Minato Mirai 21
横浜みなとみらい21
Coastline with sea air, sunset angles and a slower island tempo.
What this place is
Minato Mirai 21 (みなとみらい21, Minato Mirai Nijūichi), often known as simply Minato Mirai and abbreviated as MM (used on the Minatomirai Line station numbering; e.g. "MM 1"), is the central business district of Yokohama, Japan.Initially developed in the 1980s, Minato Mirai 21 was designed as a large master-planned development and new urban center planned to connect Yokohama's traditionally important areas and commercial centers of Kannai and the Yokohama Station area.Today, Minato Mirai is a major center for business, shopping, and tourism, attracting visitors and businesspersons throughout the Greater Tokyo Area.The business district is host to several major hotels, office towers including the Yokohama Landmark Tower, the Pacifico Yokohama convention center, art museums, and numerous cafés and shops in shopping centers and along its central pedestrian mall.
Background text from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA)
Why it is worth the trip
- Rock formations and cliffs shaped by wind and waves, best seen when the light rakes across them.
- Long sea horizons — this stretch is known for its sunrise or sunset depending on which way the coast faces.
- Small fishing harbours nearby where the day's catch goes straight into local restaurants.
What you can do here
- Walk the shoreline path or headland trail to the main viewpoint.
- Stay for sunset; the 30 minutes after the sun drops are usually the best colour.
- Eat seafood at a harbour-side shokudo — donburi rice bowls and grilled shellfish are the standards.
- In summer, swim or try a boat trip, sea kayak or glass-bottom cruise where operated.
Photos
Photos from Wikimedia Commons — click any image for the photographer and licence.
Getting there by public transport
Good to know before you go
- Check tide times if you plan to walk out onto rocks or sand bars.
- Coastal wind is strong year-round; a windbreaker beats an umbrella.
- Buses along the coast can run only a few times a day — note the return time before you set out.
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