Minato Mirai 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.
As of 2004, 20 years after the start of development and despite a 50 percent asset tax discount, half the 88-acre (356,000 m²) area remained unoccupied. The February 1, 2004 completion of the Minatomirai 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.
