Sweet Home Yokohama

My accommodation details arrived today. I was previously told I would be in the Kanto region of Honshu, the main area dominated by Tokyo on the main of the four islands that make up Japan. However, I am in the second largest city in Japan, Yokohama.

This location seems to be the best of both worlds: I don't have to face the public transport problems of Tokyo in and out of work every day, yet the train is 25 minutes between Tokyo and Yokohama. As an added bonus, I'll be next to the sea*.

So far, Yokohama sounds a lovely place:

Yokohama is a lively city famous for its international flavour. The arrival of the first western ships 150 years ago turned it into the country's most important port. Westerners were encouraged to settle here, and there is still a large western community. Yokohama is now Japan's second largest city and a vital commercial and industrial hub.

The city itself is very pleasant. It has the largest Chinatown in Japan, and people come here to imbibe the exotic atmosphere and dine on the country's best Chinese food.

- Thomas Cook, Traveller's Guide, 2004

The actual part of Yokohama I will be staying in is a short walk from Tsunashima on the Tokyu-Toyoko Line, which is the main train line running between Narita Airport, Tokyo and Yokohama Centre. Which is nice.

Click to enlarge. The light green line is Tokyuo-Toyoko. Northbound is Tokyo.

The other main feature of Yokohama is Minato Mirai 21:

...an ever evolving world of shopping malls and restaurants. At its heart is the 972ft landmark Tower, the tallest in Japan, Queens Mall and the attractive Meiji-style Aka Renga Soko which offers daily cultural events. It is worth paying for the fastest lift ride in the world up the Tower to have a look at Mount Fuji.

-Globetrotter, Travel Pack, 2005

Pretty damn awesome. And Mount Fuji in the background topping it all off. Of course, I'll put my own pictures on here soon, but this should whet your appetite. I'm a very excited boy.


*It's difficult not to be by the sea in Japan; although 3,000km in length, it is a very narrow country. Still, it was the one (geographical) thing missing at Uni.