Yokohama

OKAZU Brand, Synapses Games, 2Tomatoes Games · Board game · 2016
2–4 · best 3 90 min Weight 3.3/5
8.4 rating Ludopedia
7.8 rating BGG
8.4 rating Ludopedia
7.8 rating BGG
Our Verdict

If you enjoy managing resources and plotting routes with a dash of Japanese history, Yokohama serves it up with real care.

Highlights
  • Modular board always fresh
  • Rich decisions per turn
  • Balanced interaction
  • Immersive theme
Keep in mind
  • Initial learning curve
  • Moderate-to-heavy weight
RECOMMENDED
Learn How to Play Step by Step Check out our interactive rules guide and exclusive illustrated infographic.
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About the game
Yokohama drops you into the early Meiji Era, when the city was a fishing village rapidly evolving into one of Japan's greatest ports. With trade doors swinging open to foreign nations, a merchant's life suddenly looked like a path to wealth. Each game you step into the shoes of one of these merchants, running your shop, expanding sales channels, picking up new techniques, and fulfilling overseas orders. The modular board reshuffles the district layout every session, so no two games feel the same. You'll move workers through modernizing streets, collect sets of tiles and cards, and bid on export contracts against your rivals. The player who best balances their trade routes with contract execution ends up with the most fame — and that's exactly what matters at the finish line. The game offers a strategic layer that appeals to players who enjoy weighing the consequences of every choice without becoming so heavy it kills the pace. Rounds flow smoothly, there are plenty of meaningful decisions per turn, and player interaction feels balanced — you compete, but you won't feel steamrolled by opponents. It's the kind of game that makes you think short-term and long-term at once, and each session tells a different story of how Yokohama grew.
Rules videos

In English

Rules manual
Rules manual — Yokohama English · PDF
Download PDF
BEST PLAYER COUNT
2 REC
3 BEST
4 REC
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Game details

Categories

Families

Cities: Yokohama (Japan) Country: Japan Crowdfunding: Kickstarter Digital Implementations: Board Game Arena Game: Yokohama Misc: Made by Panda
Publisher OKAZU Brand, Synapses Games, 2Tomatoes Games, BoardM Factory, Cranio Creations, Delta Vision Publishing
Designer Hisashi Hayashi
Artist Adam P. McIver, Ryo Nyamo, The Creation Studio
Frequently Asked Questions
How many players does Yokohama support?
2 to 4 players. With 2 it's more strategic; with 4 it gets more competitive.
How long does a game take?
Around 90 minutes. On average you'll be at the table for about 1h30.
Is it hard to learn?
Moderate learning curve. The first game needs some rule-checking, but it clicks fast.
Do I need to know Japanese to play?
Not at all. There's very little text and what's there is easy to memorize.
Does the board actually change every game?
Yes — district segments are shuffled, so each game has a different map.
Is it for people who like economic games?
Exactly. If you enjoy resource management and route planning, this one's a solid fit.