Yokohama

Yokohama is the capital city of Kanagawa Prefecture and the second-most populous city in Japan, located on Tokyo Bay in the Kantō region, just south of Tokyo. As part of the Greater Tokyo Area, it serves as a major international port, commercial center, and gateway for trade and culture. The city spans roughly 437 square kilometers and is home to about 3.7 million residents.

The area began as a small fishing village. It opened to foreign trade in 1859 under the Convention of Kanagawa and rapidly developed into Japan's first treaty port and a hub of international exchange. The city experienced significant destruction in the 1923 Great Kantō Earthquake and during World War II, followed by extensive postwar reconstruction and modern growth.

Yokohama's economy combines port activities, manufacturing, logistics, and research institutions. The Port of Yokohama is among Japan's busiest. The Minato Mirai 21 waterfront district hosts business, shopping, and entertainment, anchored by landmarks such as a prominent observation tower and convention facilities. The city also preserves cultural districts and green spaces, including Sankeien Garden and Chinatown.

Transportation links connect Yokohama with Tokyo and other regions via multiple rail lines operated by JR East and private railways, as well as a network of buses and expressways. The city is served by the Port of Yokohama for freight and passenger traffic, and it hosts several universities, including Yokohama National University, contributing to research and innovation.