Osanbashi Yokohama International Passenger Terminal

This pier in Yokohama Port is commonly known as Osanbashi. It’s an international passenger terminal servicing vessels up to large-scale cruise ships. The pier was reconstructed as part of a project to redevelop Yokohama’s port area, and it came into the international spotlight when a competition was held in 1995 for its design. Alejandro Zaera-Polo and Farshid Moussavi were the winners, and the new pier they designed was completed in 2002.

All of the floors in the public spaces are wooden, making it feel like you are walking on a ship’s deck. The rooftop (open 24 hours) includes pleasant, grass covered areas which are a great place to relax and get a good view of the city and sea. The construction, with its undulating, wave-like shape, is remarkable in that there are no visible pillars or supports. The pier is popular with couples in the evenings because of its beautiful views which take in the Red Brick Warehouse and the Minato Mirai 21 area.