Yokohama

Map of Tokyo Bay, 1917

Yokohama (横浜市; -shi) is the capital city of Kanagawa prefecture in Japan, and also a major port.

As of 2003, the city has an estimated population of 3,519,103 and the density of 8,050.66 persons per km². It is Japan's second-biggest city next to Tokyo. The total area is 437.12 km².

The city was founded on April 1, 1889 and was designated on September 1, 1956 by government ordinance.

Located on a peninsula facing the western side of Tokyo Bay, it is a mere 30 kilometres (18 miles) from Tokyo, and a major part of the city is a residential area for people commuting to Tokyo. In fact, the greater Tokyo area, including Kanagawa, Saitama and Chiba prefectures, is often regarded as the largest metropolitan area in the world (see List of metropolitan areas by population).

Yokohama had been a small fishing village before the sea port was opened in 1859. The sea port was developed for trading silk in Meiji era and later for importing raw materials and exporting products for factories in the Keihin Industrial Area.

Sightseeing spots in Yokohama include the port area (Yamashita Park, Minato Mirai 21 and China Town), Yamate area (harbour view park) and Sankeien Garden. The ramen museum and the curry museum are interesting spots recently opened in Yokohama.

Yokohama is the home of Yokohama Baystars, a Central League baseball team, and Yokohama F Marinos, a J. League soccer team. The final game of the 2002 World Cup was played in Yokohama International Sports Stadium.

External Links

• Official website in English

Referenced By