Chinese New Year in Chinatown Yokohama Japan
As the Year of the Snake rolls in, I found myself reminiscing last year’s festivities in Yokohama Japan, one of the most exciting and colorful celebrations of Chinese New Year I’ve ever had the pleasure of attending. This 2025, the festivities start on January 29, and this is your sign to swing by Yokohama’s Chinatown, and be transported into a world filled with energy, tradition, and, of course, amazing food.



Yokohama is home to one of Japan’s oldest and most famous Chinatowns, Yokohama Chūkagai, and during Chinese New Year, this vibrant district truly comes to life. The combination of local Japanese culture and Chinese traditions makes this celebration uniquely special. Here’s a peek into my unforgettable experience and why you should definitely consider joining the fun this year!
A Taste of Tradition in Yokohama’s Chinatown
Yokohama’s Chinatown is a mesmerizing place at any time of year, but during Chinese New Year, it transforms into something out of a dream. Think colorful lanterns lighting up every corner, the sound of drums and cymbals filling the streets, and the scent of Chinese delicacies wafting through the air. It’s an overload for the senses — in the best way possible!
One of my favorite parts of celebrating Chinese New Year in Yokohama was the food. If you’ve ever been to Chinatown, you know it’s a foodie paradise, but during Chinese New Year, it reaches a whole new level.
I tried everything from delicate dumplings (symbolizing wealth), which in Chinese culture represents abundance and prosperity.




What makes Chinese New Year in Yokohama so special is how the city’s streets light up in the evening. The Chinese Lantern Festival is a must-see — imagine thousands of red and gold lanterns hanging from every building, casting a warm, golden glow that makes Chinatown feel like something out of a fairy tale. At night, the whole place is transformed, and it’s hard not to feel like you’re stepping into a scene from a movie.
To top off the festivities, fireworks light up the sky over the harbor, creating a stunning backdrop to the celebrations. While the display isn’t as massive as the summer firework festivals in Japan, it’s still incredibly special — a perfect way to mark the beginning of the Year of the Dragon.


The Year of the Snake: What It Means
In Chinese culture, the Snake is associated with qualities like wisdom, elegance, and mystery. It’s believed to bring a year of transformation and introspection, encouraging us to trust our intuition and embrace change. The symbolism of the Snake adds a unique layer of meaning to this year’s celebrations, and I’m excited to see how it’s incorporated into the festivities.
Planning Your Visit
If you’re considering spending Chinese New Year in Yokohama, here are some tips:
1. Arrive early to enjoy the festivities without the crowds.
2. Bring cash, as many of the street food stalls and vendors may not accept cards.
3. Dress warmly, as January in Japan can be chilly, but don’t forget to wear something red for good luck!
4. Check the schedule for performances and special events to make the most of your visit.
How to Get to Yokohama Chinatown from Tokyo
Traveling from Tokyo to Yokohama Chinatown is easy and convenient by train. Here’s how you can get there:
1. Take the JR Tokaido Line or the Yokosuka Line from Tokyo Station to Yokohama Station. This journey takes about 25 minutes.
2. From Yokohama Station, transfer to the Minatomirai Line and get off at Motomachi-Chukagai Station, the closest station to Chinatown. The ride takes approximately 8 minutes.
3. Once you exit the station, follow the signs to Yokohama Chinatown, which is just a short walk away.
Alternatively, you can take the Tokyu Toyoko Line from Shibuya Station, which directly connects to the Minatomirai Line, allowing you to reach Motomachi-Chukagai Station without additional transfers. The entire journey takes around 40 minutes.