The terminal structure was the result of an international design competition won by Alejandro Zaera-Polo and Farshid Moussavi.
The roof design is intentionally sloped to allow visitors to walk from ground level to the highest point of the terminal without using stairs.
The building is constructed primarily of steel and reinforced concrete, despite its organic, fluid appearance.
The pier's structural design allows it to accommodate multiple large cruise ships simultaneously while maintaining public access to the observation deck.
The site occupies the original location of the first permanent pier built in Yokohama in 1894.
Osanbashi Hall is a versatile venue integrated into the Osanbashi Yokohama International Passenger Terminal, designed by architects Foreign Office Architects. The facility features a distinct, grass-covered rooftop plaza known as Whale's Back, which serves as a public observation deck for the Yokohama harbor. The terminal structure is built without internal columns, utilizing a folded-plate construction method that mimics natural terrain. It functions as a primary docking point for international cruise ships while hosting exhibitions, concerts, and cultural events. The building's aesthetic is defined by its continuous, undulating wooden deck and expansive glass walls that provide panoramic views of the Minato Mirai skyline. The terminal floor is paved with natural Brazilian wood, emphasizing a seamless transition between the indoor hall and the exterior pier environment.
The highest point of the rooftop 'Whale's Back' for a 360-degree view of the Yokohama bay area.
Bring a windbreaker, as the open harbor location on the rooftop is significantly windier than the surrounding city streets.
Visit the terminal's inner pier areas to see the cruise ship docking schedules posted on monitors.
The rooftop is an excellent location for viewing the evening light displays of the Yokohama Landmark Tower and the Cosmo Clock 21 Ferris wheel.
Do not attempt to walk on the rooftop grass sections, which are fenced off to protect the landscaping.
The rooftop observation deck is open 24 hours daily, though specific event hall availability depends on booked programming.
