Situated on the western coast of Tokyo Bay, Yokohama is the second largest city (after Tokyo) and one of the cities most used to seeing foreigners in Japan.
The city has many travel destinations and celebrations for you to discover on next coming New Year 2025.
Introduction to Yokohama
Yokohama is the most populous municipality of Japan. The city is the capital of Kanagawa Prefecture, in Kanto region of main island of Honshu. It is a major commercial hub of the Greater Tokyo Area. Yokohama does not have its own airport. You can reach Yokohama from Tokyo’s two main airports.
New Years Eve in Yokohama
In Japan New Year is associated with sending off the daily worries of the past year and welcoming the bright prospects of the “new spring” as they call it. People clean their homes a few days before the end of December and throw out all of the old religious amulets. Houses are decorated with “kadomatsu” – decorative panels of pine, plum and bamboo trees which are placed near the entrance doors.
Already during the last day of December you can see plenty of local communities in Yokohama bustling about and preparing for welcoming the New Year. There are many opportunities to run into a neighbourhood “mochi” pounding event (called “mochitsuki”) in which the glutinous rice is pounded with large wooden mallets in round-shaped traditional mortars. This is quite an attractive spectacle that is often joined by many locals. Be sure to try pounding the rice too.
Fireworks and Countdown
Top Hotels for NYE
- Camelot Hotel Yokohama
- InterContinental Yokohama Grand
- Shin Yokohama Prince Hotel
- Yokohama Isesakicho Washington Hotel
- Yokohama Sakuragicho Washington Hotel
- Yokohama Royal Park Hotel
- The Yokohama Bay Hotel Tokyu
- Yokohama Sakuragicho Washington Hotel
- Hotel Associa Shin-Yokohama
- Richmond Hotel Yokohama Bashamichi
Top Restaurants for Countdown Parties
It’s no surprise that Yokohama boasts of an impressive selection of restaurants, from traditional Japanese food to gourmet international fare, to satisfy all cravings. We give you a low down on 10 of our favorite places to eat, which are must-visits if you find yourself in Yokohama.
- Nanjya Monjya Café
- Manchinro Honten
- Azamino Ukai-tei
- Baikotei
- SaliSali Curry
- Bill’s
- Yokohama Brewery
- Hello Kitty Cafe Restaurant
- Chano- ma
- Launch Pad
Remember to book your trip as early as possible to avoid last-moment problems.