Route: Minato Mirai (Yokohama Bay Area)

The Minato Mirai area surrounding the city’s main bay is one of the most scenic and popular running options in Yokohama. Here, the modern waterfront is well-suited to pedestrians, with green spaces, public art, and a wide pedestrian promenade spanning the shoreline. For quick runs and fartleks, runners can do laps in Yamashita Park (about 1.8 km around) or Harbor View Park (about 1.4 km around). However, a longer tour of the waterfront is definitely worthwhile. It’s not one seamless path, rather a series of marinas and parks, connected by paths and bridges, with views of skyscrapers and Tokyo Bay.

Runners can start out in Yamashita Park, across from the iconic Yokohama Marine Tower. Head northwest along the water, then follow the pedestrian bridge past the shopping mall to Zo No Hana Park (runners can do this section entirely on the pedestrian bridge, or drop down to the waterfront. Can also add on the loop around the shopping mall for extra distance). Take the next bridge to Shinko Island and loop around the shoreline, passing the Red Brick Warehouse, Shinko Pier, and the amusement park. Return back to Yamashita Park. Add on and out and back on the Kishamichi Promenade, and/or continue northwest from Shinko to Rinko Park and Takashima Suisaisen Park. This lovely addition can bump the distance to as much as 10 km.