Complete Guide! The Auspicious Gates and Streets of Yokohama Chinatown

Yokohama Chinatown, located in Naka Ward, Yokohama City, Kanagawa Prefecture, is Japan's largest Chinatown, featuring numerous historic gates and streets. These gates are arranged based on Feng Shui and the Yin-Yang Five Elements philosophy, with deities guarding each direction. Below is a detailed introduction to the main gates and streets. 🏮 Main Gates and Streets of Yokohama Chinatown 1. Choyomon (朝陽門) • Location: At the eastern end of Chinatown, within walking distance from Yamashita Park. • Features: The largest gate in Chinatown, guarded by the Azure Dragon deity. Blue is its symbolic color. • Significance: Known as the "Gate of Sunrise," it is believed to bring prosperity to the entire area. 2. Tenchomon (天長門) • Location: South of Choyomon, along the South Gate Silk Road. • Features: Positioned at the entrance to Kanteibyo Street, serving as the pathway to Kanteibyo Temple. • Significance: Plays an important role as the gateway to Kanteibyo Temple, which enshrines the deity of business prosperity, Guan Yu. 3. Chikyumon (地久門) • Location: At the western entrance of Kanteibyo Street. • Features: Alongside Tenchomon, it is a significant gate providing access to the commercial hub. • Significance: Symbolizes commercial prosperity and stability, cherished by the local community. 4. Suzaku-mon (朱雀門) • Location: At the southern end of Chinatown, facing the street leading to the Motomachi area. • Features: Guarded by the Vermilion Bird deity. Red is its symbolic color. • Significance: Known as the gate that "wards off calamities and invites great fortune," welcoming luck from the south. 🛤️ Major Streets in Chinatown 1. Chinatown Main Street • Features: The main thoroughfare of Chinatown, lined with numerous shops and restaurants. • Highlights: Adorned with colorful lanterns and decorations, especially vibrant during events like the Lunar New Year. 2. Kanteibyo Street • Features: A street leading to Kanteibyo Temple, exuding a historic atmosphere. • Highlights: Traditional architectural buildings line the street, with the majestic Kanteibyo Temple welcoming visitors. 3. South Gate Silk Road • Features: A quieter street connecting the South Gate to Kanteibyo Street. • Highlights: Dotted with traditional shops and cultural facilities, offering a relaxed ambiance. 🏯 Kanteibyo and Masobyo Temples • Kanteibyo: A temple dedicated to Guan Yu, the deity of business prosperity, built in 1886. It symbolizes the history and culture of Chinatown. • Masobyo: A temple dedicated to Mazu, the goddess of the sea, opened in 2006. She is revered as the guardian of maritime safety and navigation. 📸 Highlights and Photo Spots • Lunar New Year Decorations: During the Lunar New Year, the entire area is adorned with red and gold decorations, featuring lanterns and lion dance events. • Gate Photography: Each gate is uniquely designed and colorful, making them ideal photo spots. Choyomon and Suzaku-mon are particularly popular. • Traditional Shops: Many long-established stores and shops selling traditional crafts offer a cultural shopping experience. Yokohama Chinatown is a place where history and culture thrive. Exploring its gates and streets allows visitors to deeply appreciate its charm. Additionally, there are many other smaller gates and streets, each with its own unique character. Understanding the meanings and backgrounds of each gate while strolling through the area will enhance your experience.