Minato Mirai
みなとみらい
Things to Do in and Around Minato Mirai
Minato Mirai is an iconic commercial district in Yokohama. It is characterized by a cityscape that weaves together modern skyscrapers and beautiful ocean views, with the Landmark Tower and the giant Ferris wheel at Yokohama Cosmo World serving as city icons. The area is home to shopping malls, museums, and entertainment facilities, and there are plans to establish a new aquarium.
Where is Minato Mirai?
Minato Mirai is a waterfront area located in Nishi Ward, Yokohama City, Kanagawa Prefecture. It is a relatively new area that was developed by redeveloping the former shipyard site and has become a representative tourist spot of Yokohama.
To the east, it faces the Kannai and Bashamichi areas, to the north is the area around Yokohama Station, to the west is Takashimacho, and to the south is Yokohama Port. The contrast with the historic streets such as Bashamichi and Motomachi-Chinatown to the east is particularly impressive, making it an area where modern skyscrapers coexist with the traditions of Yokohama.
Getting Around
For Minato Mirai, JR and Yokohama Municipal Subway's "Sakuragicho Station" or the Yokohama Minatomirai Railway's "Minatomirai Station" are convenient. It takes about 30 minutes from Tokyo City Station via the JR Tokaido Line and about 30 minutes from Shibuya City Station with the direct service of the Tokyu Toyoko Line and Minatomirai Line.
The area is well-maintained for easy walking, and Yokohama Municipal Buses also operate. Additionally, the water bus that cruises around Yokohama Port is recommended as an approach from the sea.
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About Minato Mirai
Minato Mirai is a modern urban space located in the heart of Yokohama City, known as a hub for tourism and business. It was once an industrial area lined with shipyards and warehouses, but large-scale redevelopment began in the 1980s, transforming it into its current form.
A City of Yokohama Landmarks
Minato Mirai is home to Yokohama's representative tourist spots, including symbolic structures such as the Yokohama Landmark Tower, which once boasted the tallest height in Japan, and the giant Ferris wheel "Cosmo Clock 21." The night view, in particular, is so beautiful that it has been selected as one of "Japan's New Three Major Night Views," attracting many tourists.
Artistic Aspects of a Stylish City
Cultural facilities utilizing historical buildings, such as the Yokohama Museum of Art and Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse, are abundant. The "Yokohama Triennale," held regularly, attracts attention as an international contemporary art festival, leading Japan's art scene.
A Successful Example of Advanced Urban Planning
The Minato Mirai district is internationally recognized as a successful example of environmentally conscious urban planning. It serves as a model case for sustainable urban development, with the introduction of a regional heating and cooling system and pedestrian-friendly city planning.
A Setting for Visual Works
The modern cityscape and port views of Minato Mirai make it a popular filming location for many movies, dramas, and anime.
In particular, the Minato Mirai area frequently appears as a setting in the "Detective Conan" series. Fans are anticipating its involvement in the new movie set to be released in 2026, as it features characters from the Kanagawa Prefectural Police and words related to the "sea."
The Birthplace of Yokohama Port
Since its opening in 1859, Yokohama Port has supported Japan's modernization. The Minato Mirai district is an important area that conveys this history to the present day. There are historical sites such as the NYK Maritime Museum and Hikawa Maru, where you can feel the changes in Yokohama.