These are the photos from my first holiday of Golden Week. In Japan Golden Week is a cluster of Holidays usually in early May. A lot of people travel during this time, so tourist spots can be quite busy.

I started the holiday off in Yokohama, leaving around 7 in the morning. I made my way through a lot of exciting tourist areas, but due to the crowds some places on my list were left off.

I would love to go again when things may be a bit quieter.

I wonder if you would like to go with me : )

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Morning

I boarded a Fukutoshin train that brought me to the end of the line at Motomachi-Chuukagai. There I began exploring the more Westernized gardens and architecture.

Places visited: Harbor View Park, Saint Maur, Myokoji Temple, America Yama Park

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Early Afternoon

Around 11 I made my way to Yokohama Marine Tower. The view was pretty incredible, although I would see a better one later in the day.

I also passed through Yamashita Park and made a turn back inland to experience Yokohama’s Chinatown. It was very packed, my main goal was to look at some of the architecture and visit Kuan Ti Miao, but I was also hoping to do a bit of shopping for some omiyage.

I abandoned that idea due to the crowds in every store. Kuan Ti Miao also wasn’t much fun. I’ve never reacted well to incense, and the temple had a very strong odor.

Places visited: Yokohama Marine Tower, Yamashita Park, Yokohama Chinatown, Kuan Ti Miao Temple, Yokohama Park

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Late Afternoon

After Chinatown, I made my way to Yokohama park, where sports fans were gathering for an event at Yokohama Stadium. I had a decent lunch at an American BBQ restaurant, then made my way to Shinko for more sightseeing. Th area was pretty packed from the parade, but I did make my way through one of the Red Brick Warehouses.

After walking along the Pier I made my way past the Nippon Maru and headed up to the Sky Garden observation deck.

Places visited: Shinko, Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse, Kishamichi Promenade, Sail Training Ship Nippon Maru, The Sky Garden

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Sunset and Goodnight!

After coming down from the observation deck, I walked through the Landmark Plaza Shopping mall, busy for obvious reasons. And also busy with Star Wars fans. Golden Week occurred during May the 4th, and several places had Star Wars merchandise and live shows.

Then, I made my way to the Yokohama Museum of Art. It had apparently reopened after a few years of closure for renovations. The atmosphere was excellent and I saw a lot of pieces I really enjoyed.

Afterward I headed to Rinko Park to look at the water. There was some sort of Harry Potter viewing event so things were pretty busy there too.

I finished up the day by heading to my capsule hotel. That was a pretty exciting if somewhat cramped experience.

Places visited: Landmark Plaza, Yokohama Museum of Art, Rinko Park, Shinko (again), My first capsule hotel