Important to know about Yokohama Landmark Tower

About Yokohama Landmark Tower

A towering structure known as the Yokohama Landmark Tower may be seen in the Minato Mirai 21 neighborhood of Yokohama, Japan. After the Abeno Harukas skyscraper in Osaka, it was finished in 1993 and stands at a height of 296 meters (971 feet), making it the second-tallest structure in all of Japan.

The tower is a multi-purpose structure that houses a range of establishments within its walls, such as offices, a five-star hotel, numerous eateries, and a sizable shopping mall. The name of the shopping center is Landmark Plaza, and it offers a diverse selection of retailers, ranging from well-known names in worldwide fashion to locally owned boutiques, in addition to a cinema complex and a food court.

In addition, the tower features two observation decks, one on the 69th level and the other on the 70th floor. From these decks, visitors may take in breathtaking views of Yokohama and the surrounding area. Visitors can reach the observation decks by using high-speed elevators that can transport them to the top of the building in under forty seconds.

The Yokohama Landmark Tower is widely regarded as a symbol of Yokohama’s evolution into a contemporary and cosmopolitan metropolis. It has been honored with a number of accolades for both its engineering and architectural design. It continues to draw a large number of tourists from all over the world, which contributes to its status as one of the most well-liked tourist spots in Yokohama.

History timeline of Yokohama Landmark Tower

Here is a brief history timeline of Yokohama Landmark Tower:

1989: The Yokohama Landmark Tower project was initiated by the Mitsubishi Estate Company as a part of a larger development plan for the Minato Mirai 21 area in Yokohama, Japan.
1990: Construction of the tower began. The building was designed by the architectural firm of Hugh Stubbins and Associates in collaboration with Nikken Sekkei Ltd.
1992: The tower’s construction was completed after two years of work. It reached a height of 296 meters (971 feet), making it the tallest building in Japan at the time of its completion.
1993: The tower was opened to the public on July 11. The opening ceremony was attended by many dignitaries, including the then-Prime Minister of Japan, Kiichi Miyazawa.
1994: The Landmark Tower won the prestigious Skyscraper of the Year Award from the Emporis Skyscraper Awards, recognizing it as the best skyscraper completed that year.
2001: The tower underwent a renovation that included updates to the interior, exterior, and observation deck areas.
2014: The Yokohama Landmark Tower celebrated its 20th anniversary with special events and promotions throughout the year.
2020: The tower remained a popular attraction in Yokohama, drawing many visitors to its observation decks, shopping mall, restaurants, and other facilities. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, the tower remained open with additional safety measures in place.

Today, the Yokohama Landmark Tower is a well-known landmark in Yokohama and one of the most popular tourist destinations in the city.

How to reach Yokohama Landmark Tower

Yokohama Landmark Tower is located in the Minato Mirai 21 district of Yokohama, Japan, and can be easily reached by various means of transportation. Here are some of the most common ways to reach the tower:

By Train: The closest train station to Yokohama Landmark Tower is the Minatomirai Station, which is served by several train lines, including the Minatomirai Line and the Tokyu Toyoko Line. From Tokyo, you can take the JR Keihin-Tohoku Line or the Tokyu Toyoko Line to reach Minatomirai Station. Once you arrive at the station, the tower is just a short walk away.
By Bus: Several bus lines operate in the Minato Mirai area, including the Yokohama City Bus and the Kanagawa Chuo Kotsu Bus. You can take a bus to the Yokohama Landmark Tower bus stop, which is located right in front of the tower.
By Car: If you are driving, you can reach Yokohama Landmark Tower by taking the Yokohama-Yokosuka Road and exiting at the Minatomirai Interchange. From there, follow the signs to the tower, where there is a large parking garage available.
By Water Bus: You can also take a water bus from the Yokohama Bay area to the Yokohama Landmark Tower. The water bus operates daily and offers a unique way to enjoy the scenic views of Yokohama’s waterfront.

Regardless of how you choose to get there, Yokohama Landmark Tower is easy to reach and is a must-visit attraction for anyone visiting Yokohama.

Do's and Dont's at Yokohama Landmark Tower

Here are some general do’s and don’ts to keep in mind when visiting Yokohama Landmark Tower:

Do’s:

Do take advantage of the observation decks on the 69th and 70th floors, which offer stunning views of the city and its surroundings.
Do explore the shopping mall, Landmark Plaza, which offers a wide variety of stores and restaurants.
Do take your time to appreciate the unique architecture and design of the tower.
Do follow the instructions and guidelines provided by the staff to ensure a safe and enjoyable visit.

Don’ts:

Don’t bring large bags or luggage into the tower, as they are not allowed beyond the security checkpoint. There are lockers available for a fee if you need to store your bags.
Don’t smoke in the tower, as smoking is not allowed in any of the indoor areas.
Don’t touch any of the displays or exhibits in the tower, as they are for viewing only.
Don’t take photos or videos in areas where it is not allowed, such as in some of the shops or restaurants.

It’s always a good idea to be respectful of the environment and other visitors while at Yokohama Landmark Tower. With these tips in mind, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable experience at this popular Yokohama attraction.

Highlights of Yokohama Landmark Tower

Yokohama Landmark Tower is a popular attraction in Yokohama, Japan, and offers a range of experiences for visitors. Here are some of the highlights of Yokohama Landmark Tower:

Observation decks: The tower has two observation decks on the 69th and 70th floors, which offer panoramic views of Yokohama and the surrounding area. You can take high-speed elevators to the top and enjoy breathtaking views of the cityscape, the harbor, and Mount Fuji on a clear day.
Landmark Plaza: The tower is home to a large shopping mall called Landmark Plaza, which offers a variety of stores, restaurants, and entertainment options. The mall has everything from luxury boutiques and international brands to local specialty shops and a cinema complex.
Sky Garden: The tower’s 69th floor also features an open-air observation deck called the Sky Garden, where you can enjoy the views and fresh air while taking a stroll or having a drink.
The Royal Park Hotel: The tower is home to The Royal Park Hotel, a luxurious hotel with stunning views of the city and harbor. It’s a great place to stay if you want to enjoy the tower’s attractions and explore Yokohama.
Architectural design: Yokohama Landmark Tower is a symbol of Yokohama’s modernization and is known for its unique architectural design. The tower’s triangular shape and its use of glass and steel make it a standout in the city’s skyline.

Overall, Yokohama Landmark Tower is a must-visit attraction for anyone traveling to Yokohama. With its observation decks, shopping mall, and other attractions, it offers something for everyone.

Frequently asked questions about Yokohama Landmark Tower ?

In the neighborhood known as Minato Mirai 21 in Yokohama, Japan, you'll find the skyscraper known as Yokohama Landmark Tower. This building is also a famous landmark. It is a well-liked attraction not just among travelers but also among residents, as it offers a retail center, restaurants, and observation decks, among other things.

Yokohama Landmark Tower is 296 meters (970 feet) tall and has 70 floors.

Yes, there is a fee to enter the observation decks of Yokohama Landmark Tower. As of 2023, the fee is 1,000 yen for adults and 800 yen for children. There may be additional fees for other attractions, such as the Sky Garden.

Daily hours of operation for the Yokohama Landmark Tower's observation decks as well as its shopping mall are typically from 10:00 am to 9:00 pm. However, hours of operation may be altered to accommodate holidays and other special occasions.

Guests of the Yokohama Landmark Tower have the option of staying in the elegant Royal Park Hotel, exploring the shopping center, dining at one of the numerous restaurants, and taking in the breathtaking vistas from the observation decks atop the tower. In addition, the tower has a Sky Garden located on the 69th level where guests can take pleasure in taking a stroll in the fresh air.

Yes, Yokohama Landmark Tower is wheelchair accessible, and there are elevators and ramps throughout the building.