Yokohama Guide

The Honmoku area separated in hilly residential area offers Large western-style stands alone houses available which is focused international families and wide flat area with large supermarkets (LIFE, AEON, Ito-Yokado) and full of restaurants and shops along side with “Honmoku-dori” (street). You can enjoy bicycles or walks, and local bus services offers you to take JR train station and Yokohama International school which has moved from Yamate in 2022. Only 20 minutes to get to COSTCO by driving. It is a very safe and good area for raising children. There is Yokohama Country and Athletic Club (aka known YCAC) located on the hill side of Honmoku is one of the largest international communities and offers multiple activities not only for adults but also for children. The area is situated near Yokohama Bay and used to be a US army base returned to Japan and then rebuilt as a residential and shopping area.

The Honmoku area is well-known for its greenery and large parks. One famous park is Sankeien, a large Japanese garden and very popular with foreigners.

Sankeien Park has plants representing all the seasons in Japan: cherry blossoms and azaleas in the spring, plum blossoms in late winter, and bright red, orange, and yellow foliage in autumn.

Negishi Shinrin Park, located nearby, has vast, open grounds perfect for playing catch, jogging, or dog-walking. Large western-style homes with yards and parking spaces and plenty of parks make the Honmoku area ideal for families.

Yokohama Chinatown, or Chukagai as it is called in Japanese, is one of the biggest in the world with hundreds of restaurants and shops–easily recognizable in bright red paint with gold trim and traditional Chinese motifs. Foreigners can also take part in traditional Chinese festivals held at various times throughout the year. Right next to Chinatown is the Motomachi shopping district offering the latest fashion and designer goods and restaurants.

Just a short walk from Chinatown and Motomachi shopping district is Yamashita Park. This public park consists of wide, open, green space dotted with well- tended flower beds stretching about two-thirds of a kilometer along Yokohama’s waterfront. It was built just after the Great Kanto Earthquake in 1923 to provide residents with an open space to enjoy strolling. Nowadays, the park also hosts many events and festivals throughout the year, which are open to the public.
The Motomachi/Chukagaiareahas western-style houses and apartments are within walking distance from St. Maur’s International School. Also, an international clinic is available.

“The Bluff” in Naka Ku’s Yamate Cho is a historic neighborhood where foreigners have lived since the 1800s. Offering views of downtown Yokohama and many historical buildings, gardens, and public parks. Some of the original Victorian houses built by the British in the 1800s remain, along with sites such as the foreigners ‘cemetery, which serve as a reminder of this neighborhood’s history. In addition to the parks and green spaces, Yokohama International School and St.
Maur’s International School are located on the Bluff, making it the first choice for many expat families with children.