A beautiful city during the day, Yokohama takes it to a whole new level when the sun sets. Yokohama’s night views are some of the most spectacular in Japan, with carefully designed skylines and lighting effects created to impress those who are lucky enough to spend an evening or two there. Spots like Osanbashi Pier, the Minato Mirai view, the Red Brick warehouses and Yamashita Park are breath-taking and popular for date nights. Having appeared in many tv shows, both reality and drama, the glittering lights are as romantic a backdrop as you could hope for.
Why is Yokohama’s Night View Special?
The stunning night views in Yokohama haven’t come around by chance. Understanding the appeal of a beautiful evening stroll, the city planners have created cityscapes with the view in mind. Using light plans, the reflections of the sea and complimentary design, they have turned the city into a landmark in itself. The night views of Yokohama are especially eye-catching as they have a unique blend of buildings, from old red brick warehouses to factories to modern glass towers. Creating unusual combinations, these shapes and colours become views that are different from every angle, meaning a dozen evening walks can offer wildly different sights each time.
Top Five Recommended Spots in Yokohama
1. Minato Mirai
A striking stretch of waterfront, Minato Mirai means harbour of the future, and it definitely doesn’t disappoint. The area was previously a shipyard but was redeveloped and now holds shopping centers, cinemas, hotels and restaurants. One of the skyline highlights is the Cosmo Clock, which is brightly lit in a series of eye-catching displays until 10pm each night. Other landmarks include the aptly named Landmark Tower, which was once the tallest building in Japan, the Sky Observatory Tower and the ship-like InterContinental Hotel.
Aside from wandering through the area itself, you can head to a number of special viewing spots like Bankokubashi - an old concrete arch bridge with great views of the lights reflecting in the water. A popular and relaxing spot is the Yokohama Minato Mirai Manyo Club which has a 9th floor viewing platform complete with foot baths. Using hot spring water from Yugawara and Atami, it’s a wonderful combination with the top-tier views of the city, open to day-visitors and overnight guests.
Spot Information
- Name: Manyo Club Yokohama MM21 (横浜みなとみらい 万葉倶楽部)
- Address: 2-7-1 Shinkyo, Naka-ku, Yokohama
- Location: The hotel is located across from the Yokohama Cup Noodles Museum and close to the Cosmo Clock.
- Access: The nearest stations are Bashamich or Minatomirai on the Minatomirai line.
2. Akarenga Park and The Red Brick Warehouses
Technically part of the Minato Mirai area but impressive enough to common a spot of their own, the red brick warehouses are a contrast to the shimmering high-rise buildings. Often used in television and movies, the British-style buildings were originally used for customs checks but are now home to a shopping mall, restaurants and event spaces. Offering a softer display when illuminated, the buildings are a pleasing sight, especially in winter. Visitors can stroll through the warehouse plaza, explore inside and see them from the Redbrick Park just nearby.
Spot Information
- Name: Red Brick Warehouse (横浜赤レンガ倉庫イベント広場)
- Address: 1-1 Shinko, Naka-ku, Yokohama
- Location: The warehouses are located on the connected island, to the south-east side. Access: The nearest stations are Bashamichi and Nihon-Odori on the Minatomirai line.
3. Landmark Tower Sky Garden
Offering incredible panoramic views, the Sky Garden Observatory is a classic night-view spot. Located on the 69th floor, it rises above the surrounding towers and offering a unique close-up view which comes to life at night. There’s a restaurant called the Sirius Sky Lounge, although tickets for just the observatory can also be purchased.
Spot Information
- Name: SKY GARDEN (スカイガーデン)
- Address: 69F, Yokohama Landmark Tower, 2-2-1 Nishi-ku Yokohama
- Location: The observatory is located in the Landmark Tower which is close to the Nippon Maru Training Ship.
- Access: The closest stations are Sakuragicho on the JR Negishi Line and the subway’s Blue Line, or Minato Mirai Station on the Minatomirai line.
- Hours: 10:00 - 21:00 with some days extended to 22:00.
- Entry: 1000 yen (adults), 800 yen (High School Students and Seniors) 200 yen (children)
- There are discounted tickets available for advance purchase online through JTB which save 100 yen on entry.
4. Osanbashi Pier
Stretching out into the water, Osanbashi pier is an architectural beauty as well as a great viewpoint. Just across the water from the red brick warehouses, it is the main passenger pier of Yokohama. The pier was part of a major design competition, with the final design by Foreign Office Architects. It features sloping grass observation decks, wooden tunnels and benches perfect for admiring Yokohama. You can spot the three towers, nicknamed The King, Queen and the Jack as well as look out over the bright lights of Minato Mirai.
Spot Information
- Name: Osanbashi Pier (大さん橋ふ頭ビル)
- Address: 1-1 Kaigandori, Naka-ku, Yokohama
- Location: The pier is between the red brick warehouses and Yamashita Park.
- Access: The closest station is Nihon-Odori on the Minato Mirai Line.
5. Kishamichi Promenade
A delightful walk from the busier streets of Yokohama out to the waterside, the Kishamichi Promenade is a truly romantic route.It follows a disused train line built by Japan National Railways in 1911 and has a boardwalk to make strolling easier. Starting with views of the Nippon Maru Shop, shining bright with its decorative lighting, you can walk across the Kishamichi Bridge towards Unga Park.To continue the explorations, walk over to the red brick warehouses, down through zo-no-hana park (elephant’s nose park) and onto Osanbashi pier.
Spot Information
- Name: Kishamichi Bridge (汽車道)
- Address: 2-9 Shinko, Naka-ku, Yokohama
- Location: The path begins at the Nippon Maru Memorial Park.
- Access: Sakuragicho station is very close to the start of the boardwalk, served by the JR Negishi and Subway Blue lines.
Yokohama Night View: From Sea and Sky
If you’d rather see the night view from open water, there are a handful of cruises you can take. Guaranteed to make it a memorable evening, a cruise is the ideal romantic gesture!
Yokohama Sky Cruise
If you’re really looking to splash out, the Yokohama Sky Cruise is an unforgettable way to see the city. You can enjoy the short Queen trip (around five minutes) at sunset or opt for the King trip after dark (also five minutes). For a longer ride, the Gold option lasts 10 minutes and allows for the maximum night view experience. Due to the short times, it’s actually reasonably affordable, with prices starting from 28,000 yen for the Queen Tour, rising to 42,000 for King and 55,000 for Gold. Private charters are available for longer routes visiting Enoshima and Tokyo.
Spot Information
- Name: Minato Mirai Sky Cruise Helipad (みなとみらい臨時ヘリポート)
- Address: 1-7 Minato Mirai, Nishi-ku, Yokohama
- Location: The helipad and office are located by Ringo Park beside the water.
- Access: The closest stations are Shin Takashima and Minatomirai on the Minatomirai line.
- Hours: Rides are available on weekends and holidays, with some weekdays available. Entry: between 28,000 yen and 55,000 yen.
Yokohama City Cruise and Factory Night View Jungle Cruise
To see the city lights from the water, you can hop onto one of the weekend cruises departing from the Red Brick port, close to the warehouses. Sights include the Yokohama three towers, the red brick warehouses, Bay Bridge, the Red Lighthouse and the Minato Mirai cityscape, with a drink and snack included.
Following the unusual hobby of kojo moe, aka factory fascination, this alternative boat tour offers a view you may never have thought of seeing. Illuminated with beautiful colours, the factories of Yokohama take on a new life, displaying their complex engineering as a stunning night view. The ride takes about 90 minutes and includes views of Minato Mirai along the way. Tickets include an original mocktail called the flare-stack, so you can take in the night view with a drink in hand. Both tours are operated by Reserved Cruise, with services only operating on weekends - please confirm times in advance.
Spot Information
- Name: Reserved Cruise
- Address: 1-2-1 Shinko, Naka-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa.
- Location: The boarding office and departure point are located at the Red Brick Pier.
- Access: The closest station is the Nihon-Odori Subway station on the Minatomirai line.
- Hours: Cruise times vary by season but generally depart between 18:55 and 9.10 for the city cruise and 16:30 and 18:30 for the factory cruise.
- Entry:
- Night City Cruise: 2500 yen (adults) 1500 yen (children aged 3-11)
- Factory Jungle Cruise: 4600 yen (adults) 2300 yen (children aged 3-11)
Ride in Style: The Yokohama Air Cabin
Running from Sakuragicho Station to Minato Mirai, the brand new Yokohama Air Cabin lets you travel through the skyline itself. Stretching 630m and 40m high, the Gondola only opened in 2021 and is a fantastic way to reach the best night view spots. You’ll glide past Cosmo World, Hammerhead, World Porters and the Red Brick Warehouses. Tickets cost 1000 yen one way or 1800 yen for a return, available to purchase at either side of the route. Since the service only runs until 8pm, be sure to use it earlier in the evening!
The Ever Evolving Yokohama - The All-new YOKOHAMA AIR CABIN City Ropeway
Spot Information
- Name: Yokohama Air Cabin
- Address: 1-200 Sakuragicho, Naka-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa
- Location: The main terminal is located beside the east exit of Sakuragicho station, while the second is in Unga Park.
- Access: Sakuragicho Station is served by the JR Negishi and Yokohama Lines as well as the Yokohama Subway Blue Line.
- Hours: 10:00 - 20:00
- Entry: 1000 yen (one-way, adults) 1,800 (return, adults) 500 yen (one-way, children) 900 yen (return, children).
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