Yokohama Apartment Guide: Overview and Rent Prices in the Yokohama Station Area
Since opening its port in 1851, Yokohama, located in Kanagawa Prefecture, has grown into a major city that attracts people not only from Japan but also from overseas. Its international atmosphere and high level of convenience make it a popular place for many foreigners to live.
The area around Yokohama Station consistently ranks at the top of “Most Desirable Cities to Live” rankings on major Japanese real estate websites. As of 2024, large-scale redevelopment is still ongoing, and according to the "Yokohama Station West Exit Grand Remodeling Plan" announced by the Sotetsu Group, the area will see increased commercial and residential spaces by the 2040s. This development is expected to further enhance the area’s appeal and solidify its reputation as one of the most desirable places to live.
In this article, we’ll explain the livability of the area around Yokohama Station in Yokohama City, Kanagawa Prefecture. We’ll also cover transport access, shopping options, and rental apartment prices, so feel free to use this as a reference!
Transportation Convenience in Yokohama
Yokohama Station is a major terminal serviced by six different railway operators, providing excellent access to various parts of the country.
- JR East (Tokaido Line, Yokosuka Line, Shonan-Shinjuku Line, Keihin-Tohoku Line, Negishi Line)
- Yokohama City Subway Blue Line
- Tokyu Corporation (Tokyu Toyoko Line)
- Keikyu Corporation (Keikyu Main Line)
- Sotetsu Railway (Sotetsu Main Line)
- Yokohama Minatomirai Railway (Minatomirai Line)
Thanks to its extensive transportation network, Yokohama Station boasts the fifth-largest number of annual passengers in Japan, demonstrating its exceptional convenience. Below are some destinations you can reach from Yokohama Station without changing trains:
With its vast transportation network, Yokohama Station offers excellent access to all areas, making it an ideal residential location for commuters to Tokyo or frequent travelers both domestically and internationally. While several lines connect to Tokyo Station, the JR Tokaido Line is the fastest, with only three stops. Additionally, the JR Tokaido Line provides direct access to Atami in Shizuoka Prefecture, which can be reached in about 1.5 hours, offering a quick getaway to the hot springs.
Other major Tokyo stations, such as Shibuya, Shinjuku, and Ikebukuro, are also easily accessible via direct connections on the Tokyu Toyoko Line and JR Shonan-Shinjuku Line.
What’s the Area Around Yokohama Station Like?
The area surrounding Yokohama Station, the largest terminal in Yokohama City, has distinct atmospheres at the West Exit and East Exit. Here’s a brief overview of each area’s vibe. Until 2018, the two exits were not connected underground, requiring pedestrians to exit to street level. However, they are now connected underground, making it easier to move between the two areas.
West Exit: A Lively Area with Large Commercial Facilities and Shopping Streets
The West Exit is home to major department stores like "Yokohama Takashimaya" and shopping malls directly connected to the station, such as "JOINUS" and "Yokohama More’s." A short walk will take you to "Yokohama Vivre" and the "JR Yokohama Tower," which opened in 2020, adding to the area’s vibrant atmosphere.
The rooftop garden at JOINUS, covering about 4,600 square meters, offers a peaceful escape in the heart of the bustling city. Yokohama Vivre houses one of Japan’s largest anime stores, "Animate," where you can immerse yourself in Japanese pop culture. During the summer, the rooftop beer garden is a popular spot where you can enjoy art, music, and drinks in a Brooklyn-inspired setting.
In June 2024, the 43-story "THE YOKOHAMA FRONT TOWER," with 459 apartments, opened, directly connected to Yokohama Station via a pedestrian deck.
"Palnardo Street," extending from the Sotetsu Exit, is a lively main street popular among younger crowds, filled with cafes, restaurants, and even a Don Quijote store. You’ll also notice many foreign visitors frequenting the area.
While the West Exit has a modern, urban feel, the southern side of Palnardo Street features the more traditional "West Exit 5th Avenue" shopping street. Here, you’ll find standing bars, game arcades, and pachinko parlors, creating a lively yet somewhat hidden area popular with locals.
East Exit: A Calm Area for Leisurely Strolling
The East Exit also boasts large shopping malls, including "Sogo Yokohama," "Lumine Yokohama," and "Yokohama Bay Quarter." While there are plenty of shopping options, the area is quieter compared to the West Exit due to the presence of many office buildings.
Being close to the sea, you can also reach Minatomirai, one of Yokohama’s most famous attractions, by foot or bicycle, making it an excellent area for leisurely strolls with scenic views.
The East Exit is also home to local favorites like the headquarters of "Kiyoken," famous for its shumai dumplings, and the gallery at "Nissan Motor Co., Ltd." Close to Nissan headquarters is the "Yokohama Anpanman Children’s Museum" at Shin-Takashima Station on the Minatomirai Line, which is one stop away from Yokohama Station. It’s a great spot for families with children.
In September 2023, "K Arena Yokohama," one of the world’s largest music-specific arenas, opened. The 9-story, 45-meter-tall arena has a seating capacity of 20,033. With its fan-shaped seating arrangement and high-quality acoustics, the arena ensures a top-notch sound experience from any seat. The venue is expected to host large-scale concerts by both Japanese and international artists.
Living Near Yokohama Station: Shopping and Medical Facilities
The area around Yokohama Station is not only a popular tourist destination but also highly convenient for daily life. While it has an abundance of large commercial facilities, it also provides easy access to daily necessities like supermarkets and medical facilities.
5 Key Points for Living Near Yokohama Station
1. Plenty of Supermarkets and Drugstores for Everyday Shopping
The underground shopping area at Yokohama Station offers stores that sell fresh food and meat, along with several drugstores. On the west side, the JOINUS underground mall houses "Fresh Market" and "Tokyu Store," which are affordable and convenient for daily shopping. The east side’s Porta underground mall is home to a wide variety of prepared foods and drugstores.
Above ground, near the West Exit, you’ll find urban mini-supermarkets like "My Basket" and various drugstores. "Aeon Food Style Yokohama West Exit" stays open until 11 p.m., making it convenient for those who return home late. On the East Exit side, "Bunkado" is a popular choice for groceries.
If you venture a bit farther south to neighboring Naka Ward, you’ll find stores selling Korean, Chinese, and Thai food, along with restaurants offering authentic cuisine from these countries, making the area vibrant and multicultural.
2. Foreign-Friendly Hospitals Easily Accessible from Yokohama Station
Yokohama has several hospitals that provide services in English. "Keiyu Hospital," located about five minutes from Yokohama Station on the Minatomirai Line, and "Yokohama City Minato Red Cross Hospital," accessible by a 20-30 minute bus ride from the East Exit, are both well-situated for easy access. Both hospitals also have pediatric departments, providing peace of mind for families with children.
3. Close Access to International Schools
The West Exit and nearby Kanagawa Ward and Naka Ward offer several international schools, providing a variety of educational options for families. Living in Yokohama gives families access to a highly satisfying educational environment.
International schools near Yokohama Station:
- Horizon Japan International School
- Imagine International Preschool Yokohama Campus
- CGK International School - Bashamichi Campus
- Zoe International School
4. Easy Access to Parks and Animal-Friendly Spots
About a 10-minute walk from Yokohama Station’s West Exit is Sawatari Central Park, which offers open grass areas and benches, making it a peaceful spot where kids can run around. One of the park’s highlights is the adjacent "Yokohama Citizen’s Disaster Prevention Center," which offers free admission. Here, you can experience earthquake and fire simulations in a fun, interactive way to prepare for natural disasters.
If you walk about 20 minutes toward the seaside from the East Exit, you’ll find Rinko Park, the largest green space in the Minatomirai area. It features vast lawns, ponds, and a stunning view of Yokohama Harbor, making it an ideal spot for walking and jogging.
About 20 minutes by bus from Yokohama Station is Nogeyama Zoo, a free zoo where you can see various animals, including giraffes and red pandas. The zoo also offers petting experiences, although they are currently suspended due to renovations, with plans to reopen in the spring of 2025. In spring, the park is also a prime spot for cherry blossom viewing, with around 250 cherry trees blooming.
5. Multilingual Support from Yokohama City’s Multicultural Symbiosis Comprehensive Consultation Center
Yokohama City’s Multicultural Symbiosis Comprehensive Consultation Center offers consultation services in 12 languages, including English and Chinese. They provide assistance for daily life concerns, phone interpretation when contacting government offices, and support for international exchange and community activities. The center is located near Minatomirai Station on the Minatomirai Line, just three minutes from Yokohama Station, making it a convenient resource for foreign residents living in Yokohama.
Yokohama Station Area Rental Apartment Prices
Here’s an overview of average apartment rental prices in Nishi Ward, where Yokohama Station is located, and the four surrounding wards. Please note that these are general estimates and may vary.
Source: SUUMO Real Estate Rental Information
Rental prices in Nishi Ward, where Yokohama Station is located, tend to be higher compared to the surrounding areas, mainly due to the area’s excellent transportation access. While rental costs decrease as you move farther from the station, the convenience of transportation is closely linked to the overall livability, so it’s important to consider the location carefully when choosing a place to live.
Sep 13, 2024