouse and Kannai areas are peppered with taprooms, jazz bars, izayas for a nightlife experience. Try the local breweries, including Yokohama Beer.
Day trip from Yokohama
Take a day trip to Kamakura in Kanagawa prefecture, especially if you are an anime fan. The expanse has featured in many hit features such as Slam Dunk and Sweet Blue Flowers. Beach bums can catch a surfing tide at Nameri Gawa Beach. Pay respects at the Kotoku-in temple where a larger-than-life Buddha sits peacefully. Dig into a soba noodle lunch at Kamakura Matsubara-an Ao.
Where to stay
. The Westin Yokohama
Nestled in Minato Mirai, the hotel is within a short walk of several stations, including Yokohama Station, assuring easy access to Tokyo.
AT: The Westin, 4-2-8 Minatomirai, Nishi Ku, Yokohama, Japan
How to travel
All Nippon Airways run daily codeshare flights with Air India from Mumbai and Delhi
The writer was in Yokohama, Japan, on invitation of Marriott International
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