Photos by Takahiro Takiguchi ()
As the name “Port of the Future” indicates, the district of Minatomirai in Yokohama City’s center, is a super-modern seaside urban area. Development of this area was started in the 1980s by a large Yokohama shipyard.
Minatomirai is an ideal spot to spend a fun day shopping, eating and having fun. Here you’ll find a sprawling coastline packed with unique skyscrapers, towers and entertainment centers like museums, malls and an amusement park.
The Landmark Tower, one of the contributors to Minatomirai’s impressive skyline, is the tallest and is considered the symbol of the district. From an observatory on its 69th floor, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the city center and the port.
The Landmark and the adjoined Queen's Tower both have large shopping malls with various shops and restaurants. Nearby, Cosmo World amusement park offers dozens of rollercoasters, carnival attractions and a kid’s zone.
Cosmo World is also host to a large Ferris wheel for those not afraid of heights. The Ferris Wheel and amusement park are illuminated at night and add to the night view of the city. Other attractions in the area include the World Porters Mall and Red Brick Warehouse.
As you stroll Minatomirai, head to the Nippon Maru and Dockyard Garden, which a glimpse of Yokohama Shipyard’s golden age. The dockyard garden preserves the drydock built in 1896 and one of the nation’s oldest stone-built drydocks for commercial use (the oldest for military use located in Yokosuka Naval Base was built in 1871 and still in active use). The Nippon-maru built in the 1930s is a wooden sailing vessel permanently preserved as a memorial ship in another drydock at the port. Port Museum near the memorial ship features the history of Yokohama Port and broader marine topics.
Walking around Yokohama Minatomirai is really relaxing, and more so during wintertime when the area is decorated beautifully with colorful illuminations. It is an easy trip for those on Yokosuka, Zama and Atsugi. Why not visit this attractive destination for a superb one-day stroll?
Yokohama Minatomirai 21
