KCP’s Excursion to Yokohama: Japan’s Largest Chinatown, the Sea and Gundam
Join KCP Spring 2023 student Frank Saponare as he shares his experience with the KCP program’s class excursion to Yokohama.
Every semester, KCP students are taken on an excursion away from Tokyo so that they are able to experience the beauty and variety of areas that surround Japan. During the 2023 Winter semester, we were taken on a trip to one of Japan’s most scenic cities, Yokohama. Yokohama is a port city that has its roots tied to the expansion of Japan and its connection to cultures outside of the country.
Street view of one of the gates in Yokohama’s Chinatown and one of its blocks
This connection to the outside world is part of why Yokohama is home to the first stop on this excursion, the largest Chinatown in Japan. An area of Yokohama that was used for foreign trade in the late 1800s, is now an incredible destination to go to embrace China’s culture and cuisine. Yokohama’s Chinatown has a variety of Chinese dishes; all able to be purchased and enjoyed from the vendors that fill the town’s streets. Beyond the food, exploring the district will reward you with an appreciation of the unique visual flair that decorates the town’s streets.
Panda Bear Buns gathered a large crowd along with KCP student, Joseph Culkin,
sharing a little bit of love
After visiting Chinatown, we were given the chance to see the Yokohama harbor. Where students were able to get an up close look at the many ships that dock in Yokohama. While at the same time being able to take in the sights of the ocean, along with the fresh sea air. While also having the opportunity to run into any of the eateries and shopping centers that are located along the harbor.
The NYK Hikawa Maru was used in 1930 for cargo transportation from Kobe to Seattle, the ship now sits permanently docked in Yokohama’s harbor
After the class is dismissed for the trip, students are free to explore Yokohama at their leisure and see what else the city by the sea has to offer. One thing that Yokohama has that is unique to it is a moving, lifesize recreation of the famous RX-78 Gundam from the Mobile Suit Gundam anime/manga series. The machine’s ability to move, along with its size, make it an absolute spectacle to see especially up close.
Yokohama’s Gundam rises to its feet
Now while this does require the purchase of a ticket to see, those in attendance will get to see an astonishing presentation. As the 18-meter-tall moves with a light show utilizing smoke and audio from characters of the franchise to accompany it. It all makes for a real spectacle that even those who aren’t truly invested in the series can still find enjoyment out of.
