Asia’s largest Chinatown.
Not only is it the largest Chinatown in Japan (and Asia for that matter), the Yokohama Chinatown is also one of the largest in the world. After Japanese ports began opening up for foreign trade in 1859, the Yokohama Chinatown developed rapidly and became the residence for many Chinese traders who settled in the city. There are many temples found within the area; one of which is the Kanteibyo, located in the centre of Chinatown. This temple was constructed in 1873 and is dedicated to the Chinese God of Prosperity.
Of course, like other Chinatowns across the world, getting your food fix here is a must. However, many of these Chinese cuisines have been “Japanised”, and are no longer authentic reproductions of what you would find in China. This can also be said of the people living there, as many are descendants of Chinese traders, yet are unable to speak Mandarin. Regardless of that, the Yokohama Chinatown will definitely open your eyes to the extent of Chinese influence in Japan. It may not be entirely reminiscent of China, but its unique mesh of cultures and traditions is something that cannot be found anywhere else in the world.
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