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Japan's Largest, Bustling Chinatown
 Yokohama Chinatown occupies an area of approximately 300 meters (984 feet) square in the old downtown area of Yokohama. Apart from Nagasaki, which was the only port open to international trade during Japan's national seclusion in the Edo period (1603-1868) that lasted from around the mid-17th century for a little over 200 years, Yokohama was the first port to be opened in 1859 after Japan ended its seclusion. Thereafter, and until the Great Kanto Earthquake in 1923, Yokohama was the gateway to Japan, proudly ranking as the country's largest port. Shortly after Yokohama became an open port, numerous Chinese merchants came to Japan to operate trading companies. Engaging primarily in the trade of marine products, they played an important role in the foreign trade that was taking place in Yokohama until the 1920s. In the past, most of these Chinese resided in the Chinatown district but today many commute to work during the day and only approximately 2700 actually live there. This is the largest Chinatown in Japan, and facilities such as schools for children of Chinese descent are also located there. Some of the older families have lived there for as long as 5 or 6 generations. Once inside the colorful gates painted vivid blue and gold standing at the north, south, east, and west approaches to Chinatown, more than 500 brightly colored shops, large and small, line the streets. Numerous Chinese restaurants, Chinese grocery markets, and shops selling sundries or handicrafts are included. With lively Chinese festivals held each season, this Chinatown district is one of the most popular sightseeing destinations of Yokohama, the cradle of Japan's enlightenment. Photo: Yokohama China Town (Ministry of Foreign Affairs). Unauthorized reproduction of the
photos in this page is prohibited.
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