Minato Mirai & Yokohama Port: Landmark Tower to Red Brick
Along Yokohama's waterfront, landmarks of very different character stand side by side—from a skyscraper to a historic warehouse to a museum ship. Let's look at the landmarks of Minato Mirai and Yokohama Port together with the stories of how they came to be.
Minato Mirai 21 is Yokohama's new city center, born from the redevelopment of former shipyards and freight yards.
Right next door, meanwhile, stand landmarks that carry the memory of the port-opening era and of recovery from disaster—the coexistence of old and new is the charm of Yokohama's harbor.
The Symbols of Minato Mirai
Yokohama Landmark Tower
A skyscraper soaring about 296 m above Minato Mirai. Its 69th floor houses the "Sky Garden" observation deck, known for its sweeping views of Yokohama Port and Mount Fuji.
Source:横浜ランドマークタワー 公式「タワーについて」
Cosmo Clock 21
A giant Ferris wheel at Yokohama Cosmoworld, recognizable for a design that doubles as a clock. Reaching a highest point of about 112.5 m, it becomes the star of the harbor's night views after dark.
Landmarks That Tell the Harbor's History
Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse
Originally built as national bonded warehouses (customs warehouses). No. 2 was completed in 1911 and No. 1 in 1913—it's well known that the numbers and the order of completion are reversed. Today they are cherished as cultural and commercial facilities.
Source:横浜赤レンガ倉庫 公式「歴史」
Yamashita ParkYamashita koen
A waterfront park created by reclaiming land with rubble produced by the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923. It is home to the statue of the "Girl with the Red Shoes" from the children's song and to the India Water Tower.
Source:横浜市観光情報「山下公園」
NYK Hikawa MaruNippon Yusen Hikawa Maru
A passenger-cargo ship built in 1930 and moored in front of Yamashita Park. It served on the North American route linking Yokohama and Seattle; today its interior is open to the public, and it is designated a national Important Cultural Property.
Source:日本郵船氷川丸 公式「氷川丸について」
The Three Towers of YokohamaYokohama santo
Three towers affectionately nicknamed the Kanagawa Prefectural Government Main Building (King), the Yokohama Customs (Queen), and the Yokohama Port Opening Memorial Hall (Jack). They can all be viewed at once from spots such as Osanbashi Pier.
Source:神奈川県「横浜三塔物語」（PDF）
FAQ
Which ward of Yokohama is Minato Mirai in?
The central area and Landmark Tower are in Nishi Ward. It's often assumed to be Naka Ward, but it lies on the Nishi Ward side, as does Yokohama Station.
What is a recommended order for walking the landmarks?
Heading along the waterfront from Sakuragicho Station to Landmark Tower, the Red Brick Warehouse, Osanbashi Pier and Yamashita Park connects new Yokohama to the historic harbor in a natural flow.
What is the difference between No. 1 and No. 2 of the Red Brick Warehouse?
Their uses differ. Today, No. 1 serves as a cultural and event facility, while No. 2 is a commercial facility for shopping and dining. They look similar from the outside, but what you can enjoy inside is different.
Is there a place where I can see the Three Towers of Yokohama all at once?
The rooftop of Osanbashi Pier is well known. There is even a legend that visiting all three towers in a single day will make your wish come true.