Since the opening of its port in 1859, Yokohama has grown from a small village of 600 inhabitants to become Japan's second largest city (after Tokyo), with a population of 3.5 million.
When Yokohama opened its port to foreign countries after 250 years of isolation from the west it became Japan's gateway to the world, welcoming trade and becoming home to a vibrant immigrant community. The first photographic shop and Sukiyaki restaurant opened in 1862, followed by the first daily newspaper publisher and beer brewery. In 1872 the first railway line in Japan connected Yokohama to Tokyo, 30km to the north.
Characterised by openness and a progressive spirit, Yokohama has always been eager to adopt culture and art from all over the world and fuse them into a new tradition. Today, the city continues to make the most of its 147 year heritage and rich natural setting of hills, rivers and the ocean as it strives to become an even more vibrant, independent and international city.
Flourishing initially as a port city, the city of Yokohama has developed into an industrial giant that today steers the entire Japanese manufacturing industry. Yokohama is currently home to a variety of automotive and other related industries, and manufacturing remains the city's major commercial activity.
The city takes pride in its cosmopolitan atmosphere and offers many historical, cultural and recreational attractions, including Japan's largest Chinatown with countless gourmet restaurants and street vendors. Yokohama's bustling shopping area "Motomachi" was once home to the foreign community living in Yokohama and still displays an ambient blend of East and West. Yamashita Park on the waterfront offers a scenic view of the port area where visitors can relax watching the boats in the harbour come and go.
Yokohama also offers unrivalled access to other tourist locations. Tokyo and Kamakura, the ancient military capital, are both within half an hour by train.
Pacifico Yokohama, the venue for the FISITA 2006 World Automotive Congress, is situated by the ocean in Minato Mirai, "the harbour of the future", and enjoys perfect views of Yokohama Bay Bridge. Minato Mirai was the focus of Yokohama's city development plan which made the district a new business, commercial and cultural hub, and home to one of the finest convention facilities in the world. It boasts many modern high-rise buildings, the most famous of which is the 70-storey Yokohama Landmark Tower. The observation deck provides a grand panoramic view that covers the entire Kanto region.
Minato Mirai is bustling with large shopping malls and amusement spots. The gorgeous night view of the city is not to be missed. The high-rise buildings, with Yokohama Cosmo World and its giant Ferris wheel in the centre, are lit up every evening, creating the illusion that the whole area is floating in the night sky.
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