Yokohama’s first foreign residents brought a western flair to this city street in the 19th century and today it is an exciting place to shop, dine and people-watch.
Stroll down Motomachi Shopping Street to experience some of Yokohama’s historic cosmopolitan atmosphere. This city street is the spot where international influences began to filter into the city via its busy port. The Yokohama Port opened in 1859 and transformed the quiet fishing village into a bustling hub for foreign trade. Wander down the 1,640-foot (500-meter) strip and check out the shops, fashion boutiques, cafés and restaurants that reflect Yokohama’s multicultural heritage.
Motomachi Shopping Street extends across five city blocks on the banks of the Nakamura River. As you stroll down the street, you’ll see western-style flourishes in the storefronts and façades. Much of the street’s European atmosphere dates back to the 1960s, when German and French bakeries and Eastern European grocery stores were established. The latest pop records from England arrived via Motomachi Shopping Street’s music shops. Explore these westernized storefronts to find boutiques and fashion houses that stock the latest trends.
Note the particular fashion aesthetic that can be seen in this district. Hama Tra is a local design style that was popularized on Motomachi Shopping Street in the 1970s and many local brands still design their creations in this style.
Peruse the mouthwatering window displays of European-style bakeries and grab a tasty pastry and a coffee. Choose from a range of international cuisines at the restaurants on Motomachi Shopping Street, including French and Italian.
Find out about the program of events that regularly occur on the street. Light installations give the street a pretty ambiance during Christmas and wintertime. In October, join the Food Fair and check out the Halloween decorations. Summer celebrations are held in August, while February and September bring exciting seasonal sales.
A popular time to visit Motomachi Shopping Street is on weekends or public holidays, when it is closed to road traffic. The street is located within the Naka Ward, to the north of Chinatown. Ishikawacho and Motomachi-Chucagai stations are located nearby. The shopping strip is free to visit at any time of day.
