The first thing I noticed when I arrived at Minato Mirai 21 in Yokohama was how relaxed and spacious it felt compared with Tokyo. It perfectly blends modern skyscrapers with charming harbor scenery. During the day, I strolled along the waterfront in the gentle breeze, watching the boats come and go, and naturally found myself slowing down. Along the way, I visited the artistic Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse and rode the modern YOKOHAMA AIR CABIN and the classic Cosmo Clock 21 Ferris wheel. The view of the harbor from above was refreshing and uplifting.
What impressed me most was the scenery at sunset and at night. As the setting sun turned the sky orange-red and the city lights gradually came on, the huge Ferris wheel and Yokohama Landmark Tower were reflected on the calm water, sending the romance level instantly off the charts. Whether enjoying food and shopping at the malls or simply sitting by the harbor in the sea breeze, everything felt relaxing and restorative.
The attractions here are close together and offer a wide variety of experiences. It's not only ideal for couples, but also great for families with children or groups of friends. I highly recommend setting aside a full day and exploring on foot and by train to fully appreciate the stylish, romantic, and ever-changing charm of this port city!
Minato Mirai 21 | Review by 汪汪妮
Other Reviews by 汪汪妮
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Minatogawa Stateside Town
A unique spot created by renovating foreign residences built in the 1950s and 1960s for U.S. military personnel, now lined with cafes, variety shops, galleries, and more. Appearing suddenly in a residential neighborhood in Urasoe City, its retro American-style streetscape offers one of Okinawa’s most distinctly international atmospheres.
Besides its many distinctive cafes and creative shops, Minatogawa Stateside Town in Okinawa is also home to oHacorte, a very popular fruit tart shop. Its fruit tarts feature fresh fruit paired with crisp tart shells and rich fillings. Each one looks as delicate as a work of art, and just seeing them in the display case makes you want to pick out a few to try. The selection of fruit changes with the seasons. You can taste the fresh sweetness of the fruit along with the fragrant, crisp tart shell. They're sweet without being too rich and go very well with coffee. When visiting Minatogawa Stateside Town, consider setting aside some time to sit down for afternoon tea, then browse the nearby shops in old houses with an international atmosphere. It's not only a good place to take photos and check in, but also a great place to enjoy a leisurely dessert break in Okinawa.
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Kaichu Road (Okinawa)
Connecting the Katsuren Peninsula on Okinawa’s main island to Henza Island, Kaichu Road is a roughly 5-kilometer toll-free roadway that offers one of the most exhilarating drives in Okinawa. Despite its name, which means “undersea road,” the route is actually built atop a causeway through shallow coastal waters. With stunning views of the cobalt-blue sea stretching out on either side, the drive is a refreshing and unforgettable experience. From Henza Island, bridges extend further to other nearby islands such as Miyagi Island, Hamahiga Island, and Ikei Island-making it a popular scenic driving route.
Kaichu Road in Okinawa is a great place to visit by car. As you drive along the straight road, endless blue water stretches out on both sides, making it feel as though you're driving on the sea. The scenery along the way is very beautiful. When the weather is good, the water appears in different shades of blue, with small islands in the distance. Even casual photos have a vacation feel, and you can fully experience Okinawa's blue sea and sky. Along the way, you'll pass the Kaichu Road rest area, which is also well worth a stop. You can walk down to the shore to enjoy the scenery and take photos, and there are also shops selling Okinawan specialties, souvenirs, and snacks. When you're tired from browsing, you can take a short break and enjoy a relaxing moment in the sea breeze.
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Chura Yashi Park Okinawa, Southeast Botanical Gardens
This largest outdoor botanical garden in Japan hosts more than 50,000 plants in nearly 1,300 species. The tropical scenery lasts throughout the year here. The Water Paradise and Botanical Garden on the premises show off precious tropical and subtropical plants.
Okinawa's Southeast Botanical Gardens has a variety of tropical plants, and the lake and palm trees give it a strong tropical atmosphere. There are also some cute little animals in the park, making it a great place to bring children for a stroll. The paths are clean and easy to walk, and it's a good place to plan for a half-day visit.
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