What I Really Eat Living in Yokohama
When people think of Japanese food, sushi is usually the first thing that comes to mind.
And yes, sushi is important in Japan.
But living in Yokohama, I don’t eat sushi every week.
In fact, most of my meals look very different from what many visitors imagine as “typical Japanese food.”
As someone born and raised in Japan and now living in Yokohama, I want to introduce the kind of food we actually eat in daily life — not just the special dishes you see in guidebooks.
Noge: The Real Izakaya Experience
A short walk from Sakuragicho Station brings you to Noge, one of my favorite areas in Yokohama.
Narrow streets, small buildings, red lanterns glowing at night — Noge feels very different from the modern skyline of Minato Mirai.
Sometimes I stop by traditional izakaya such as “Suehiro”, a long-standing local spot that has been serving customers for decades.
I sit at the counter, order a beer, and choose a few small dishes — grilled skewers, simmered pork, rolled omelet, maybe some sashimi depending on the day.
The atmosphere is simple and nostalgic. There’s no flashy decoration, no strong tourist vibe — just regular customers enjoying their evening.
This is what everyday Japanese food culture looks like.
If you truly want to understand how locals eat and unwind after work, spending an evening in a place like this in Noge will tell you far more than visiting only high-end restaurants.
Beyond Minato Mirai’s Skyline
When people picture Yokohama, they often imagine the Ferris wheel and night views of Minato Mirai.
But just beyond that modern skyline are Yokohama Station’s busy food streets, the nostalgic alleys of Noge, the traditional shops in Kannai, and the local restaurants in Isezakicho.
Through this blog, I want to share Japanese food from the perspective of someone who actually lives here.
Not only sushi.
Not only famous tourist restaurants.
But the everyday food culture of Yokohama — honest, local, and real.
