Yokohama Chinatown is the largest Chinese town in Japan. With it gorgeous temple and
traditional gates guarding the four directions, it is a fascinating sightseeing
spot. Moreover, unique cuisine and gorgeous souvenirs make the Chinatown a must
visit place
Craving
Chinese cuisine while visiting Japan? Or you happen to be around Tokyo,
wondering what to do next? There is no better place to visit than the Chinatown
in Yokohama, also known as Yokohama Chukagai. It is the largest one in Japan
and a must visit for its fabulous food, sightseeing spots and lively
atmosphere. The hustle bustle and the vibrant vibe of this place will surely
make you want to visit again.
Yokohama
Chinatown developed after the port of Yokohama was opened to foreign trade in
1859. It became the residence area of the many Chinese traders who settled down
in the city. There are more than 600 Chinese stores and restaurants in the
Chinatown, buzzing with activity from morning until late in the night
Four
colorful gates named after the four directions in Chinese tradition stand as
entrances to Chinatown and five more gates can be found within. You can enter
the town from any of the four gates. Guardian deities are enshrined in each of
these gates, according to the principles of Feng Shui. It is believed that
these deities protect the trade and prosperity of the Chinatown.
The
East Gate (Chōyō-mon) relates to the Azure Dragon God, and brings prosperity. The
South Gate (Suzaku-mon) is associated with Suzaku - the sacred Vermillion Bird
- and hence the color red. It brings good fortune and protection from disaster.
The North Gate (Genbu-mon) relates to the Black Tortoise, and is associated
with the God Xuanwu (in Chinese) or Genbu (in Japanese). The West Gate
(Enpei-mon) is related to the White Tiger deity of Chinese mythology, and is
known as Baihu (in Chinese) or Byakkō (in Japanese). The gate relates to
eternal peace.
The
fifth gate, Zenrin-mon, also known as "the Gate of Good Neighborly
Relations" is the symbol of Chinatown and the most beautiful, with its
bright red color. It symbolizes warm human relationships and the act of
welcoming everyone with an open heart.
This
bright red colored temple is located in the center of Chinatown. Built in 1873
by the Chinese residents, it is dedicated to the Chinese deity of good business
and prosperity.
The temple is so exquisite and peaceful that one cannot escape
its charm. Visitors can offer prayers and also light incense sticks in front of
the temple. During the night, the temple is lit up by lanterns and the view is
simply blissful Kanteibyo Temple is elaborately decorated with beautiful and
intricate patterns, offering one of the best photographic views in the area.
One
of the finest attractions of the Yokohama Chinatown is the cuisine offered at
its many restaurants and food stands. Visitors can spend big on a single meal
or fill up on steamed buns for a single coin. There is a choice for all tastes
and budgets.
SteamedBuns
You
will notice the street side hawkers selling large steamed buns. It is hard to
resist these aromatic and delicious steamed buns which are available at a very
cheap price. Filled with various ingredients, these massive and well-loved
snacks abound the streets of Chinatown. I especially recommend the huge steamed
pork buns, loaded with coarsely chopped meat, gao-wa (leeks), and tiny cubes of
pickled mustard green. Particularly popular are the goma-dango (sesame balls),
small fried balls with a red bean mixture inside. Shouronpo are another popular
treat for non-vegetarians, containing a meat based filling. They are so
delicious that you will want to try all the varieties.
Mābōdōfu
Mābōdōfu is another must try dish from Chinatown. Originally a dish from the Sichuan province in China, it consists of tōfu boiled in a spicy chili- and red bean based sauce cooked with fermented black beans and minced meat which is often pork or beef.
Variations are made with other ingredients popular in Japan. Mābōdōfu
comes in a set meal and is affordable. Many restaurants have different prices
for the same dish. You can choose from the array of restaurants along the
streets of Chinatown. A picture of the menu and the prices of each dish are
displayed on the boards outside the shops, so choosing what and where you want
to eat won't be a difficult task.
Chinatown
boasts a variety of shops selling Chinese vegetables, fruit, herbs, seasonings
and spices. In addition, one can find Chinese medicine stores, select tea
shops, as well as stores selling kitchen utensils, lanterns and Chinese wines.
The stalls of Chinese fortune tellers, palm readers and astrology advisers are
also an usual sight on the streets in the area.
The
best keepsake from this vibrant town would be, for example, good luck charms or
the charming traditional Chinese dress called "qipao". The qipao is
very hard to find in other areas of Japan. Souvenirs from the store "Panda
memorabilia" are also great. This shop features accessories, sweets and
stationery items inspired by the cuteness of the panda.
In
Conclusion
YokohamaChinatown is a fascinating area that will allow you to feel as if you are
traveling to Japan and China at the same time. It is a great destination for a
peaceful afternoon and I warmly recommend it as a place that symbolizes the
multicultural appeal of Yokohama.
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