Just in time for Japan’s Golden Week holidays, Yokohama will start operating its new ropeway on April 22. The Yokohama Air Cabin connects Sakuragicho Station with Shinko Pier, home to Yokohama’s top attractions including the Red Brick Warehouse, amusement park Cosmoworld and popular shopping mall World Porters.
At a height of 40 metres, the ropeway traverses across a canal above Kishamichi Promenade. This waterfront area was once home to the railway track for the former Yamashita Rinko cargo line, which was discontinued in 1986. During the five-minute gondola ride, you can still see parts of the old railway track as well as the iconic truss bridge.
The gondola lift operates from 10am to 10pm daily (starts from 12noon on April 22 following the opening ceremony). You’ll get stunning views anytime of the day, but it’s especially breathtaking after dark, when the Minatomirai area, with its colourful Cosmo Clock 21 ferris wheel and Landmark Tower, is all lit up.
One gondola can accommodate up to eight people. Plus, all cabins are barrier free and equipped with air conditioning – perfect during Japan’s scorching summers. However, a one-way ticket will set you back ¥1,000 (¥500 primary school students and children aged 3 and older) for a short 630m journey.
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