Yokohama Marine Tower
Iconic 1961 lighthouse tower offering panoramic harbor views and dazzling cityscapes, especially at night.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
See Mount Fuji
Yokohama Marine Tower
Best Time
See Mount Fuji
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Iconic 1961 lighthouse tower offering panoramic harbor views and dazzling cityscapes, especially at night.
"The tower transforms at night! Seeing it lit up against the dark sky is a sight to behold."
✨ Evening Views Recommended
The tower transforms at night! City lights sparkle, creating a romantic and captivating perspective.
🚶♀️ Combine with Yamashita Park
The tower is right next to Yamashita Park, perfect for a combined visit and a nice walk.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic Harbor Views
Observation Decks
See Yokohama Bay, Yamashita Park, and the NYK Hikawamaru liner from above. Mount Fuji is visible on clear days.
Mesmerizing Nighttime Sparkle
Observation Decks
Witness the city lights of Yokohama create a dazzling tapestry across the bay after dusk.
Historic Lighthouse Function
Exterior
Originally built as a symbol of Yokohama and functioned as a lighthouse for nearly 50 years.
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Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for Views
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Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
✨ Evening Views Recommended
The tower transforms at night! City lights sparkle, creating a romantic and captivating perspective.
🚶♀️ Combine with Yamashita Park
The tower is right next to Yamashita Park, perfect for a combined visit and a nice walk.
☁️ Check Weather for Fuji
Mount Fuji is visible on clear days from the observation decks.
🎟️ Evening Ticket Price
Evening tickets cost around ¥1200, offering a quiet experience with awesome city views.
Tips
from all over the internet
✨ Evening Views Recommended
The tower transforms at night! City lights sparkle, creating a romantic and captivating perspective.
🚶♀️ Combine with Yamashita Park
The tower is right next to Yamashita Park, perfect for a combined visit and a nice walk.
☁️ Check Weather for Fuji
Mount Fuji is visible on clear days from the observation decks.
🎟️ Evening Ticket Price
Evening tickets cost around ¥1200, offering a quiet experience with awesome city views.
⬆️ Higher Views Nearby
If seeking extreme heights, the nearby Landmark Tower offers a much higher viewpoint.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors appreciate the peaceful atmosphere and lovely coastal views from Yokohama Marine Tower, especially during evening hours when the city lights create a magical panorama. While not the tallest, its accessibility and proximity to Yamashita Park make it a pleasant stop. Some find it less impactful than taller nearby towers if seeking extreme heights.
"We visited on a warm Saturday afternoon in summer. The place wasn’t crowded, which was a definite plus if you're looking for a more relaxed outing.
The observation decks offer clear views of the ocean, Yokohama Harbor, Yamashita Park, and the NYK Hikawamaru liner—it truly is a beautiful sight.
There's basic guidance available for tourists, including signage and English-speaking staff .
That said, the tower itself isn’t very tall or expansive. If you've already experienced the nearby Landmark Tower—with its much higher viewpoint—this might feel a bit underwhelming. The extra cost here is harder to justify in that context .
In summary: A peaceful, accessible spot with lovely coastal views—but if you’re chasing that “wow” factor from great heights, you might find it a little modest compared to bigger towers."
Chathushka Peiris
"Quick and easy access to the viewing deck, with beautiful sweeping views of Yokohama Bay and surrounding neighbourhoods.
Mount Fuji also visible on clear days. Small gift shop on 2nd floor, however the restaurant on the 4th was closed on the morning I visited (Thu)."
Sven Hansen
"We visited on a Monday night around 7. We paid ¥1200 for the evening ticket. It was quiet. At one point, it was just us up there. You get an awesome view of the city of Yokohama and the Yokohama Bridge."
AperolSpritz J
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Yokohama Marine Tower is easily accessible. From Yokohama Station, you can take the Minatomirai Line to Motomachi-Chukagai Station, which is a short walk away. Several bus routes also stop near Yamashita Park, which is adjacent to the tower. +1
Yes, it's conveniently located next to Yamashita Park and within walking distance of Yokohama Chinatown and the Red Brick Warehouse, making it easy to explore multiple sights. 
The Minatomirai Line is excellent for reaching waterfront attractions. Buses are also a good option, and walking is pleasant in areas like Yamashita Park. +1
The tower is a prominent landmark in the Yokohama skyline, especially visible from the waterfront areas and during evening illuminations.
There are several parking lots available in the vicinity of Yamashita Park and the surrounding Minato Mirai area, though they can be busy.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Opening hours can vary, but generally, the tower is open during the day and into the evening. It's best to check the official website for the most up-to-date information, especially for special events or holiday hours.
Admission fees are typically around ¥1200 for evening tickets, and daytime prices may differ. It's advisable to check the official website for current pricing.
While advance ticket purchase might be available, it's often possible to buy tickets on-site. For special events or peak times, checking for advance options is recommended.
Information on specific discounts is not widely publicized, but it's always worth inquiring at the ticket counter or checking the official website for any available promotions.
Basic guidance and English-speaking staff are available. Accessibility details for specific needs should be confirmed with the venue directly.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You'll get clear views of Yokohama Bay, Yamashita Park, the NYK Hikawamaru liner, and the surrounding cityscape. On very clear days, Mount Fuji is also visible.
It can be less crowded than other major towers, especially on weekdays or during off-peak hours. Some visitors have enjoyed having the observation deck almost to themselves.
The main attraction is the panoramic view from the observation decks. There's also a small gift shop on the 2nd floor.
Yes, it offers excellent opportunities for capturing cityscapes, harbor views, and especially the sparkling city lights at night.
While a restaurant on the 4th floor was noted as closed during a morning visit, there is a small gift shop. Dining options are plentiful in the surrounding areas.
📸 📸 Photography
The tower is beautiful at any time, but nighttime offers a spectacular view of the illuminated city lights. The 'Blue Moment' just before sunset is also stunning. +1
You can capture sweeping panoramas of Yokohama Bay, the port, Yamashita Park, and the vibrant city skyline. Night shots of the illuminated Minato Mirai area are particularly impressive.
Consider capturing the tower itself lit up at night, or framing the city views with elements from the observation deck. Special light-ups for events like Tanabata also offer unique photo ops.
For night shots, a tripod is highly recommended to achieve sharp images. Experiment with longer exposure times and a slightly higher ISO, while managing noise.
Yes, the tower and its surroundings are featured in anime like Bungo Stray Dogs, making it a popular spot for fans to recreate scenes or take themed photos.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting during the day for clearer views and a more relaxed atmosphere. While the tower itself might not have extensive kid-specific activities, the surrounding area, including Yokohama Chinatown with its exciting food options and the nearby Cup Noodles Museum, provides plenty of entertainment for younger visitors.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
The real magic happens after dark. The illuminated city lights create a breathtaking scene, and the tower itself is often beautifully lit. Experiment with long exposures to capture the vibrant glow of Minato Mirai 21. Special light-up events, like those for Tanabata, offer unique photographic opportunities.
❤️ Couples and Romantic Getaways
Combine your visit with a stroll through Yamashita Park as the sun sets, or enjoy dinner in the vibrant Minato Mirai 21 area. The tower's illuminated presence against the night sky adds to the romantic ambiance, making it an ideal spot for couples seeking a picturesque evening.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Beacon of Yokohama's History
While it retired from its lighthouse duties in 2008, its significance as a landmark remains. The tower has undergone renovations to enhance visitor experience, ensuring it continues to be a cherished part of Yokohama's waterfront. Its presence is deeply intertwined with the city's maritime heritage and modern development.
Today, visitors can ascend the tower to appreciate the very views that once guided sailors. The experience offers a tangible connection to Yokohama's past as a vital international port and its evolution into a dynamic, modern metropolis.
Experiencing the Views: Day vs. Night
As dusk settles, the tower truly comes alive. The transition to night offers a magical transformation, with the city lights of Yokohama beginning to twinkle and create a mesmerizing tapestry across the bay. The Minato Mirai 21 area, in particular, glows with vibrant energy, offering a romantic and captivating perspective that is vastly different from the daytime views.
Many visitors highly recommend experiencing the tower at night for a truly memorable occasion. The illuminated structure itself is a sight to behold against the dark sky, and the sparkling city lights provide a breathtaking backdrop.
Beyond the Tower: Exploring the Surroundings
+1Just a short walk away lies Yokohama Chinatown, one of the largest Chinatowns in the world, brimming with vibrant street food, traditional restaurants, and colorful shops.
+1 Further exploration can lead you to the Red Brick Warehouse (Akarenga Soko), a historic shopping and entertainment complex housed in beautifully preserved old buildings, and the futuristic Minato Mirai 21 district with its modern architecture and attractions like the Landmark Tower. For those interested in maritime history, the NYK Hikawamaru and Nippon Maru ships are often docked nearby and open for tours, offering a glimpse into seafaring life.
The proximity to these diverse points of interest makes the Marine Tower a central point for a comprehensive Yokohama day trip. 
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