Yokohama is a window to Europe and a gateway to China.

Yokohama – Japan’s “window to the West” and the gateway to China

Yokohama is the second largest city in the country with about five million inhabitants. Today it is a modern metropolis with a port and skyscrapers, and only a century and a half ago there was a small fishing village. The turning point came in 1853-1854, when Commodore Perry’s squadron approached the shores. This was the first time Japan had its “window to Europe”.

The proximity to Edo (future Tokyo) made Yokohama the country’s main gateway for foreigners. Along with engineers and traders from Europe, Chinese merchants, artisans and workers came here. They brought their own traditions, cuisine and culture to Japan. So already in 1859 there was a quarter, which later grew into the largest Chinatown of the country - Yokohama Chukagai.

How the Chinese community emerged

According to legend, the basis of the new area was the “union of three blades” – a cook’s knife, tailor’s scissors and a barber’s razor. However, the kitchen played a crucial role. Today, Yokohama Chinatown is a paradise for food lovers. Here you can try and juicy Shanghai Xiaolunbao, and spicy Sichuan snacks, and the famous Beijing duck. Showcases are bursting with dimsams and lush baozi, the streets are filled with the smells of spices and fresh dough, and shops sell sweet sesame balls and fashionable Taiwanese bubble tea.

Hard times and rebirth

The history of the area is a series of ups and downs. At the end of the XIX century, Chinatown blooms: in 1879, the majestic Kanteibyo temple is built, richly decorated with golden dragons and bright paintings. It still remains the main shrine and one of the most photogenic points of the area.

But already in 1894-95, the first serious shake-up began - the Sino-Japanese War. Fortunately, the decline did not last long, and by 1909 the inhabitants celebrated the 50th anniversary of the opening of the port. The real blow was the Great Kanto earthquake of 1923, which almost destroyed the city. Later, in the harsh era of early Showa militarism, the area plunged into a crisis that lasted until the end of World War II.

And yet Chinatown survived. In 1955, the first traditional Chinese gate appeared on its streets – Zenrinmon (“Gate of Good Neighborliness”), a symbol of friendship and peace. In the following decades, nine more gates were installed, each of which was created taking into account the principles of feng shui and Taoist traditions.

Gates and temples - symbols of Chinatown

The four main arches are located at the cardinal points and protect the quarter:

• Choyomon is the eastern gate of the Blue Dragon, the patron saint of power and prosperity.
• Suzakumon is the southern gate of the Red Bird, a symbol of happiness and luck.
• Enpaimon is the western gate of the White Tiger, a protector from misfortune.
• Ganbumon is the northern gate of the Black Turtle, representing wisdom and longevity.

Each gate amazes with the richness of ornaments and the beauty of carvings. They not only perform a sacred role, but also create a magnificent background for photographs.

In addition to Kanteibyo, it is worth visiting Masobyo – the temple of the sea goddess Matsu. It is smaller in size but has a special atmosphere, especially in the evening when the lights are lit.

Chinatown today

Modern Yokohama Chukagai occupies about 25 hectares. There are more than 500 restaurants, shops and entertainment on this territory. In area, it is inferior to the neighborhoods of San Francisco or London, but thanks to its compactness, it is saturated with attractions and interesting places.

Special attention should be paid to the complex YokohamaDaisekai - "The Big World of Yokohama". Here you will find restaurants of Taiwanese cuisine, a souvenir shop, a master who writes names in hieroglyphics, a museum of optical illusions, a 3D cinema, a fear room and even traditional Chinese foot massage. A great option to diversify your walk through the streets of Chinatown.

Why come here?

Yokohama Chukagai is not just a neighborhood with restaurants. It is a living reminder of centuries of cultural exchange between China and Japan. Here you can walk among the temples and gates, taste dishes from all over China, buy unusual souvenirs and feel the atmosphere of an oriental holiday.

Chinatown in Yokohama is the meeting point of China and Japan, past and present, tradition and modernity. And if you want to experience the spirit of a real Chinatown without leaving Japan, you can’t find a better place.