Minato Mirai 21

What to know

Minato Mirai 21 (みなとみらい 21) is a futuristic waterfront district in central Yokohama. Its name means "harbor of the future." The area is packed with skyscrapers, including the Landmark Tower, which was Japan's tallest building from 1993 to 2014. Once a massive shipyard, it was redeveloped into a brand-new city center starting in the 1980s.

Thanks to its prime location along the water, Minato Mirai offers a wide variety of attractions. Visitors can explore shopping centers, hotels, a convention center, an amusement park, a hot spring relaxation facility, museums, and parks.

The Minato Mirai Chuo district ("central district") lines the waterfront and forms Yokohama's iconic skyline. The 296-meter Landmark Tower is the most recognizable landmark, flanked by the three Queen's Towers, each slightly shorter than the next. Further along are the Yokohama Bay Hotel Tokyu and the Pacifico convention center, one of Japan's largest, which includes the rounded Intercontinental Hotel. The district extends inland, where redevelopment continues.

Connected to the Chuo district, across from Pacifico, is a large man-made island forming the Minato Mirai Shinko District ("new harbor district"). Its most famous feature is the Cosmo World Ferris wheel, which doubles as a giant clock and was once the world's largest.

Entertainment options abound. The Landmark Tower's 69th-floor observatory, Sky Garden, offers panoramic views. Cosmo World amusement park stretches along the waterfront beside the Queen's Towers and onto the man-made island, with thrilling roller coasters and kid-friendly rides. For a more relaxing experience, the Manyo Club provides hot spring baths and spa services.

Shopping is plentiful in Minato Mirai. Landmark Plaza and the Queen's Towers house numerous floors of typical mall shops and restaurants. On the man-made island in the Shinko district, the World Porters Mall and Red Brick Warehouses offer a more unique selection of goods.