Located in central Yokohama, Kannai is a district where Japan’s modern history still breathes through its streets. Once a foreign settlement zone, today it blends office buildings, cultural landmarks, and an unexpectedly rich nightlife. During the day, the area seems business-like and quiet. But after dark, warm lights spill from alleyways, inviting people into cozy bars, small restaurants, and retro snack bars. While the area may not have famous “Yokocho” by name, Kannai is full of narrow streets and back alleys that function just like them—offering intimacy, nostalgia, and local flavor.
Contents
Fukutomicho: A Deep Local Drinking Spot
Just south of Kannai Station lies Fukutomicho, an area with a slightly edgy vibe that draws in both locals and curious visitors. The streets here are packed with snack bars, karaoke lounges, and international clubs. It’s a melting pot of cultures and languages, but still retains a strong Showa-era feel. You can find long-standing snack bars where the mama-san welcomes you like family. It’s a perfect place to experience the more candid, human side of Japanese nightlife.
Benten Street and Sumiyoshi Town: Quiet Streets with Character
A short walk from the main station takes you to Benten-dori and Sumiyoshi-cho, two adjoining areas with a more subdued atmosphere. Here, narrow lanes are lined with old-fashioned izakayas, sake bars, and privately-run snacks. These are places where businesspeople quietly sip shochu after work, and locals share stories over seasonal dishes. It’s not flashy, but it feels real—these streets show the daily drinking culture of Kannai at its most authentic.
Yoshidamachi: Where Art Meets Alcohol
Yoshidamachi is known for its jazz bars, galleries, and its bohemian flair—but in recent years, it has quietly become a haven for drinkers looking for personality. Small bars and snack joints run by passionate owners give the area a relaxed, welcoming energy. Whether you’re into natural wine, Japanese whisky, or sake, there’s likely a place with a story to tell. The creative spirit of the neighborhood blends seamlessly with Japan’s omotenashi hospitality.
Conclusion: More Than a Drink
What makes Kannai special isn’t just its drinks—it’s the people behind the bars, the history in the walls, and the connections formed between strangers. Even without “Yokocho” in the name, the streets of Fukutomicho, Benten, Sumiyoshi, and Yoshidamachi offer the warmth and character of Japan’s alleyway culture. For anyone seeking a genuine local experience in Yokohama, Kannai is a glass worth raising.
Experience a Japanese Snack-bar with a fun guide tour
After you enjoy the place, you can go to Snack Bars, beloved by many but you can’t enter without a guide. You can enjoy communication with the owner and other customers, as well as singing karaoke, allowing for a relaxing time.
Most snack bars have a policy of refusing entry to foreigners. However, with a tour, you’ll have a guide, so you can enter with peace of mind.
When visiting Japan, don’t just check off the tourist spots –
dive into local experiences for an unforgettable journey!
Once you experience it, you’ll be captivated too! The charm of snack bars.
New encounters with people! The camaraderie of singing at a snack bar! Conversations with the mama-san!
