A Family Day Out in Yokohama
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Visited by thousands of tourists a day, Yokohama is a great location for solo and group travelers. From its breathtaking nighttime skyline to its beautiful ocean views, Yokohama is an unmissable location for any visitor to Japan. With the recent influx of families touring the area, the need for family-friendly venues has become even more important. For the needs of the whole family, here are some great spots in Yokohama that any age can enjoy.
Forest Adventure Yokohama
Starting in France, Forest Adventure offers a vast range of elaborate obstacles and climbing ranges built in a naturally growing forest. The obstacles have different levels for different ages and heights, making it an amazing adventure for the whole family. Younger kids can enjoy a Kids Course with 45 minutes of play on a plethora of activities. A zipline starts from the highest point of the course. Older kids have the ability to choose from the Canopy or Adventure courses, both more advanced courses taking adventurous kids higher into the tree lines with ever-growing obstacles and raised bridges to cross. These also end with a crazy zipline descent through the trees back down to the ground. While the mantra of Forest Adventure is challenge yourself, they take the safety of the participants to the upmost with a spotter constantly watching all of the activities and comprehensive safety instructions both in English and Japanese. At any time if you want to stop the adventure and come back down, this can easily be done, so you’re never pushed beyond your own limits.
Adventure Course
Min height 140cm or 10 years old / Maximum weight: 130kg
Children under the age of 15 cannot enter the course alone (must be accompanied by an adult)
1 person ¥3,800
Canopy Course
Min height 110cm / Maximum weight: 130kg
Children under 8 cannot enter the course alone (must be accompanied by an adult)
1 person ¥2,800
Kids Course
Min height 90cm / kids younger than 10 years of age
Kids should be monitored from the ground
1 person ¥1,500
45mins of free roam
Kodomo no Kuni
Founded in commemoration of the Royal Marriage of Prince Akihito and Princess Michiko in 1959, Kodomo no Kuni is 240 acres of land completely dedicated to the enjoyment and entertainment of young children. Huge doesn’t even begin to describe how insanely big Kodomo no Kuni is. The space is also well-used, with giant parks, tennis courts, a barbecue area for the summertime, biking courses for older kids, swimming pools and ice-skating rinks, a place to ride ponies and a petting zoo. All of this plus a ton more. One can easily spend an entire day in Kodomo no Kuni, and the family can enjoy themselves at any time of year.
Yokohama Anpanman Children’s Museum
©Takashi Yanase/Froebel-kan,TMS,NTV
Created in 1973 and geared towards kindergarten-aged children, Anpanman is a character who tries to convey various life lessons and morals (as most children shows do). Anpanman quickly gained popularity with its hilarious characters and captivating story lines. The character has inspired toys, games and the Yokohama Anpanman Children’s Museum. This facility is great for young children who love the Japanese character or those who simply love a place to cut loose. Although museum is in the name, the Anpanman Children’s Museum is more of a play zone for young kids, with soft floors and numerous activities and events spread across the two floors. The first floor is completely free to enter, with Anpanman-related shops, restaurants and a small game and play area for anyone to enjoy. The second-floor zone is the main museum. Tickets for the second floor can be purchased online or at the museum for ¥2,200, with kids under 1 entering for free. The Anpanman Children’s Museum website can be accessed in Japanese and various other languages, including English, Chinese and Korean, making the ticket-purchasing process as smooth as possible.
Cupnoodles Museum Yokohama
This commemoration to all things instant noodles is without a doubt one of the best outings for families visiting Yokohama. The Cupnoodles Museum Yokohama is filled with interesting tidbits about instant noodle inventor and founder, Momofuku Ando, and the yummy product’s subsequent popularization worldwide. The museum also keeps younger audiences engaged and entertained by providing fun and exciting exhibitions and installations, including a trick art piece, a fun anime about the history of Ando, and more.
The most enticing permanent installation at the museum is My Cupnoodles Factory. Those wanting to make their own cup ramen should probably start there and take a number before exploring the museum to its fullest since this hands-on experience is popular with families of all ages. For those who can’t wait for the water to boil, the top floor of the museum has an amazing food court where you can find mini-size portions of noodles from all around Asia and Italy. The servings cost around ¥400 per bowl and are great for sharing. The museum is fully accessible for English speakers with listening guides, signs and explanations in English and English speakers on site, so nobody misses out on the instant noodle fun.
Zou-no-hana Park（Elephant Nose Park）
A giant stretch of park encompassing the docks of Yokohama, Elephant Nose Park is a great family location on those warm summer days. The first-scale port of Yokohama, the area took its nickname from the dykes that resembled the shape of an elephant’s nose. Elephants are well-represented at the park, which is always abuzz with street performers, activity at the play areas. With beautiful views of Yokohama Bay, Elephant Nose Park is a relaxing location for anyone who needs a break from the bustling main streets of Yokohama. The cool sea breeze is perfect for those humid summer days in Japan, and with stylish cafes on a stone’s throw away you can easily enjoy a light bite to eat or a delicious ice cream, and with tons of child friendly structures Elephant Nose Park is a nice location for families and friends. Elephant Nose park is also free to enter, has free WIFI, a rest space and picnic rental equipment and chairs.