Motomachi Shopping Street
Historic Yokohama street with elegant boutiques, cafes, and European-inspired architecture, offering a sophisticated shopping experience.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Catch shops before they close
Motomachi Shopping Street
Best Time
Catch shops before they close
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Historic Yokohama street with elegant boutiques, cafes, and European-inspired architecture, offering a sophisticated shopping experience.
"A delightful mix of modern elegance and old-world charm, making it an ideal spot for a leisurely family outing."
🛍️ Shop 'til you drop!
Discover luxury brands, unique boutiques, and specialty stores. Great for finding high-quality fabrics and souvenirs.
☕️ Relax at a cafe
Plenty of charming cafes offer a nice atmosphere to rest and enjoy a coffee or snack.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Phoenix Archway
Entrance to the street
A striking metal archway crowned with a phoenix sculpture, symbolizing renewal and prosperity. A grand welcome!
Charming Boutiques and Cafes
Along the street
Explore unique shops offering fashion, accessories, and local crafts, interspersed with cozy cafes for a relaxing break.
European-Inspired Architecture
Along the street
Admire the elegant buildings with distinct non-Japanese styles, reflecting Yokohama's rich history and cosmopolitan flair.
Musical Clock
Near a jewelry store
A special treat: catch the enchanting melody of a musical clock that has charmed visitors for decades.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for the Best Experience
Proximity to Other Yokohama Gems
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🛍️ Shop 'til you drop!
Discover luxury brands, unique boutiques, and specialty stores. Great for finding high-quality fabrics and souvenirs.
☕️ Relax at a cafe
Plenty of charming cafes offer a nice atmosphere to rest and enjoy a coffee or snack.
🚶♀️ Stroll with ease
The pedestrian-friendly street is clean, well-maintained, and perfect for a leisurely walk.
🎶 Listen for the clock
Don't miss the chance to hear the magical melody of the musical clock.
Tips
from all over the internet
🛍️ Shop 'til you drop!
Discover luxury brands, unique boutiques, and specialty stores. Great for finding high-quality fabrics and souvenirs.
☕️ Relax at a cafe
Plenty of charming cafes offer a nice atmosphere to rest and enjoy a coffee or snack.
🚶♀️ Stroll with ease
The pedestrian-friendly street is clean, well-maintained, and perfect for a leisurely walk.
🎶 Listen for the clock
Don't miss the chance to hear the magical melody of the musical clock.
🚗 Car enthusiast's paradise
Nearby, find Nismo workshop and other JDM car-related shops for enthusiasts. +1
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Motomachi Shopping Street for its elegant atmosphere, charming boutiques, and European-inspired architecture. It's seen as a sophisticated contrast to nearby Chinatown, offering a pleasant stroll and unique shopping opportunities. Some note that shops close relatively early, so planning your visit for the afternoon is recommended.
"The Motomachi Shopping Street in Yokohama is a good place to visit if you have time after visiting Yokohama Chinatown. The Motomachi Shopping Street is only a few minutes' walk across the bridge. Most of the stores and restaurants are much different than those in Chinatown. I found many shops, bakeries, and restaurants that interest me."
Michael W.
"It’s a long walking distance from the World Porters but just beside the Chinatown to go here but the vibe here is different than other shopping street. I can feel the calmness of this shopping street compared to others that is famous among tourists. It’s good if you just want to stroll around it but there is not many things."
Amirah Abdul Rahim
"There is a great shop for Japanese Woodblock prints (M. Iishii and Sons) along with a large selection of traditional Japanese ceramics and wooden kitchen items. The shop owners are welcoming and very knowledgeable about the process of woodblock printing. Iishii-San had a small book that he shared to teach us about the traditional process of woodblock printing. Beautiful selection of woodblock prints and having one as a memory of Japan is a treasure. Check it out."
Janet Gehring
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Motomachi Shopping Street is easily accessible from Tokyo. Take a train to Yokohama Station (approx. 30-45 minutes) and then transfer to the Minatomirai Line to Motomachi-Chukagai Station. The street is a short walk from there. +1
Yes, it's a very short and pleasant stroll from Yokohama Chinatown to Motomachi Shopping Street, offering a nice contrast in atmosphere.
The Minatomirai Line is highly recommended for accessing Motomachi-Chukagai station. Walking is also a great option to explore the surrounding areas like Chinatown and Yamashita Park. +1
While specific parking details can vary, there are typically parking garages available in the vicinity of Motomachi Shopping Street and nearby Yokohama attractions. It's advisable to check local parking information upon arrival.
Yes, several bus routes serve the Motomachi area, making it accessible by public transport. Check local bus schedules for the most convenient routes from your starting point in Yokohama.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Motomachi Shopping Street is an open-air public area, so there are no admission tickets required to enter or walk around. 
The street itself is always accessible, but individual shop hours vary. Most shops are typically open from around 10 AM to 7 PM, with some closing earlier in the evening.
There are no general entrance fees for the shops. You only pay for any purchases you make.
Weekdays, especially in the late afternoon, tend to be less crowded than weekends. Visiting during off-peak seasons or outside of major holidays can also offer a more relaxed experience.
Yes, Motomachi Shopping Street sometimes hosts events, and during winter, it can be part of Yokohama's illumination displays, like 'Yokohama Milight'.
🍽️ 🛍️ Shopping & Dining
You'll find a variety of boutiques selling fashion, accessories, jewelry, and high-quality fabrics. There are also specialty stores and some souvenir shops.
Yes, the street is lined with cozy cafes and restaurants offering various cuisines. It's a great place to grab a coffee, a light snack, or a meal.
While known for its boutiques, you can still find unique local crafts and specialty items. It's a good place to look for gifts with a touch of Yokohama's charm.
The reviews mention good chocolatiers, and the street offers a blend of local finds and some international influences, making it a good spot for culinary exploration.
While the street itself is about boutiques, nearby areas in Yokohama are known for car culture, including the Nismo workshop and JDM shops. +1
📸 📸 Photography & Atmosphere
Late afternoon into early evening offers beautiful lighting as the streetlights begin to glow, creating a magical atmosphere.
It offers a blend of Western sophistication and Japanese artistry, with elegant architecture and a relaxed, cosmopolitan vibe, contrasting with the bustle of Chinatown.
The striking phoenix archway at the entrance is a popular spot for photos. The European-inspired architecture along the street also makes for picturesque shots.
Yes, the charming streetscapes, unique shops, and occasional events like car rallies provide excellent opportunities for street photography.
The 'Firebird' likely refers to a specific sculpture or art installation, possibly related to the phoenix archway or another decorative element on the street, adding to its visual appeal.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Its proximity to Yokohama Chinatown and Yamashita Park means you can easily combine a visit to Motomachi with other family-friendly attractions. The contrast between the bustling Chinatown and the more serene Motomachi can be an interesting experience for children.
🚗 Car Enthusiasts
If you're visiting Yokohama with a passion for cars, dedicating time to explore these automotive hotspots, which are often accessible from the Motomachi area, will be a rewarding experience. It's a chance to immerse yourself in the vibrant JDM scene that Japan is famous for.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Couples
The street's proximity to other Yokohama attractions like Chinatown and the waterfront means you can easily curate a day of exploration. Whether you're looking for unique fashion finds, a delightful meal, or just a picturesque walk, Motomachi offers a refined escape.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into Yokohama's History
The street has evolved over the decades, transitioning from catering primarily to expatriates to becoming a beloved destination for locals and tourists alike. It retains its reputation for quality and style, offering a curated selection of boutiques that emphasize fashion, accessories, and high-quality goods. The presence of luxury brands alongside unique specialty stores creates a sophisticated yet accessible shopping experience.
Beyond shopping, Motomachi offers a delightful atmosphere for a leisurely stroll. The cobblestone pavements, decorative streetlights, and the iconic phoenix archway at its entrance contribute to its unique charm. It's a place where you can step back in time, appreciate the blend of cultures, and enjoy a more refined side of Yokohama.
Shopping and Discoveries
Beyond apparel and accessories, the street also features specialty stores that might surprise you. For instance, there are mentions of chocolatiers, adding a sweet treat to your exploration.
For those interested in photography, the area around Motomachi Shopping Street is also home to camera shops, including those selling both new and used film and digital cameras, appealing to photography enthusiasts.
This makes Motomachi a multifaceted destination, offering more than just fashion, but also opportunities for niche interests and discoveries. The Motomachi Musical Clock
While the specific design might vary or have changed over time, the experience of hearing its tune is a cherished memory for many. It adds a layer of charm and a touch of whimsy to the sophisticated shopping street, offering a moment of auditory pleasure amidst the elegant surroundings.
Finding this musical clock can be part of the adventure, often located near jewelry and watch stores. Its performance is a reminder of the enduring appeal of simple pleasures and the way certain sounds can evoke powerful memories and emotions.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit