Published date: September 9, 2024
Visiting the Holy Land of Southern All Stars: Make Sure to Stay at This Hotel for the Harbor View Nightscapes
Room Type Stayed
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Experience of the stay
I stayed here in August 2022. I drove to this place as a base for sightseeing in Yokohama, including Chinatown and the Red Brick Warehouse.
Finding the entrance by car was difficult. I couldn't figure out the entrance, and there were many one-way streets, so I ended up circling around the station about three times (sweat). Therefore, I'll share how to get in by car.
The parking lot within the facilities is "Times Hulick Minato Mirai". First, access it from the west side of Sakuragi-cho Station, which is not facing the sea (passing through the Sakuragi-cho 2-chome intersection). After passing through the overpass under the Sakuragi-cho Station railroad crossing, turn left immediately (where there is a crosswalk). You will see the Yokohama Landmark Tower ahead. Then, go straight without turning right and, after passing under the pedestrian bridge, turn left immediately into the parking lot (the area where the electric kickboard LUUP is located). If you can't turn here, you can't return due to one-way streets, so you have to circle around the station again to try again.
The room had large windows, and you could see the nightscape of Yokohama in its entirety. You could also see the Ferris wheel and the boat hotel. I really want you to stay here because the harbor view nightscape is beautiful.
Experiences during the trip
I believe everyone is familiar with the sightseeing spots in Yokohama, so let me introduce a little-known gem located a bit further away. It's the "Sankeien". You can reach it by bus from Negishi Station. A businessman named "Hara Sankeien", who made his fortune through silk trade, developed this garden. Not only are the landscapes stunning, but the sounds of the rivers and waterfalls flowing through the garden are also wonderful, and personally, I find it to be the best garden. The harmony between the three-story pagoda and the scenery is remarkable, and I definitely encourage you to visit at least once.
Additionally, I highly recommend a tour of the Southern All Stars's spots, including "Marine Rouge," "Sea Guardian," and "Blue Light Bar," which are featured in their song "LOVE AFFAIR – Secret Date". Note that the lyrics about seeing a rainbow from the Daikoku Pier were mistakenly written assuming a bridge visible from there was the Rainbow Bridge, so it's rather rare to actually see a rainbow. As for the line about "hugging in a harbor view room," I hope you can make that happen at this New Otani.
Moreover, the tempura restaurant Ten Kichi, which is the home of Southern All Stars member Yoshiko Hara, is also located near Kannai Station. Please be sure to check it out.
P.S. Although it’s quite a walk from Minato Mirai Station, visiting the "Whale's Back" in the evening is quite romantic.