10 Things to Do in Yokohama on a Small Budget
What are the Cheap Things to Do in Yokohama
Despite the city’s stylish reputation, there are still plenty of things to do in Yokohama on a small budget. Spend your days strolling through picturesque parks or doing a little window shopping along some of the bustling retail streets.
If you’re all about spectacular views, you’ll be pleased to know we’ve found a few hidden gems that will deliver amazing photographs without spending a penny. Free or cheap factory tours and corporate museums are also worth a visit. And with free or low-cost factory tours and museum visits, even the history buffs are covered too. So read on and check out our guide to Yokohama‘s cheap things to do.
1. Sojiji Temple Yokohama
A historic Buddhist temple with pristine grounds
Good for: History, Photo
Sojiji Temple is a striking Zen Buddhist landmark founded in 1321. This Yokohama attraction features a large-scale complex that includes sprawling gardens and 7 fascinating structures. Once a primary temple for the Soto Sect, a major branch of Japanese Buddhism, it continues to hold a special significance for the religion’s followers.
Sojiji Temple offers guided tours in English, so you can learn all there is to know about this stunning destination. During your visit, there’s a good chance you’ll come across the monks who live within the temple ground.
Location: 2 Chome-1-1 Tsurumi, Tsurumi Ward, Yokohama, Kanagawa 230-8686, Japan
Open: Daily from 10 am to 4.30 pm
Phone: +81 (0)45-581-6021
Sojiji Temple Yokohama
2. Motomachi Park
An idyllic park with western influence
Good for: History, Budget
Tucked away in the charming Yamate district of Yokohama, Motomachi Park is a peaceful retreat perfect for budget-conscious travellers. Entry is completely free, and the park offers a lovely blend of nature and history. You can stroll through shaded paths, admire seasonal flowers, and even spot remnants of old Western-style residences nearby, all without spending a yen.
One of the park’s highlights is the Ehrismann Residence, a beautifully preserved 1920s home that’s free to enter and explore. There’s also a public swimming pool with very low admission fees, making it a great spot for families or solo wanderers. Whether you’re picnicking or just soaking in the quiet atmosphere, Motomachi Park is a hidden gem that won’t stretch your budget.
Location: 1-77-4 Motomachi, Naka Ward, Yokohama, Kanagawa 231-0861, Japan
Motomachi Park
3. Osanbashi Yokohama Inernational Passenger Terminal
Ferry boarding port with excellent views
Good for: Budget, Photo, Shoppers
The Osanbashi Yokohama International Passenger Terminal is a fantastic free destination for travelers looking to enjoy the city’s waterfront without spending much. The rooftop deck, made of natural wood and grass, is open to the public and offers panoramic views of the bay, cruise ships, and the iconic skyline. It’s a peaceful spot to relax, take photos, or enjoy the sea breeze.
The pier’s unique architecture, spacious, pillar-less, and ship-like in design, makes it a great place to explore on foot. You’ll also find small shops selling local souvenirs and marine-themed gifts. Whether you’re sightseeing or just soaking in the atmosphere, Osanbashi is a budget-friendly highlight of Yokohama.
Location: 1-1-4 Kaigandori, Naka Ward, Yokohama, Kanagawa 231-0002, Japan
Phone: +81 45-211-2304
Osanbashi Yokohama Inernational Passenger Terminal
4. Yokohama Motomachi Shopping Street
Historic street lined with boutiques and cafes
Good for: Food, Shoppers
Yokohama’s Motomachi Shopping Street blends old-world charm with modern style, and it’s a great place to explore without spending much. You’ll find everything from traditional shops to trendy candy stores, and browsing is completely free.
Dating back to the 1860s, Motomachi has a rich history shaped by Yokohama’s international port. Western-style boutiques and European-inspired food shops still line the streets, giving the area a unique cultural vibe. Whether you’re window shopping, soaking in the atmosphere, or enjoying the architecture, Motomachi is a budget-friendly stop with plenty to discover.
Location: 1 Chome-8 Motomachi, Naka Ward, Yokohama, Kanagawa 231-0861, Japan
Yokohama Motomachi Shopping Street
5. Cup Noodles Museum Yokohama
Four stories of cup noodle fun
Good for: Families, History
The Cup Noodles Museum in Yokohama is a fun and affordable stop for travelers of all ages. Entry is reasonably priced, and many of the exhibits, dedicated to Momofuku Ando, the inventor of instant ramen, are interactive and educational. You’ll learn about the history of cup noodles and explore creative displays that celebrate Ando’s life and ideas.
One of the most popular activities is designing your own cup noodles, where you can mix and match flavors for a small fee. Kids will love pretending to be a noodle in a factory at the indoor park, and families can enjoy the hands-on ramen-making workshop. Even if you’re just browsing, the museum offers a unique and budget-friendly experience in Yokohama.
Location: 2 Chome-3-4 Shinko, Naka Ward, Yokohama, Kanagawa 231-0001, Japan
Open: Daily from 10 am to 6 pm
Phone: +82 45-345-0918
6. Rooftop World
Beautiful viewpoint atop a shopping mall
Good for: Budget, Couples, Families, Food
Rooftop World at Yokohama World Porters is a free, open-air space offering beautiful views of Minato Mirai and the bay. It’s a great spot to relax, take photos, or enjoy the breeze after exploring the mall. The rooftop is designed with greenery and seating, making it ideal for a casual break or a low-cost picnic with snacks from the food court below.
Throughout the year, Rooftop World hosts seasonal events like light-up displays, mini markets, and themed decorations, especially around holidays like Christmas and Halloween. These events are often free to enjoy and add a festive atmosphere to your visit. For a more memorable experience, check the mall’s website or social media before you go to see what’s happening during your trip.
Location: 2 Chome-2-1 Shinko, Naka Ward, Yokohama, Kanagawa 231-0001, Japan
Open: Daily from 10.30 am to 9.30 pm
Phone: +82 45-222-2000
Rooftop World
7. Jingashita Keikoku Park
A verdant nature reserve
Good for: Budget, Families, Photo
Jingashita Keikoku Park is a lush, quiet area along the Katabira River in Yokohama, ideal for escaping the city without leaving it. Just a 20-minute walk from Nishiya Station, the park offers forest trails, gentle streams, and plenty of greenery. It’s free to enter and is a great spot for a peaceful stroll, nature spotting, or a casual photo walk. Wear comfy shoes and clothes you don’t mind getting a little muddy.
There’s a picnic area where you can bring your own snacks and enjoy lunch surrounded by trees and birdsong. The park also has a rich history, once used as a hunting ground by a samurai retainer. Kids should look out for the small bridges and winding paths that make the walk feel like a mini adventure.
Location: 797 Kawashimacho, Hodogaya Ward, Yokohama, Kanagawa 240-0045, Japan
Jingashita Keikoku Park
8. Mitsubishi Minatomirai Industrial Museum
State-of-the-art science center with family-friendly exhibits
Good for: Families, History
This museum was established by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. in 1994 to showcase science and technology. Inside, the SEA Zone, SKY & SPACE Zone, MHI FUTURE GATE, and the specialist exhibition space are filled with a variety of exhibits and hands-on areas. Marvel at a rare rocket engine, the manned research submersible Shinkai 6500, and a cockpit model of a passenger plane, as well as a flight simulator.
Various science experiment classes, workshops, and events are also held on a regular basis. The museum is full of exciting things to do for children and grown-ups alike, with a playground and a museum shop with goods featuring the adorable Techno-kun mascot.
Location: KDX Yokohama Minatomirai Tower, 3-1, Minatomirai 3-chome, Nishi-ku, Yokohama-shi, 220-8401, Japan
Open: Monday–Friday from 10 am to 3 pm, Saturday and Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm
Phone: +81 45-200-7351
Mitsubishi Minatomirai Industrial Museum
9. Kiyoken Yokohama Factory Tour
A fascinating behind-the-scenes look at dumpling production
Good for: Budget, Food
If you love dumplings and Japanese culture, the Kiyoken Factory Tour in Yokohama is a must, and it’s completely free. You’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at how their famous shiumai and bento boxes are made, plus a fun video on the company’s history. Tours last about 90 minutes, and reservations open 3 months in advance and fill up fast, so book early online.
Even if you don’t join the tour, you can still visit the Petit Museum Shop without a reservation. It features an interactive touch panel shaped like a train window, fun quizzes, and freshly made snacks like shiumai and Chinese buns. It’s a playful, budget-friendly stop that’s great for families or curious foodies.
Location: 675-1 Kawamukocho, Tsuzuki Ward, Yokohama, Kanagawa 224-0044, Japan
Open: Tour times vary
Phone: +81 45-472-5890
Kiyoken Yokohama Factory Tour
10. Marine Park
Seaside park known for clamming
Good for: Adventure, Budget, Families
Yokohama Marine Park is a fantastic seaside escape that’s full of free and low-cost fun. The artificial beach is great for swimming, relaxing, or clamming during spring and summer, just bring your own gear and check tide times. You can collect up to 2 kg of clams, including asari and razor clams, making it a fun and budget-friendly activity for families.
Beyond the beach, the park has free-use beach volleyball courts, open spaces for frisbee or soccer, and a barbecue area where you can rent equipment and buy ingredients on-site. It’s ideal for a laid-back day with friends or a seaside picnic. Facilities like showers and changing rooms are available during the bathing season, making it easy to enjoy a full day outdoors.
Location: 10 Uminokoen, Kanazawa Ward, Yokohama, Kanagawa 236-0013, Japan
Phone: +81 045-701-3450
Marine Park
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