We ran the Yokohama Marathon (26.2 miles / 42.195 kilometers) on October 27, 2024, making it our sixth marathon. There were over 27,000 runners, including only 343 international participants—my sister and I among them. The race began at Landmark Tower in downtown Yokohama and ended at the Pacifico Yokohama Rinko Park with views of the harbor. Running in Japan held personal significance, as we reflected on our grandparents during the race. Our grandfather served at the Yokosuka Naval Base over 50 years ago, and our grandmother’s stories of cooking yakitori and living by the sea felt alive to us as we ran.
The race was well-organized and supported by over 7,000 volunteers! Hydration stations were set up every four miles, offering water, sports drinks, gummies, bananas, and onigiri (rice triangle snacks). At the finish line, we each received a soft-boiled egg.
We attended an annual Mushroom Festival and weekly Saturday farmers’ market.
The tradition of giving omiyage, or food souvenirs, when returning from a trip is an important aspect of Japan’s gift-giving culture. Omiyage are usually local foods or sweet specialties from the place visited and given to family and friends as a thoughtful gesture to show they were remembered during the trip. In the fall, chestnut-flavored treats, like marron (chestnut) pancakes, cakes, pies, and pastries, are especially popular.
Japan’s largest Chinatown is located in Yokohama, a vibrant area with a rich cultural history. When the Edo period ended, Yokohama became a Treaty Port in 1859. Immigrants from Canton (now Guangzhou) and Hong Kong came to trade and eventually settled there. Today, Yokohama Chinatown spans over 10 blocks, featuring more than 600 specialty shops and restaurants, and is a bustling destination for fast hot food and unique cultural experiences.
Yokohama has a playful side that appeals to the young and young at heart. Known for Japan’s love of trains, the city is home to one of the country’s best collections of model trains and memorabilia. The Hara Model Railway Museum houses an arrangement of mini locomotives and interactive exhibits, offering a delightful experience for train fans and families too.
