Port and harbor

Port of Yokohama

Since opening in 1859, Port of Yokohama has played a crucial role in industrial activity and residents’ lives as one of Japan’s leading ports for international trade, driving Yokohama’s development as a city. It has gone through numerous difficult periods in its history, including the Great Kanto Earthquake in 1923 and World War II, but has on each occasion recovered and developed to become what it is today.
With the rise of other ports in Asia, growth in vessel size, and consolidation of ports of call, the environment faced by Port of Yokohama has been growing ever more severe. This makes active integrated action by the authorities and businesses much more necessary. Yokohama is now pursuing the policy of "comprehensive port development to enrich residents’ lives" based on a port administration policy founded on three core principles: development as an internationally competitive port, development as a port that is a recreational draw for residents, and development as a port that is safe, secure, and environmentally friendly.

Internationally competitive port

Container ship being loaded

The business environment faced by Japan’s major ports, including Yokohama, is growing more severe as their relative positions have declined with the emergence of other ports in Asia, making it urgently necessary to enhance international competitiveness.
Closely tracking user needs, therefore, Port of Yokohama is steadily developing its services and facilities to enhance and improve the convenience of its international distribution functions. Specific measures being taken include the development of high-specification container terminals capable of accommodating giant container vessels in order to give rise to a “super hub” port, and the strengthening of collaboration with the Ports of Tokyo and Kawasaki.

Providing recreation and education to local communities

Umi Festa Yokohama

Port of Yokohama is pursuing its development as a major recreational draw. The 150th anniversary of the port's opening in 2009 saw the opening of Zonohana Park, which recreates the port's original historical appearance, along with the staging of festivals inviting community participation. Events and attractions such as these are raising the profile of the port as a sightseeing attraction, and many cruise ships from overseas also visit.
The port's 150th anniversary year also marked the start of a long-term development plan to guide progress in the inner harbor area over the next 50 years and turn the waterfront area into an even greater attraction.

Continuously paying attention to green, safety and security

Volunteers cleaning up the seabed

To help combat the urgent challenge of global warming, Port of Yokohama is working with businesses to reduce its impact on the environment and systematically develop landfill sites.
In order to maintain the port's container distribution functions in the event of a disaster, earth quake-resistant berths are being developed and measures are underway to extend the working life of port and harbor facilities to ensure the port's safety and security.

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