Minato Mirai 21

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Minato Mirai 21, with the Landmark Tower on the left
Minato Mirai 21, with the Landmark Tower on the left
Minato Mirai 21 at night
Minato Mirai 21 at night

Minato Mirai 21 (みなとみらい21?) is a large urban development in Yokohama, Japan.

The name, which means "Port Future 21," was selected in a public competition. Construction of the area started in 1983. Built largely on reclaimed land, the area now features the Landmark Tower, Japan's tallest skyscraper, the Queen's Square shopping mall, the Pacifico convention center, Intercontinental Hotel, and more.

However, 20 years after the start of development and despite a 50 percent asset tax discount, half the 88-acre (356,000 m²) area remains unoccupied. The February 1, 2004 completion of the Minato Mirai Line, which connects the area directly to both central Yokohama and Shibuya in Tokyo, is expected to revitalize construction in the area. Planned new tenants include the United Nations University.

The area is a popular tourist spot together with nearby Yokohama Chinatown. Minato Mirai is one of the few places in the Tokyo-Yokohama area where the seashore is accessible, and not blocked by industry and harbour areas. Another is Odaiba.

[edit] External link

In other languages