Yokohama Station to Minatomirai: Quick Transit & Walking Guide

Yokohama Station to Minatomirai: Your Options at a Glance

Getting from Yokohama Station to Minatomirai Station is one of the shortest transit decisions you will make in Japan. The two are separated by a single subway stop — about 3 minutes on the Minatomirai Line (みなとみらい線) — or a 15-20 minute walk along the waterfront. Either way, you are covering less than 2 kilometers.

The question is not how to get there, but whether to take the train or walk. Here is the quick comparison:

Option	Time	Cost	Best For
Minatomirai Line (subway)	~3 min	¥210 (~$1.40)	Luggage, rain, tight schedule
Walking (waterfront route)	15-20 min	Free	Good weather, sightseeing, saving money
Taxi	~5-10 min	¥1,400-1,700 (~$9-11)	Late night, heavy luggage

This short route is part of our broader Kanagawa route guide, which covers transit across the prefecture. Below, we break down each option so you can choose the right one for your situation.

Minatomirai Line: 1 Stop, 3 Minutes

The Minatomirai Line is a private subway line that runs from Yokohama Station southeast through the Minato Mirai waterfront district and onward to Chinatown and Motomachi. Yokohama to Minatomirai is the first stop — just 2-3 minutes depending on the service type.

Trains run approximately every 5 minutes throughout the day. According to the Minatomirai Line official site, the first train departs around 5:19 AM and the last around 12:31 AM. No reservation is needed — just tap your IC card or buy a ticket.

Minatomirai Station exits directly into Queens Square Yokohama, a shopping complex connected to Landmark Tower. If your destination is Landmark Tower, the Cosmo Clock Ferris wheel area, or Pacifico Yokohama convention center, this is the most direct route.

Fare, Schedule, and IC Card Tips

According to the Yokohama Station Guide, the fare from Yokohama to Minatomirai is ¥210 (~$1.40) for a standard ticket, or ¥207 with an IC card (Suica, Pasmo, or any compatible card). The IC card saves only ¥3, but using it avoids the ticket machine entirely — a practical advantage when you are in a hurry.

Service runs every day with no scheduled closures. During peak hours and busy seasons, frequency increases with through-service trains from the Tokyu Toyoko Line.

Direct Service from Shibuya and Beyond

The Minatomirai Line connects directly to the Tokyu Toyoko Line, which means trains from Shibuya run straight through to Minatomirai without requiring a transfer at Yokohama Station. If you are coming from central Tokyo, this through-service can save time.

The F-Liner (Fライナー) is a limited express service that makes the Yokohama-to-Minatomirai hop in about 2 minutes. It operates on the same track and uses the same fare — you do not need a special ticket. If an F-Liner happens to arrive while you are on the platform, take it. Otherwise, any train heading toward Motomachi-Chukagai will stop at Minatomirai.

If you are arriving in Yokohama from further afield, see our Narita to Yokohama access guide for airport connection details.

Walking Route: Waterfront Path via Yokohama Bay Quarter

Walking from Yokohama Station to Minatomirai takes 15-20 minutes at a comfortable pace. The route passes through shopping areas and along the waterfront, making it more interesting than a typical urban walk. In good weather, many visitors prefer it over the train.

Route and Landmarks Along the Way

From Yokohama Station's east exit, head toward Yokohama Bay Quarter (横浜ベイクォーター), a waterfront shopping and dining complex. You will see it from the station — it is the curved modern building along the water. Walk through or alongside Bay Quarter to reach the harbor promenade.

From there, the route follows the waterfront south toward the Minatomirai skyline. You will pass a series of pedestrian bridges and walkways that keep you along the water's edge. The Yokohama Landmark Tower — the tallest building in the district at 296 meters (971 feet) — serves as your visual waypoint throughout the walk.

Along the way you will pass the Nissan Global Headquarters building and the beginning of the Rinko Park area. The path is flat, paved, and accessible — no stairs or steep hills. Strollers and wheelchairs can manage the route without difficulty.

When Walking Beats the Train

Walk if:

• The weather is clear and you have 20 minutes to spare
• You want to see the waterfront and harbor views
• You are heading to the Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse area (which is actually closer on foot than from Minatomirai Station)
• You want to stop for coffee or shopping at Bay Quarter along the way

Take the train if:

• It is raining or extremely hot
• You have heavy luggage or strollers
• You are running late for a reservation or event
• You are heading directly to Landmark Tower or Queens Square (the station exits inside)

Taxi and Bus: When They Make Sense

Taxis between Yokohama Station and Minatomirai cost approximately ¥1,400-1,700 (~$9-11). The ride takes 5-10 minutes depending on traffic. During rush hour or weekend afternoons, traffic around Minatomirai can slow things down — in which case the subway is actually faster.

A taxi makes sense in two situations: late at night after the last train (around 12:31 AM), or when you have bulky luggage that makes the subway inconvenient. In all other cases, the train or walking are more practical and cheaper.

Public buses also connect the two areas, but with the subway running every 5 minutes and the walk being straightforward, buses add unnecessary complexity for this particular route. Unless you happen to be at a bus stop with the right route, the Minatomirai Line or your own feet are the better choices.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get from Yokohama Station to Minatomirai?

About 3 minutes by the Minatomirai Line subway (1 stop), or 15-20 minutes walking via the waterfront path through Yokohama Bay Quarter. The walking route is flat and paved, suitable for all fitness levels. The subway runs every 5 minutes throughout the day.

How much is the train from Yokohama to Minatomirai?

The fare is ¥210 (~$1.40) for a standard ticket, or ¥207 (~$1.38) with an IC card such as Suica or Pasmo. No reservation or special ticket is needed — just tap your card or buy a ticket at the station.

Can I walk from Yokohama Station to Minatomirai?

Yes. The walking route takes 15-20 minutes through Yokohama Bay Quarter and along the waterfront promenade. The path is flat, paved, and scenic — pleasant in good weather. Take the train instead if it is raining, very hot, or you are carrying heavy luggage.

Is the Minatomirai Line worth taking for just one stop?

It depends on your situation. If you have luggage, are short on time, or the weather is bad, the 3-minute ride for ¥210 is worthwhile. If conditions are good and you have time, the walk is free and more enjoyable — you get waterfront views and can stop at Bay Quarter along the way.