Yokohama is Japan’s 2nd largest city by population and is just a short hop from Tokyo by train. Originally a port town, Yokohama was one of the first towns to open to trade following Japan’s isolationist policies and has thrived as a result. Home to Japan’s largest Chinatown, there are also some very well preserved eamples of Western architecture belonging to merchants in the Yamate and Motomachi areas. If you’re looking for something a bit more modern, you can visit Minato-Murai, a well-developed harbour area with high rises, shopping, amusements and museums.
Kamakura is often combined with Yokohama as part of a day tour. Located less than an hour from Tokyo, or about half an hour from Yokohama, Kamakura is sometimes called the Kyoto of Eastern Japan. A small, but historical town, Kamakura is home to a number of historical sites as well as a large number of shrines and temples. The most famous sight is Great Buddha of Kamakura, also known as Daibutsu. This bronze statue is over 13 metres tall, and is the second largest statue of its kind in Japan – but unlike the largest Buddha in Japan (in Nara), this statue is out in the open air.
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