Situated in Kanagawa prefecture, just under 40 minutes from Tokyo, is Yokohama. To reach Yokohama from Tokyo, take a train from Shinjuku station for 35 minutes using the JR Shonan Shinjuku line. For most people visiting Japan they often explore the city of Tokyo. However, as Japan’s second largest city, the picturesque port city of Yokohama is a perfect alternative and day trip from Tokyo. Yokohama is a city rich in history and urban flare, and has the perfect blend of modern and traditional elements with its open waterfronts, historical architecture and urbanised development offering visitors a fun and cosmopolitan atmosphere. Complimenting this rich heritage is the special Yokohama Archives Museum of History!

This historical museum was the location of the signing of the Treaty of Kanagawa in 1854 between Japan and the USA. As a result, the historic buildings have been carefully preserved and managed, and the museum was opened in 1981. The museum is dedicated to telling the history of Yokohama as it became one of Japan’s first treaty ports that opened to international trade in the mid 19th Century. If you love history, especially modern and maritime history, this is a great stop to gain further context on the wonderful city of Yokohama and its heritage.

The museum is small, and has two relatively compact floors but it is certainly worth a visit. You can comfortably spend 45 minutes to 60 minutes here enjoying the facilities. It offers bilingual interpretation in both English and Japanese, so foreign visitors can enjoy gaining more context on the museum exhibits. The museum has a small gift shop and a courtyard where visitors can rest enjoying the historic surroundings and architecture. To reach the museum, visitors can take the train from Yokohama station to Nihon-Odori station, and the museum is then approximately a 1 minute walk from exit 3. The museum is also only a 5 minute walk to Osanbashi Terminal and the port area of Yokohama.

Want to experience the Yokohama City and the Archives Museum of History for yourself?

1 Day Tour

Yokohama Highlights Tour: Exploring the Portside City
Period	All Year Round
Time	09:10 – 16:50
Meeting Place	Outside of Shinjuku Station South Gate Baskin Robbins
Adult Rate	¥22,800
Child Rate	¥14,000