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Yokohama

Yokohama is a major port city in Japan and the capital of Kanagawa Prefecture.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Yokohama is a major port city in Japan and the capital of Kanagawa Prefecture. It is the country’s second-largest city by population and lies on Tokyo Bay south of Tokyo, forming part of the Greater Tokyo Area.

History

Yokohama developed from a small fishing village into a major city after its port was opened to foreign trade in the 19th century. It was rebuilt after major destruction in the 1923 earthquake and World War II air raids.

Geography

The city is located on Tokyo Bay in Kanagawa Prefecture, south of Tokyo on Japan’s main island of Honshu. Its position helped make it an important port and transport center.

Economy and role

Yokohama functions as a major port, industrial, and commercial centre. It is closely integrated with the Greater Tokyo urban area and has long attracted foreign trade and investment.

Culture and attractions

Yokohama is known for its international character, including one of Japan’s best-known Chinatowns and preserved former foreign settlement areas. Its cultural identity reflects its history as an early treaty port.

Key facts

  • Yokohama is Japan’s second-most populous city after Tokyo’s special wards.
  • It is the capital of Kanagawa Prefecture and a designated city in Japan.
  • The city sits on the western shore of Tokyo Bay in east-central Honshu.
  • Yokohama became important after Japan opened the port to foreign trade in 1859.
  • It is part of the Tokyo-Yokohama metropolitan area, the largest urban agglomeration in Japan.
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Canadian context

Yokohama is relevant to Canadian readers as a major Pacific Rim port and business city with historical links to international trade and travel between Japan and North America.

Frequently asked questions

What is Yokohama?
Yokohama is a large Japanese port city and the capital of Kanagawa Prefecture.
Where is Yokohama located?
It is on the western shore of Tokyo Bay, south of Tokyo, on the island of Honshu.
How big is Yokohama’s population?
Its population was 3,772,726 as of 1 June 2024.
Why is Yokohama historically important?
It was one of the first Japanese ports opened to foreign trade in 1859, which drove its rapid growth.
What is Yokohama known for today?
It is known for its port, commerce, international atmosphere, and role in the Greater Tokyo Area.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yokohama
    Supports: Population, location, status as capital of Kanagawa Prefecture, and role in Greater Tokyo Area.
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/place/Yokohama
    Supports: Geography, population, port-city status, and role in the Tokyo-Yokohama metropolitan area.
  3. Yokohama Japan — https://www.yokohamajapan.com/about/
    Supports: City status, population, and role as an international trading port.
  4. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/summary/Yokohama
    Supports: Historical development from fishing village, opening to foreign trade, and wartime damage/rebuilding.
  5. Japan Guide — https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2156.html
    Supports: Opening of the port in 1859, city growth, and cultural features such as Chinatown and Yamate.
  6. Japan Society — https://www.japansociety.org/culture-community/kanagawa/tourism-resources/yokohama/
    Supports: Historical significance as one of the first ports opened to Western trade in 1858/1859.