Chinatown

Yokohama Chukagai

Japan's Largest Chinatown

Description

Four colorful gates form the entrances to this district in central Yokohama, and inside you'll find treasures from dumplings to noodles and roast duck. Chinatown traces its history as a Chinese district to the mid-19th century, and although there are relatively few Chinese residents remaining, there are hundreds of restaurants, shops, and cultural opportunities. If you can't make it to China, this is a good substitute. Daska is an eight-story building that attempts to create the atmosphere of Shanghai in its wild days of the 1920s and 1930s, with shops and restaurants. Another centerpiece of the district is the Kanteibyo Temple (1873), dedicated to the Chinese god of commerce. Prime time to visit Yokohama's Chinatown is around Chinese New Year (Kyu-Shogatsu), usually at the end of January or the beginning of February.