Quick and easy things to do in Yokohama #8

The tallest lighthouse in the world? That really depends on one's definition of what lighthouses are, but Yokohama's 50+ year old landmark is often billed as such.

Inaugurated in 1961, when it certainly was the world's tallest lighthouse, Yokohama Marine Tower is a 106 meter high lattice tower with an observation deck at a height of 100 meters, located near Yokohama Bay and Yamashita Park in Naka Ward, Yokohama, Japan. It was built for the 100th year anniversary of Yokohama's International Port opening, and was renewed in 2009.

Nowadays it's hardly as imposing as either Tokyo's Tokyo or Skytree Towers, but I'd say Yokohama's certainly is still where the real fun is at.

It's of course one of the most popular travel spots in Yokohama, being within walking distance of Yokohama Bay and Chinatown. There's also an observatory deck on the 30th floor where you can take in brilliant views of downtown Yokohama and the Bay Area (particularly dazzling at night). On a clear day, you can marvel at the magnificence of Mt. Fuji, too.

During the summer, Yokohama Marine Tower is host to one of the coolest beer gardens in town: http://www.deepjapan.org/a/3302

In addition to restaurants, bars, gift shops (that sell Yokohama-original goods and related souvenirs, and photo gallery exhibiting historical images of Yokohama, the tower also boasts an event space that always has some fantastic spotlight on local talent happening.

It's a wonderful spot to visit surrounded by scores of other wonderful places to see, so why not visit today? You won't regret it.

HOURS
10:00 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., 7 days a week.
Last entry is 10:00 p.m.

ADMISSION
Adult (18+) - 750 yen
Youth (13-17) - 500 yen
Child (7-12) - 250 yen
Toddler (3-6) - 200 yen
Infants under 2 - Free

Yokohama Marine Tower
15 Yamashita-Cho, Naka-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa

By Car:
Exit Expressway at [Yamashita-Cho] [Yokohama-koen] or [Shin Yamashita].

By Train/Bus:
Get off Motomachi-Chinatown Station on the Minatormirai Line. One minute from Exit #4

Get off Ishikawacho-cho Station on the JR Negishi Line. 15-minute walk from station.

You can also take the "Sea Bus (Ferry)" from JR Yokohama Station, East Exit. A two minute walk from the Yamashita Park port.

Official Website:
http://marinetower.jp/index.html

In English:
http://marinetower.jp/eng.html