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How to Get to Yokohama

How to Get to Yokohama

Yokohama South Of Tokyo, Japan Travel Guide

Air Travel

Airports Serving Yokohama

Yokohama does not have its own international airport but enjoys excellent connections to two of Japan's busiest international gateways. These airports handle a wide range of flights from global destinations.

Major Airports

  • Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND): Closer to Yokohama (30-40 min by train). A main domestic hub with expanded international routes.
  • Narita International Airport (NRT): Further east of Tokyo (90-120 min by train). Japan's traditional main international gateway.
  • Airlines: JAL, ANA, and many other international carriers serve both.

Airport Facilities & Transfers

Both HND and NRT offer comprehensive facilities including duty-free shops, restaurants, lounges, currency exchange, and tourist information centers. Efficient public transport options connect both airports to Yokohama.

Transfer Options

  • From HND: Keikyu Line (approx. 30 min), Airport Limousine Bus (30-45 min).
  • From NRT: Narita Express (N'EX, approx. 90 min - covered by JR Pass), Airport Limousine Bus (90-120 min).
  • Compare flight deals: Dollar Flight Club, Skyscanner.

Haneda Convenience

Haneda Airport (HND) offers closer proximity and quicker transfer options to Yokohama. Consider HND for flight bookings.

Airport Services

Both airports have duty-free, restaurants, lounges, currency exchange, SIM card/Wi-Fi rentals, and tourist info.

Transfer Efficiency

Public transport options are frequent and efficient, connecting airports directly to Yokohama Station.

Visual Context

Haneda Airport Terminal 3

  • Modern international departure lounge.
  • Comfortable seating areas for travelers.
  • Access to duty-free shops and various retail.
  • Dining options for a pre-flight meal.

Traveler Amenities

  • Seamless Wi-Fi connectivity throughout the terminal.
  • Currency exchange services for international visitors.
  • Baggage delivery services and storage lockers.
  • Tourist information centers for assistance.

Image Overview

Haneda Airport Terminal 3

View of the international departure lounge, showing its modern design and passenger comfort areas.

Spacious & Efficient

The terminal's layout supports smooth passenger flow and efficient operations.

Traveler-Friendly

Designed with traveler convenience in mind, offering a pleasant transit experience.

Land Transportation

Train Connections & Services

Japan's extensive railway network makes land travel to and from Yokohama highly convenient and efficient. Yokohama is a major railway hub.

Train Lines

  • JR Lines: Tokaido, Yokosuka, Keihin-Tohoku, Shonan-Shinjuku connect to Tokyo and other cities.
  • Private Lines: Tokyu Toyoko, Keikyu, Sotetsu, Minatomirai Lines for regional and local access.
  • Shinkansen (Bullet Train): Shin-Yokohama Station on the Tokaido Shinkansen provides high-speed connections to major Japanese cities.

Long-Distance Buses & Car Rentals

Long-distance highway buses offer a cost-effective alternative to trains. Yokohama City Air Terminal (YCAT) serves as a major bus terminal. Car rentals provide flexibility for exploring areas beyond the city center.

Other Land Options

  • Long-distance Buses: Companies like Willer Express and JR Bus operate extensive networks from YCAT.
  • Car Rentals: Require International Driving Permit (IDP) and home country license. DiscoverCars.com for options.
  • Driving: On the left side of the road. Roads are excellent but city parking is expensive.

Sea/River Arrivals

Yokohama's identity as a port city means sea travel is a role in its connectivity, especially for cruise passengers.

Cruise Ports & Procedures

  • Major Cruise Port: Osanbashi International Passenger Terminal (Minato Mirai) handles most international cruise arrivals. Daikoku Pier is also used.
  • Immigration: Procedures for cruise passengers are similar to airport arrivals; clear immigration and customs at the terminal.
  • Yokohama serves various international cruise lines.

Departure Information

Leaving Japan from Yokohama is generally straightforward. Be aware of exit taxes and recommended timings for a smooth departure.

Exit Procedures

  • International Tourist Tax: ¥1,000 per person, included in air/sea fare. Not paid separately.
  • Airport Departure: Arrive 2-3 hours before international flights (HND/NRT).
  • Train/Bus Departure: Arrive at least 30 minutes before departure for domestic travel.

Important Travel Notes

  • Japanese roads are well-maintained.
  • Expressways have tolls; driving in central Yokohama is not recommended due to traffic and expensive parking.
  • Public transportation is often more efficient for urban sightseeing.
  • Driving is on the left side of the road.
  • Strict laws apply against drunk driving.
  • Mobile phone use while driving is prohibited.

Departure Visual Context

Shinkansen N700S Series

The N700S Shinkansen train, pictured at a station, represents Japan's high-speed rail network. It embodies efficient and comfortable inter-city travel.

Features

  • Speed: High-speed travel connecting major cities across Japan.
  • Comfort: Reserved seating, spacious interiors for a pleasant journey.
  • Reliability: Known for punctuality and frequent services.

Efficiency & Connectivity

Travel Advantages

  • Inter-City Travel: Seamless connections for multi-city itineraries.
  • Japan Rail Pass: Covered by the JR Pass for eligible travelers.
  • Travel Time: Significantly reduces travel time between distant cities.

Shinkansen System

Japan's world-renowned high-speed rail network for swift journeys.

Shin-Yokohama Station

The gateway for bullet train access in Yokohama.

Seamless Connections

Connects Yokohama to distant cities with speed and comfort.

Image Context

Shinkansen N700S Series at a Station

This image highlights the iconic Shinkansen N700S Series, a symbol of modern Japanese transportation, positioned at a station platform.

Visual Details

  • Shows the sleek design and advanced engineering of the bullet train.
  • Captures the clean and organized environment of a Japanese train station.
  • Reflects the punctuality and efficiency of Japan's rail system.

Symbol of Modernity

The Shinkansen embodies Japan's commitment to technological advancement and efficient public services, a characteristic reflected throughout Yokohama.

Broader Context

  • Represents Japan's connectivity as a global power.
  • Highlights the ease of exploring various regions of Japan from Yokohama.

Visual Representation of Travel

Speed & Comfort

The N700S series provides a fast and smooth journey, ideal for travelers.

National Reach

A component of Japan's extensive and reliable national transport grid.

Modern Infrastructure

An example of Japan's commitment to cutting-edge public infrastructure.

Travel Tip

When booking your flight, consider Haneda Airport (HND) for its closer proximity and quicker transfer options to Yokohama.