Day two began with temperatures in the low 60’s with 90% humidity. The winds were light once again at 5.7 mph. The skies were overcast, and there was a possibility of showers today, which never happened because we took the umbrellas with us.
Breakfast time has been more social with many of us sharing info with each other about the ports. Sometimes we can learn more from each other than relying on the port and shore excursion talks. There’s nothing like first-hand experience.
We left the ship about 10am and turned right at the end of the Osanbashi Terminal road. Following the blue line on one of the smaller maps, we walked around the waterfront to Zou No Hana Park, which used to be the first wharf in Yokohama in 1858. It has since been restored to wide open spaces with a small park for the little kids to play. There is a small café there called a rest house. There is also a compact marina there with police and pilot boats.
Crossing the Shinko Bridge we continued on to the Red Brick Warehouses, where we saw a garden display of several trellised tomato plants full of mostly cherry tomatoes. These plants were grown on elevated stands and in pots with little soil. We never saw such a prolific crop of tomatoes on these pruned vines. Anyone tall enough could have handfuls of these sweet treats. They were so ripe if you picked one, many would have fallen. We decided to stop back here later and look for a lunch venue. It was still too early for a meal.
From here we headed for the Yokohama Hammerhead Shinko Pier Cruise Terminal, where the Oceana Regatta happened to be docked. This pier is named after the first electric crane that came from the UK in the 1910’s. It survived the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923 and remains one of three cranes that are still here. From here, we found our way to the Megamibashi Bridge and the Pukari Pier, a much older and smaller version from centuries ago.
We found ourselves buried in the huge towers on this area, one of them being the Intercontinental Yokohama Grand Hotel. It was designed to look like a sail from a sailboat. Something like the Burj al Arab in Dubai. We were searching for Queen’s Plaza and building A where a Hard Rock Café was located. We had done some research and knew it was not opened for lunch until 2pm, due to a private event. But the Rock Shop was opened. Finally finding it after some help from a very nice lady in town, we were handed coupons for free drinks if we came back at 2pm, and also a discount at their shop. We had no problem finding a city t and another t-shirt using their promotion. In addition to that, just for wearing a HRC t-shirt today, we got another 10% off. Using our membership number, we got another discount. That worked for us.
Many lunch venues were here at the three Queen Towers, but most were fast-food style. The time was exactly 12pm, and there were lines outsides some these restaurants waiting to go inside. All of the customers were local business people, well-dressed, and ready for a power lunch.
From here, we crossed the street to the Yokohama Cosmoworld where the giant Ferris wheel Cosmo Clock 21 was in operation. Also here was a roller coaster, kiddie rides, and an arcade. There was a ropeway called the Yokohama Air Cabin with gondolas that went over the Kishamichi Promenade. It opened in 2021, perhaps when the Ferris Wheel debuted.
From here, we crossed the Kokusai Bridge and made our way on side streets back to the Red Brick Warehouses, originally built in the early 1900’s for storage. These days they house galleries, restaurants, and many small boutique-like shops. It is a popular tourist spot made even better at nighttime when it is lit up. Somehow we missed the Cup of Noodles Museum – yes a real museum dedicated to the invention of instant ramen noodles.
Arriving to the warehouses, we found them to be so crowded on the lower levels, that we did not even attempt to go up to the second and third floors. It was a bit too touristy for us. Outside the warehouse, there was another garden set-up with more bulbs and flowers blooming happily. It appeared there was an upcoming event with tents and a music venue being set up. We exited by the trellised tomato plants and continued on our way. Lunch would have to be a different venue, or perhaps at the same one we enjoyed yesterday.
Somehow we found ourselves on the overhead walkway accessed by an elevator. The views were nice from here, and we knew that we would end up at the Wharf House near Yamashita Park. Taking the elevator down, we were right near their entrance. Perfect. Seated once again in the patio, we ordered two Kirin draft beers (large of course) and added one cheeseburger and another plate of delicious nachos. An old stand-by entrée was spaghetti Napoleon, a dish that was created for solders of the Occupation Forces after the war. Instead of a spaghetti sauce, it was made with tomato catsup and had sauteed red and yellow bell peppers in it. It has remained popular to this day and is served here at the Wharf House.
Close-by, there was a young couple having desserts -one of which was a softy cone. Gosh that looked good, so one of us ordered the raspberry/vanilla softy in a cone. It arrived in a special holder that supported the treat. This was the very first ice cream cone I had the entire trip, and it was the best ever. Bill had the lemon cake, equally as good he said. Sadly, it was time to move on as the all aboard time was 4:30pm.
Having some time left on the way back, we decided to hike the Osanbashi Terminal to see what this “Whale’s Back” design that was completed in 2002 was all about. Starting at the wooden walkway with a lot of possible splinters, we climbed up one side that took us to the whales back. The actual terminal was located under this structure. This old pier sight played a role for 130 years in Japan’s trade and transportation and what we see today is the 7th generation terminal. The stream-lined exterior is supposed to resemble waves and ships. The interior is unique because there are no beams or pillars in the construction. This complex was part of a design contest held in Japan at the time.
We made our way to the very end of this complex, taking in the city sights. Going down a ramp, we found the elegant restaurant that is located near the convention hall. It was opened for dinner only and reservations were required. Snapping some photos, we hiked back and entered the terminal where our keycards were checked as well as our passports. We were back onboard after 3pm, where we worked online until the Captain’s talk at all aboard time.
Captain Frank agreed that we had two wonderful days in Yokohama as well as a chance to tour Tokyo. We enjoyed Yokohama just as much or even more than a ride to crowded Tokyo. We now have 539 nautical miles to reach the next port of Hakodate with expected high winds of 45 mph and 13.5 seas. He planned to close all outside decks tomorrow. Hakodate was looking better and we sure hope so. There was a complimentary sail away at the Seaview Pool with sparkling wine and appetizers. The Grand World Voyage Band played as we exited the massive bay area, going under the scenic Yokohama Bay Bridge. We watched from our veranda, bundled up with our Arctic jackets. The temperature was already dropping.
Dinner was good with new and improved Caesar salad dressing. We suppose that the Executive Chef followed through with his promise of personally-made dressing, thank you very much. Both of us ordered the pulled steak burrito with rice and salsa. They were delicious. Sliced watermelon and a flan were the desserts we had.
Entertainment was the GWV Vocal group with “Boulevard” - music from the 1950’s. No dancing, just singing due to the rocking and rolling of the ship.
Really looking forward to one precious day at sea tomorrow.
Bill & Mary Ann
