[JAPAN] Yokohama Minato Mirai 21

Located along the waterfront, Minato Mirai 21 is the new city center of Yokohama. The best time to visit is before the sun sets so that you get to see the modern cityscape of Yokohama during the day and the amazing night view of the city when it’s lit up in bright colourful lights.



How to get to Yokohama Station from Tokyo Station:
1) JR Tokaido Line (fastest) - About 25 minutes and 470 yen
2) JR Yokosuka Line - About 30 minutes and 470 yen
3) JR Keihin-Tohoku Line - About 40 minutes and 470 yen



From Yokohama Station, you can reach Minato Mirai 21 area directly by taking the Minato Mirai line to Minato Mirai station, two stations from Yokohama Station (3 minutes, 180 yen).



Or you can opt to take a pleasant stroll from Yokohama Station to the Minato Mirai 21 area like me. It’s about 25 minutes’ walk depending on how leisurely you take your stroll.



There’s plenty to see along the way including the Nissan Gallery Global Headquarter.









Nissan Fairlady Z.



Nissan Cube.



Nissan compact car.







At 296 meters, Landmark Tower was Japan's tallest building from 1993 until it was surpassed by Abeno Harukas in 2012.









The Cosmo World amusement park has a handful of roller coaster rides, carnival attractions, a kid's zone and a large Ferris wheel that doubles as a clock.
Opening Hours: 11:00 to 20:00 (longer on weekends and in summer, shorter in winter)
Closed: Most Thursdays
Admission: No entrance fee, attractions cost 300-800 yen each



The Cosmo World Ferris Wheel is located on a large manmade island which constitutes the Minato Mirai Shinko District ("new harbor district").



Cup Noodles Museum is the fun museum where you can learn the history of instant noodles and make your own cup noodles.
Click here to read about my visit to the Cup Noodles Museum: [JAPAN] Yokohama Cup Noodles Museum



The Red Brick Warehouses are now converted into shopping space.





The Landmark Tower has an observatory on its 69th floor called the Sky Garden. The three Queen's Towers are located beside Landmark Tower, each one being a little shorter than the next.





Strolling along the waterfront to admire the night view of Yokohama. The building on the right of the Ferris Wheel (half moon shape) is Intercontinental Yokohama Grand hotel.





This 100ft truss bridge was made in U.S.A. in 1907 before it was moved and erected here in 1909.



View from Minato No.2 Bridge.





Built in 1930, Nippon Maru is a retired sailing ship that is permanently docked at Minato Mirai and is open to the public.



Opening Hours: 10:00 to 17:00 (entry until 16:30)
Closed: Mondays (or following day if Monday is a holiday), December 29 to 31



Across from the ship is the Yokohama Port Museum.
Admission: 400 yen for either museum or the ship, 600 yen for both





Queen's Square is located in the lower floors of the three Queen's Towers. The Minato Mirai Station is located in the basement.



Map of Minatomirai 21 area (click to see enlarged map).

Yokohama is a beautiful port city. It’s worth to spend at least half a day here to explore the city.