A Peaceful Return to Yokohama: Spring Flowers and a Fuji Daytrip

Sailing into the Yokohama cruise port (横浜市 – Pronounced [yo-ko-ha-ma]) always feels like stepping into a well-balanced blend of modern Japan and peaceful public space. Located just south of Tokyo, this port city has grown from a small fishing village into one of the busiest shipping hubs in the country.

The port played a pivotal role in Japan’s opening to foreign trade in the mid-1800s and still reflects that global influence today. Whether you’re disembarking for a full-day Tokyo excursion or staying local, Yokohama is easy to enjoy on foot, especially in the spring.

During my visits, I stuck close to the waterfront and enjoyed some light solo exploration. It wasn’t a bucket list stop, but it became a quiet favorite.

In 2023, our ship arrived early due to a typhoon headed for Busan. The extra time in port gave me the chance to hop on the Shinkansen from Shinagawa to Shizuoka. I was chasing a clear view of Mt Fuji and was surprised to learn that in August, the summit isn’t always capped in snow. Still, it was worth it just to catch that glimpse of the mountain emerging from behind a bank of clouds during the ride.

On each of my springtime returns in 2025, I stayed close to the waterfront and kept things simple. I wandered through Yamashita Park, where spring flowers were blooming in color-coded planters. The paths were lined with benches facing the harbor, making it a perfect place to sit with a snack and just take in the skyline.

I also passed several thoughtful landmarks like the Girl Scouts friendship statue and the retired Hikawa Maru ocean liner. With clear weather and fresh air off the water, there wasn’t much else I needed. Sometimes the best days in port are the ones where you just walk slowly and watch the world move around you.