Landmark Tower is one of the tallest buildings in Japan, known for the picturesque views offered from its 69th-floor Sky Garden. Rise above the other buildings of Yokohama’s waterfront to view the city’s skyline from this landmark location.
Constructed in 1993, the tower features innovative architectural elements designed to help it withstand the force of Japan’s frequent earthquakes. At 971 feet (296 metres), the tower held the title of Japan’s tallest building for nearly two decades. Ride its elevator, the fastest in the world when first built, reaching speeds of 27 miles (45 kilometres) per hour.
Take this rapid elevator up to the building’s observatory and Sky Garden, where you can enjoy sweeping 360-degree views of the city and surrounding area. Look through the enormous windows and you’ll see Yokohama’s historic port as well as landmarks of nearby Tokyo, such as the Tokyo Skytree and Tokyo Tower. On a clear day, you may even see iconic Mount Fuji toward the southwest.
One of the best times to visit the tower is at sunset. Grab a drink at the café and relax on a sofa while watching the sky over Yokohama turn shades of pink and orange. Spend some time exploring the rest of the building, where you’ll find a hotel, offices, restaurants and retail shops, all spread across the tower’s 70 floors.
Head down to the B2 floor of the tower to explore Dockyard Garden, located just outside the building. Built in the late 19th century, this former dock served as an important harbour facility for more than 70 years before closing. When locals lobbied for this historic stone dock to be preserved, it was carefully restored and relocated to the base of Landmark Tower to coincide with the tower’s opening in the 1990s.
A short train ride away from Tokyo, Landmark Tower can be reached from Minato Mirai Station, or you can take one of the “Seabass” boats which leave from Yokohama Bay Quarter. The tower is open year-round, with tickets available up to 30 minutes before closing time each day.
