Yokohama Marine Tower, the tallest lighthouse in Japan
The Yokohama Marine Tower was built in 1961, the anniversary of 100 years since the opening of the port of Yokohama.
The tower was the symbol of Yokohama for over 30 years, until the tallest building in Japan, the Yokohama Landmark Tower, a skyscraper opened in 1993.
With a height of 106 meters, the Yokohama Marine Tower is the tallest lighthouse in Japan, as well as the 3rd tallest lighthouse in the world.
The tower, alternating red and green lights, sweep the bay every 20 seconds to warn ships of the location of the port from far out at sea.
Below the towers light, there is a two floor observation deck on the 29th and 30th floor and from here you can get 360 degree views of Yokohama : on a clear day you can even see the snow caped peak of Mount Fuji.
At the base of the tower there is a four story complex that houses a cafe, a restaurant, a bar and a gift shop. The 3rd floor houses two halls that are used for various events like art exhibitions and weddings.
Since Yokohama Marine Tower was built over 25 million people have visited the complex.
The Tower is open 10:00am to 10:30pm, 7 days a week with the last entry taking place at 10pm.
To access the tower take Minatomirai subway line and get off at Motomachi-Chinatown station and walk 1 minute from exit 4 towards Yamashita Park.
Alternatively you can take the ferry known as the “Sea Bus” from JR Yokohama station East exit towards Yamashita Park. A red siteseeing bus (known as the Akai Kutsu) that regularly departs JR Sakuragi-cho Station also stops at the tower.
Tip : The observatory, located 100 meters above ground level, offers spectacular views of the harbor Yokohama, and in situations of clear sky, you can even see Mount Fuji in the skyline.
Official Website
