Minato Mirai Line Information
This relatively new subway line, which connects Motomachi-Chukagai Station in central Yokohama with Yokohama Station, opened to the public in February 2004. As the name suggests, this line was created primarily to better serve the newly developed Minato Mirai 21 district, which previously lacked a convenient means of access to Yokohama’s central transport network. With service to Motomachi-Chukagai, this new line has also helped to improve access to places such as Yamate-Motomachi Ward, Yamashita Park and Yokohama Chinatown.
This line is also the best means of transport for tourists wishing to visit the popular tourist destinations around the waterfront. If you want to travel between the Shinkansen station and the centre of Yokohama, the main subway line is very useful. For the Minato Mirai and Chinatown areas, there is also the alternative JR Negishi line.
With the opening of the Minato Mirai subway line, trains now run between Motomachi-Chukagai and Shibuya station in Tokyo, passing through the central district of Yokohama. The only inconvenience caused by the new route is the loss of service to Sakuragicho station, which was previously the terminus.
Minato Mirai Line Map
Map of Minato Mirai Line showing different lines and stations. Click on the map to enlarge it or download the Minato Mirai Line map in PDF format.
Minato Mirai Line Fares, Tickets and Cards
Passengers can buy ordinary tickets to travel from one station to another. The price range for these tickets is 180-210 yen. These tickets can be purchased from ticket machines installed at each station. Frequent travellers can buy season tickets. These tickets are available for one, three and six months. They can be purchased from ticket machines at each station or at the Season Ticket Counter at Yokohama Station. Tourists can purchase a day pass for unlimited travel on the Minatomirai Line for one day. This ticket costs 460 yen for an adult and 230 yen for a child and can be purchased from ticket machines at stations.
The system also uses an integrated smart card called the PASMO Card. This card can be loaded with credit and passengers can pass through the gates by touching the card.
Minato Mirai Route and Stations
The Minatomirai line serves a total of 6 stations over a distance of 4.1 km (2.5 miles). The line runs between Yokohama and Motomachi-Chukagai stations. The names of the 6 stations are as follows:
- Yokohoma Station
- Shin-Takashima Station
- Minatomirai Station
- Bashamichi Station
- Nihon-odori Station
- Motomachi-Chukagai Station
Minato Mirai Places of Interest
There are various places one can visit that are located very close to the Minatomirai line. One of them is the Yokohoma Chinatown, to which the Motomachi-Chukagai station is the closest. While you are at that station, you can also visit the Yamashita Park. Landmark Tower and Pacific Yokohoma are two of the other attractions that lie close to Minatomirai station.
For more information on other such places, you can visit the official website.