Yokohama Air Cabin debuted in April 2021 in the city’s Shinko district, part of the Minatomirai waterfront, as Japan’s first urban ropeway, the Japanese term for a cable-car system. (Kelly Agee/Stars and Stripes)
A series of cable cars suspended over Yokohama’s waterfront provides a thrilling, panoramic view of Japan’s second-largest city.
Yokohama Air Cabin debuted in April 2021 in the city’s Shinko district, part of the Minatomirai waterfront, as Japan’s first urban ropeway, the Japanese term for a cable-car system.
The suspended cabins run between Sakuragicho and Unga Park, where visitors will find the Cup Noodles Museum, Red Brick Warehouse and the Yokohama Cosmo World theme park.
The 2,000-foot Yokohama Air Cabin journey takes only five minutes and reaches a height of 130 feet. (Kelly Agee/Stars and Stripes)
The 2,000-foot journey takes only five minutes and reaches a height of 130 feet. Yokohama Air Cabin has 36 cabins, each of which can hold up to eight people, although it’s possible to ride solo.
Fares start at 1,000 yen, or about $6.70, for adults and 500 yen for children for a one-way ticket. Roundtrip tickets start at 1,800 yen for adults and 900 yen for children.
A combo deal includes Cosmo Clock 21, the 369-foot Ferris wheel at Cosmo World, starting at 1,500 yen for adults and 1,200 yen for children, one way.
The spacious, air-conditioned cabin has very comfortable seats and an amazing view as it moves slowly from station to station.
Yokohoma Air Cabin runs between Sakuragicho and Unga Park, where visitors will find the Cup Noodles Museum, Red Brick Warehouse and the Yokohama Cosmo World theme park. (Kelly Agee/Stars and Stripes)
Yokohama Air Cabin debuted in April 2021 in the city’s Shinko district, part of the Minatomirai waterfront, as Japan’s first urban ropeway, the Japanese term for a cable-car system. (Kelly Agee/Stars and Stripes)
With a roundtrip ticket, passengers have plenty of time to explore the surrounding area and board the ropeway to return later in the day.
Weekends can be busy; a 30-minute wait to board is not unusual, but worth the time.
The glass-sided cabin might be a little scary for people who are afraid of heights, but the view is incredible and a perfect opportunity to get photos and videos of Yokohama from a bird’s-eye view.
On the QT
Directions: A short walk from Sakuragicho or Bashamichi stations.
Times: Typically open 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on weekends. 2-1-2 Shinko, Naka-ku, Yokohama City 231-001.
Costs: Fares start at 1,000 yen for adults and 500 yen for children for a one-way ticket. Roundtrip tickets start at 1,800 yen for adults and 900 yen for children.
Food: Many options available in the area.
Information: Online: yokohama-air-cabin.jp/en
