Exploring from Nagareyama to Yokohama turned out to be such a relaxing and beautiful day. I didn’t expect Nagareyama Otakanomori Station to have so much to offer; there are plenty of local shops, restaurants, cafes, and dessert spots. It’s a nice area for families or anyone who just wants a calm place for everyday shopping and small treats.
From there, I took the train to Yokohama, then transferred to Sakuragicho Station to run a few errands. I ended up really enjoying my walk around Minato Mirai and the nearby streets. The area has a mix of local food spots, supermarkets, and breakfast places that open as early as 7 AM super convenient if you’re starting your day early.
I stayed at JR EAST HOTEL METS PREMIER SAKURAGICHO, which is just a one-minute walk from JR Sakuragicho Station, super convenient if you’re traveling with luggage or just don’t want to deal with long transfers. The rooms are modern and space-efficient, which is pretty standard in Japan, but still really comfortable and quiet. There’s even a coffee machine in the lobby, where you can enjoy freshly ground coffee at any time of the day.
Downstairs, you’ll find CIAL Sakuragicho Grocery and Dining Restaurant KITEKI, so food and essentials are easy to grab without going far. There’s also a Starbucks right next to the building, perfect for a quick breakfast before heading out.
Yokohama has plenty of quick and easy food options, from local ramen spots to cozy cafes.and easy.
Here are some of the stops I made during the trip:
Ramen Hayashida – A must-try for its soy-based broth that’s rich, smooth, and full of umami.
Cafe Andersen – Great for a simple Japanese breakfast and coffee before exploring.
Soup Stock Tokyo – A cozy chain serving hearty soups and light meals, open early for those who like to start their day with something warm.Freshness Burger – A reliable stop for quick, casual bites.
FOREST (Nagareyama) – A greens and furniture shop with an organic café — matcha kakigori heaven
Watch my Yokohama vlog for reference.
Grocery Finds in Yokohama
If you enjoy checking out local supermarkets during your trips (I always do), Yokohama has some nice ones worth stopping by.
Kitano Ace is a fun spot to browse; it’s full of imported food, sauces, snacks, and neatly packaged gift items. Even if you’re not planning to shop, it’s one of those places where you end up finding something interesting. The store is bright, organized, and great for picking up small treats or souvenirs to take home.
Motomachi Union has more of a local neighborhood feel. It’s the kind of supermarket people in the area actually shop at, with a solid mix of fresh produce, bentos, and ready-to-eat meals. It’s also perfect if you just want something simple for dinner or hotel snacks. Clean, quiet, and convenient, especially if you’re staying near Sakuragicho or Minato Mirai.
For shopping and relaxing, Colette Mare in Sakuragicho is worth a visit, especially Story Story Yokohama, a bookstore-café combo that’s perfect for coffee and browsing.
Even in summer, walking around Sakuragicho and Minato Mirai feels relaxing. The streets are clean, the sidewalks are wide, and the breeze from the bay makes the heat bearable. You can take your time exploring without feeling rushed, there are plenty of shaded spots, benches, and cafés to rest in between walks.
The mix of city views, calm water, and modern buildings makes this area one of the nicest places to stroll in Yokohama. Next time, I want to try some of the popular activities here, like the Yokohama Air Cabin, the Sea Bus around the bay, and a few of the other spots that make this area so well-loved by both locals and visitors.
Watch the Vlog:
Related Post
If you enjoyed this vlog, check out my blog how to stay relaxed and enjoy slow travel days in Japan.