Osanbashi Pier (大さん橋桟橋) is located in Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture. This iconic pier is not just a functional port, but also a modern architectural masterpiece that offers stunning views of the city skyline and the sea. In this article, we will take a closer look at the history, design, and attractions of the Osanbashi Pier, as well as its cultural significance and practical information for visitors.
History of the Osanbashi Pier
The Osanbashi Pier was originally built in 1894 as a wooden pier to accommodate growing international trade in Yokohama, which was one of the first ports in Japan to open to foreign commerce in the late 19th century. The pier was named after a nearby shrine, Osan Shrine, and became a hub for passenger ships and cargo vessels from all over the world. However, as the size and number of ships increased, the wooden pier became outdated and insufficient.
The new Osanbashi Pier was completed in 2002 after three years of construction and testing. It is a massive steel-and-concrete structure. The pier is supported by 71 steel pillars of different heights and angles that resemble tree trunks, which are meant to evoke the natural landscape of the nearby Yamashita Park and the distant Mount Fuji.
The pier also features several iconic architectural elements, such as a wave-shaped canopy made of steel mesh and acrylic panels that serves as a shelter and a projection screen for events, a lighthouse tower that houses a café and a gallery, and a heliport that can be used for emergency medical transport or VIP arrivals.
Attractions of the Osanbashi Pier
The Osanbashi Pier is not only a functional port, but also a popular destination for tourists, locals, and event organizers. The pier offers a variety of attractions and activities that cater to different interests and ages, such as:
- Walking and jogging on the deck, which provides panoramic views of the Yokohama Bay and the Minato Mirai skyline, as well as benches, sculptures, and gardens along the way.
- Shopping and dining at the pier plaza, which features a variety of boutiques, restaurants, and cafes that offer local and international cuisine, souvenirs, and cultural experiences.
- Events and performances at the pier square, which hosts a variety of festivals, concerts, exhibitions, and sports events throughout the year.
The Osanbashi Pier also serves as a gateway to other tourist attractions in Yokohama, such as the Yamashita Park, the Red Brick Warehouse and Yokohama Marine Tower.
Cultural Significance of the Osanbashi Pier
The Osanbashi Pier is not just a modern and functional structure, but also a symbol of Yokohama’s history, diversity, and openness. The pier has witnessed many historical events and transformations, such as the opening of the port to foreign trade in 1859, the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923, and the postwar reconstruction and globalization of Japan.
The pier also reflects Yokohama’s cosmopolitan and multicultural character, as it has welcomed and hosted people from different backgrounds and nationalities, such as sailors, immigrants, tourists, and artists. The pier has been featured in various films, TV shows, and music videos, such as “The Wolverine,” “My Darling is a Foreigner,” and “Love So Sweet” by Arashi.
Moreover, the pier has been recognized and awarded for its design and sustainability features, such as the Good Design Award, the Green Building Award, and the ISO 14001 certification for environmental management.
Practical Information for Visitors
If you are planning to visit the Osanbashi Pier, here are some practical tips and information to keep in mind:
- The pier is open to the public from 6:00 AM to midnight, and admission is free.
- The pier is easily accessible by public transportation, such as the Minato Mirai Line, the Negishi Line, and the Kannai Line of the JR East railway, as well as the Yokohama Municipal Bus and the Yokohama City Air Terminal (YCAT).
- The pier offers various services and facilities for visitors, such as restrooms, coin lockers, Wi-Fi, and information desks.
- The pier has different rules and regulations for different activities, such as jogging, cycling, skating, and fishing, so be sure to check the signs and follow the guidelines.
How to get there
From Tokyo Station:
If you want to get to the Osanbashi Pier from Tokyo Station, you can take the JR Keihin-Tohoku Line or the Tokaido Line to Yokohama Station, which takes about 30 minutes. From Yokohama Station, you can transfer to the Minato Mirai Line and get off at the Nihon-odori Station, which is the nearest station to the pier. The whole journey takes about 45 minutes and costs around 550 yen.
From Shinjuku Station:
If you are coming from Shinjuku Station, you can take the JR Shonan-Shinjuku Line to Yokohama Station, which takes about 40 minutes. From Yokohama Station, you can follow the same route as above to get to the pier. The whole journey takes about 55 minutes and costs around 600 yen.
Alternatively, you can take a bus from Tokyo or Shinjuku to the Yokohama City Air Terminal (YCAT), which is located near the Minato Mirai area and offers direct access to the pier. The bus ride takes about 45-60 minutes, depending on the traffic, and costs around 1000 yen. From the YCAT, you can walk to the pier in about 15-20 minutes or take a taxi or bus.
The Osanbashi Pier in Yokohama is not just a pier, but a cultural, historical, and architectural landmark that reflects the spirit and diversity of Japan’s port city. The pier’s design, attractions, and significance make it a must-visit destination for tourists and locals alike. Whether you want to admire the skyline, shop and dine, or attend an event, the Osanbashi Pier offers something for everyone. So, pack your bags and set sail to Yokohama to discover the wonders of the Osanbashi Pier!
