An affordable base from which to explore Yokohama

Yokohama is the second-biggest city in Japan.

It is bigger than Osaka and Nagoya and is a major cruise terminal - but it does not feature on the itineraries of many visitors to Japan.

That's a pity, because it is a modern, attractive city with plenty to entertain for two or three days. And it is just a short train ride from Tokyo.

It's the sort of city where you will want to be staying somewhere central - the road system is baffling when you first arrive - but probably not spend too much time in your room.

The Far East Village Yokohama hotel is managed by Far East Hospitality, part of the same group that operates TFE Hotels in Australia (Adina, Vibe, Quincy, Travelodge etc) and is located in Naka, next to Minato Mirai (above), Yokohama's impressively modern new city centre.

You are within walking distance of busy Sakuragicho Station and the main Yokohama railway station is one short bus ride away.

This is a Japanese hotel so room sizes are compact - but prices start from around $65 a night, absurdly low for a city centre property. Reception is manned 24 hours and luggage storage is on offer. 

The hotel's location offers easy access to the city's historic attractions, towering skyscrapers, and buzzing nightlife.

It has a restaurant serving an international breakfast menu with local specialities, access to washing machines and dryers (great if you've been on the road) and has a ground-floor lounge area with free access to hot and cold drinks, snacks etc. 

There are several different room styles on offer. All feature free wifi, functional bathrooms and plenty of plugs and USB slots. 

Yokohama has a population of over three million. It is located less than half an hour south of Tokyo by train and is the capital of Kanagawa Prefecture.

Towards the end of the Edo Period (1603-1868), during which Japan maintained a policy of self-isolation, Yokohama's port was one of the first to open to foreign trade in 1859.

Yokohama quickly grew from a small fishing village into a cosmopolitan city with one of the largest Chinatowns in the world among its major attractions.

Minato Mirai is blessed with a great location along the water and has a wealth of attractions. 

Visitors to the area will be able to find shopping centres, hotels, a convention space, amusement park, and a relaxation centre with hot springs baths; museums and park space.

Take the Yokohama Air Cabin (above) - a futuristic ropeway that connects Sakuragicho Station with Unga Park next to the World Porters shopping complex. 

You get great views, and a spot to cool off from the summer heat. 

The Cosmo World amusement park has a handful of roller coaster rides, carnival attractions, a kid's zone and the Cosmo World Ferris Wheel (above), which displays the time and was for some time considered the world's largest clock. In the evening the park is illuminated. 

Other tourism drawcards include Sankeien Gardens, with historic buildings, a pond, watercourses, myriad flowers and the surprisingly fascinating Cup Noodles Museum.

Here you can follow the history of instant noodles with interactive exhibits, modern art and hands-on experiences. For a small fee visitors can design their own cup noodle recipe. 

The Red Brick Warehouses used to be port buildings but now offer shopping, some restaurants and floorspace dedicated to events and exhibitions.

As this is a fun city, you might also just come across the odd animated pre-historic creature or two. 

Yokohama Museum of Art focuses on contemporary art as well as Yokohama's role as a port, and its artists.

A good way to get your bearings is to take the Akaikatsu Loop Bus ($2.20), which connects Sakuragicho Station with World Porters, the Red Brick Warehouses and other sights in central Yokohama

Also a short stroll from the hotel is the bustling Noge district with plenty of nightlife, affordable izakaya restaurants and bars, and the Isezaki Mall shopping area.

See https://www.villagehotels.asia/en/hotels/far-east-village-hotel-yokohama    

# The writer was hosted by the Far East Village Hotel