Yokohama Chinatown

Yokohama Kantei-byo Shrine has watched over the history of Yokohama Chinatown and enshrines Guan Yu, the hero of the famous Chinese historical novel "The Records of the Three Kingdoms". Not only was he a great warrior, but he was also well versed in finance and invented the account book. Because his spirit of faith and trust is said to be important for merchants as well, he is also worshipped as a deity of business prosperity. Every July, a parade is held to celebrate the birthday of Guan Yu (June 24th of the lunar calendar), and people progress around the city towing a portable shrine carrying his goshintai (the object of worship believed to contain the spirit of a deity). Chinese traditional performing arts are also shown in the traditional festival style of Chinatown.

In China, the beginning of the lunar year in early February is called the Spring Festival and is celebrated in a grand style. You can enjoy the Spring Festival at Yokohama Chinatown just as it would be celebrated in China. The Spring Festival displays many Chinese traditional cultures such as the lion dance, dragon dance, and parade of the emperor. On the day of the festival, the traditional lion dance “Cai Qing” is performed along with the resounding of firecrackers and drums, filling the town with the unique atmosphere of the Spring Festival. During the festival period, various events are held to showcase traditional Chinese culture, and the town bustles with tourists.