Japan has a multitude of attractive places to visit from Hokkaido to Okinawa. Every prefecture and region has its own history and culture. Yokohama, in Kanagawa Prefecture, is one of those cities that has successfully captivated visitors from around the world.
Now, the city is going to be the first in Japan to operate a permanent gondola utilising the latest technology. These state-of-the-art cable cars will operate from April 22, 2021 just before Japan’s Golden Week holiday season. At a height of 40 metres with 360 degree panorama views, the gondola will entertain both young and old in every season.
Yokohama Air Cabin, Japan's first permanent urban gondola will commence on April 22, 2021. (Photo: Senyo Kogyo)
What to see
Yokohama Air Cabin will run between Sakuragicho and Unga Park which is located in front of Yokohama World Porters. This 600 metre journey takes five minutes and provides a bird's eye view of the historical railways Kishamichi Promenade, as well as Yokohama’s Minato Mirai 21 waterfront area. The gondola's 360 degree wrap-around windows will afford incredible scenery at any time of day. Be sure to keep an eye out for Yokohama Hammerhead shopping marina, as well as Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse.
At night time, the district is lit up by one of the city's symbols, the 105-meter-tall Ferris wheel, Cosmo Clock 21. With magnificent surroundings, the gondola journey will offer many unforgettable moments.
The cable car's wiring seen from Kishamichi Promenade.
What’s new
The ropeway operates from 10am to 10pm all year-round. Regardless of the temperature outside, the gondola will provide a comfortable ride, courtesy of climate control provided by the lithium battery powered air-conditioning. Every cable car has a hidden air vent to circulate fresh air all the time.
At night, the ropeway itself is illuminated by LED lights that are supervised by the Japanese lighting designer Motoko Ishii. The purpose of lighting is not only for the passengers but to bring beauty to everyone in the area, says Katsuya Matsushita, General Manager of Senyo Kogyo.
Yokohama Air Cabin with a view of Yokohama's giant Ferris wheel, Cosmo Clock 21.
Matsushita also says that “since participating in the Yokohama Exotic Showcase '89 (YES'89), we somehow wanted to reciprocate the favor to the city.” Since building Yokohama's iconic Ferris wheel (Cosmo Clock 21) and amusement park (Cosmo World ) in 1989, Senyo Kogyo has partnered with Yokohama City to do wonders for the Minato Mirai 21 district. Matsushita hopes with the installation of the Yokohama Air Cabin, Japan’s first urban gondola will accentuate the town and attract more people from all over the world.
Unga Station is located near Yokohama World Porters.
Details of Yokohama air cabin
Information about the ticket booths are available in Japanese, English, Korean and Chinese at both stations, and some staff members will be able to assist in English.
A one-way ticket is ¥1,000 (round trip: ¥1,800) for adults and ¥500 (round trip: ¥900) for children.
Each gondola holds up to eight people and the facility is suitable for those requiring a wheelchair. To ensure everyone's safety, the gondola will stop gently for people who need time to get in.
The route of Yokohama's first urban ropeway. The gondola connects between Sakuragicho Station and Unga Station.
Getting there
Yokohama Air Cabin runs between Sakuragicho and Unga Park which is located in front of Yokohama World Porters and Shinko Pier (Unga Station).
To get to Sakuragicho from Tokyo Station, take the JR East Negishi/ Keihin-Tohoku Line, or you can take either the Tokaido or Yokosuka Line to Yokohama Station, and change there for the JR East Negishi/ Keihin-Tohoku Line.
