The first time you get off the train and out of the station in Motomachi it might not look very promising, but once you look a little deeper there are a few sparkles about this town that you will definitely enjoy. 

Especially during Christmas season when the whole main street is lit up and there’s the big Christmas tree right by the road it’s almost magical walking along the street, window-shopping or enjoying a nice hot chocolate from Star-bucks. 

Twice a year they have a big “Charming Sale”, once in September and once in March. My favorite shops to go to and the ones that have nice and cheap stuff are Gap, Zara and a Japanese one called Class. You can find really nice tops for under 1000 yen which is about $10. 

There are also a few nice restaurants that are in a reasonable price range. For example on the main street there is an Italian place called “Capricciosa” and in one of the back streets there is a tiny place called “Papa Joe’s” that has really yummy beef fajitas and garlic pizzas. If you have more of a sweet tooth there is a place called “Cheesecake Factory” that has some really good desserts. 

If you want to experience some of the history up the hill there is the The Yokohama Foreign General Cemetery. Lots of soldiers from the war are buried there and others are recognized on a big metal plate. 

Right opposite of the cemetery is Yokohama International school. It has some amazing people from all over the world and they are super friendly so they will help you find your way around if you get lost.