HOME Back

Use the

Planning a Trip to Japan?

Share your travel photos with us by hashtagging your images with #visitjapanjp

Motomachi (Yokohama) 元町(横浜)

Motomachi Motomachi
Motomachi Motomachi

An international selection of boutiques and dining establishments

Located just south of Yokohama Chinatown , Motomachi shows off the city's international personality with a retail district shaped by the cultural exchanges between Japan and the West from the late 19th century onward.

Don't Miss

  • The cinnamon bread from British-style baker Uchiki Pan
  • Join in the festivities at the local St. Patrick's Parade
  • Snagging a bargain during the district's semi-annual sales

Quick Facts

Motomachi was once a quiet farming and fishing village

In the 1970s, the street inspired its own type of fashion called hama tora, meaning Yokohama traditional

How to Get There

The nearest stations are Motomachi-Chukagai on the Minatomirai Line and JR Ishikawacho Station on the Negishi Line.

Both stations are less than 10 minutes' away from Yokohama Station, and less than an hour from downtown Tokyo on the Tokyu Toyoko Line.

East meets West

The main draw in this area is Motomachi Shopping Street. The district spawned a confluence of Japanese and Western culture in the boutiques, cafes, and other local businesses that sprouted up here after Japan opened itself to the world in the late 19th century. From here, Western cultural influences spread elsewhere in Japan, while Japanese cultural influences traveled the opposite way to the West.

An abundance of shopping options

In addition to clothing, shoes, bags, and accessories, visitors can browse stores selling sporting goods, art, tableware, plus beauty salons, barbershops, and much more.

A collection of inviting cafes

Take a break at a restaurant or coffee shop, or grab a drink at one of Motomachi's many sophisticated bars. The area is home to a variety of international restaurants serving everything from Hawaiian and Italian to Chinese and Japanese, plus the unique "Yokohama French" found only at Cuisine Francaise Mutekiro.

One of Yokohama's biggest shopping events

The biggest event on Motomachi Shopping Street is the semi-annual Charming Sale in February and September, when you can hunt for great deals. Other events include winter illuminations in January and February, a St. Patrick's Day Parade in March, a Food Fair and Halloween in October, and more.



* The information on this page may be subject to change due to COVID-19.

Recommended for You

Yokohama Chukagai Chinatown
Yokohama Chinatown
Osanbashi Yokohama
Osanbashi Pier

Please Choose Your Language

Browse the JNTO site in one of multiple languages