Osanbashi, officially known as the Yokohama International Passenger Terminal, is a major port facility in Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture. It is a departure and arrival point for luxury cruise ships from Japan and overseas, and serves as one of the gateways to Yokohama Port.
Beyond its role as a passenger terminal, Osanbashi is also a popular waterfront destination where visitors can relax and enjoy sweeping views of the harbor. Its spacious rooftop deck, nicknamed “Whale’s Back,” is designed like an open public park. With wooden decking and a lawn, it offers a welcoming place to stroll, take a break, or simply watch the ships in the port.
From the deck, visitors can take in the waterfront scenery stretching from the Minato Mirai district to Yokohama Bay Bridge and Yamashita Park. The city skyline is particularly beautiful at sunset, while the illuminated buildings create an impressive night view after dark.
The history of Osanbashi is closely connected with the development of Yokohama Port, which opened to international trade in 1859. As the port grew into one of Japan’s principal gateways for international commerce, facilities were needed to accommodate increasing numbers of ships and passengers.
The pier’s predecessor was an iron pier completed in 1894. The facility developed over time, changing from its earlier wooden structures to more substantial construction. The original pier was subsequently improved and expanded to meet the needs of a modern international port.
A major redevelopment project was carried out between 1995 and 2002. The result was the present passenger terminal, which combines contemporary architecture with the practical functions required by an international cruise port.
The terminal’s distinctive architectural design was created by a British architectural firm. Its flowing form evokes the movement of waves, reflecting the site’s close relationship with the sea. Rather than appearing as a conventional building placed beside the water, the structure rises and curves like part of the harbor landscape.
The facility is approximately 430 meters long and 100 meters wide. Its broad deck provides generous open space for walking and enjoying the waterfront. The wooden surface creates a warm, natural atmosphere, while the expansive rooftop area offers unobstructed views across the port.
The rooftop is affectionately known as “Whale’s Back” because of its gently curving shape. It is covered partly with a wooden deck made from Brazilian ipe wood and partly with natural grass, creating an unusual combination of a waterfront promenade and a green public space.
The rooftop is accessible around the clock, making it an appealing destination at any time of day. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely walk, take photographs, relax on the lawn, or watch vessels moving through Yokohama Port. The wide-open views include the Minato Mirai skyline, Yokohama Bay Bridge, and Yamashita Park.
During the day, the deck offers a refreshing sense of openness, with the sea breeze and views of ships entering and leaving the harbor. In the evening, the changing colors of the sky provide a beautiful backdrop to the city. After sunset, the illuminated waterfront buildings and bridges create a memorable nightscape.
Osanbashi is an important international passenger terminal that welcomes cruise ships arriving from destinations in Japan and abroad. It is equipped with facilities necessary for international passenger services, including immigration and customs-related facilities.
Inside the terminal, visitors can also find cafés, restaurants, and shops. These amenities make the building convenient for passengers preparing to board a cruise ship or arriving in Yokohama, while also providing places for other visitors to take a break and enjoy the harbor atmosphere.
When a large cruise ship is in port, the terminal becomes especially lively. The sight of a huge vessel alongside the pier, set against the Yokohama skyline, is one of the distinctive scenes of the waterfront area.
Osanbashi is more than a transportation facility. Its open rooftop, sweeping harbor views, and distinctive architecture make it one of the best places to appreciate Yokohama’s relationship with the sea. Visitors can enjoy the contrast between the historic port, modern city buildings, and ships from around the world.
Whether stopping by during a walk along the waterfront, watching the sunset, or viewing the illuminated city at night, the terminal offers a relaxed way to experience the atmosphere of Yokohama Port.
Whale’s Senaka (rooftop): open 24 hours a day
Free of charge
7 min. walk from Nihon-odori Sta. on the Minatomirai Line (Exit 3)