Yokohama Chinatown Mazu Temple | A colorful prayer and gourmet experience to celebrate the Chinese New Year

Yokohama Chinatown Mazu Temple | A gorgeous prayer and gourmet experience to celebrate the Chinese New Year

Located near the center of Yokohama Chinatown, Yokohama Mazu Temple is a gorgeous Taoist temple dedicated to Mazu, the goddess who protects the seas. Every year during the Chinese New Year (Lunar New Year), the temple grounds are illuminated with red lanterns, creating a festive atmosphere of prayer and celebration.

🏮 Highlights of the Chinese New Year Events
• New Year Countdown
On New Year's Eve in the lunar calendar, fireworks are lit in front of the Mazu Temple, creating a dynamic moment to welcome the new year. The temple grounds are filled with excitement as people offer prayers and worship.
• Laiqing Lion Dance
Lion dancers also appear in the temple grounds, and having a lion bite your head is said to grant good health and prosperity.
• New Year Prayer Ceremony
Pray to Mazu for safety and prosperity throughout the year. The space of prayer, filled with the colorful offerings and the scent of incense, is a must-see.
• Night Light-up
The temple, lit up in red and gold, creates a fantastic photo spot.

🍴 Recommended Chinatown Menu for Chinese New Year
• Dumplings and Spring Rolls
Auspicious items for the Chinese New Year. Dumplings are likened to "gold ingots" and are said to bring wealth.
• Tangyuan (Tangyuan)
A glutinous rice dumpling dessert. A Chinese New Year sweet treat for family harmony.
• Longevity Noodles (Choumei Noodles)
Long, seamless noodles symbolize good health, longevity, and good fortune. They are offered exclusively at many restaurants.
• Facaiyu (Fish Dish)
A classic dish symbolizing "leaving fish" (yen) = a year of abundance. Steamed fish and fish with sweet and sour sauce are popular.

🌟 Recommended Restaurants for Chinese New Year
• Heichinro Yokohama Main Branch
Special Chinese New Year courses available. A long-established restaurant offering everything from dim sum to full courses.
• Manchinro
Enjoying Cantonese cuisine amid gorgeous Chinese New Year decorations feels truly special.
• Shanghai Cuisine Zhuangyuanlou
A casual restaurant offering home-style Chinese New Year dishes and desserts.

🚃 Access

A 5-minute walk from Motomachi-Chukagai Station on the Minatomirai Line. Also within walking distance of Ishikawacho Station on the JR Lines.

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📸 Mazu Temple during Chinese New Year embodies the festive atmosphere of Chinatown. After offering prayers, experience the blessings of the new year while enjoying dumplings and longevity noodles.

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