YOKOHAMA Y150

Yokohama's port opened in 1859, and this year it is celebrating the 150th year since the occasion. As part of the celebrations, the EXPO Y150 event is currently being held at the Yokohama port area. At this EXPO, they display historical artifacts, Yokohama goods and famous attractions of the city. The theme of this EXPO is "Set to sail," symbolizing how Yokohama started from here and how it will continue on into future.


This EXPO is held in three areas: the Minato Mirai area representing the "sea," Yokohama station representing the "city," and the Yamashita Park area, which represents "nature." In these three areas, different events are held that link to the theme each area has.

Since the EXPO is celebrating the opening of the port, the event's main galleries and exhibits are shown at the "sea section." The exhibitions are further separated into three main halls; Y150 Forest of Beginnings, Y150 Tomorrow Park, NISSAN Y150 and Super Hi-Vision Theatre.

Each hall holds many different exhibits. Forest of Beginnings focuses more on the history of Yokohama city and how it developed into one of Japan's creative hubs.

Tomorrow Park focuses on entertainment and Yokohama's visions of the future. Here you can see a special sci-fi short film produced just for the event as well.

Last but not least, the NISSAN Y150 Super Hi-Vision theatre focuses more on “experiencing” the future. Visitors can get a hands-on experience with the futuristic Nissan car, Pivo 2, in addition to a new hi-vision home theater program.

After exploring the "sea area," the city area will guide visitors through the usual tour sights of Yokohama. For the event, local businesses and citizens have also become very involved, tying up their products and shops with the whole event. As a result, most stores and restaurants offer discounts/or gifts when you present your tour map or entry ticket.

Furthermore, the Hillside will open in July and will feature the "nature" exhibits. The theme of this section is to connect people to people, people to nature, and people to the earth.

The EXPO's overall mascot is called "Tanemaru," who is a combined creature, made of half seed and half ship. This character is said to represent the camphor tree planted in the Yokohama's courtyard in 1859, which explains the choice of this unique looking mascot.

The entire EXPO Y150 event will be open until September 27, 2009. I guarantee it would be a fun and educational experience about both the history and future of Yokohama, so head on down there to see the wide variety of events that would cater to guests of all ages and nationalities!

Dating in Yokohama

Tokyo might not be the only destination for sightseeing and business. For those who are on honeymoons and who come with their loved ones, I am going to be introducing the best date plan to take your loved ones on!

Today is dating in Yokohama.
Yokohama is in Kanagawa prefecture, the next door neighbor of Tokyo. It is not so far away and there are so many outstanding things to enjoy.

For someone you just met and want to know better:
I recommend this "Take a walk by the sea date". You start at the East exit of Yokohama station and take the Sea Bus (Adult 700yen Child 350yen) to Yamashita Park. During this ride you can see the Ferris wheel and the old buildings of Yokohama. When arriving at the Yamashita Park, you can walk through the park towards the Chinatown area from where you can see the boats at the harbor on the left side, and the hotels on the right. Then have lunch or dinner depending on the time you arrive - in Chinatown. If you are not that into Chinese food, you can eat elsewhere or maybe in the Motomachi area.

After leaving Chinatown and heading towards Motomachi, visit Minato no Mieru Oka Park. You can catch some coffee, sit on a bench in the park and get to know each other more. Then after enjoying the park, walk to the Motomachi area. Here, there are restaurants and many stores to shop at, so you can eat or go window shopping and get to know what your date is interested in! After all this talking and walking, you can start going home from Motomachi-Chukagai station.

For people who have been going out for a while and need that "something" in your relationship:
I recommend the Minatomirai 21 area! There is the Yokohama World Porters shop and an amusement park, Cosmo World, where you can get the excitement you need in your relationship. You can always get a hotel by Minatomirai since the area is known for many night spots as well. And for that lost romance in your relationship, you can go to Landmark Tower and enjoy the view from the 69th floor - 273m above the ground. With the magic of this sparkling night view Yokohama city, you could regain your feelings of love for him or her once again. Before the magic disappears, you should escape into the room you have reserved, or go to the Minatomirai station to go home.