Fujifilm X100V with 5% diffusion filter
ISO 400 for 1/210 sec. at ƒ/11
Astia Soft film simulation
Navigation and Observation Tower in the Port of Yokohama
Location: Honmoku Pier, Naka Ward, Yokohama, Japan
Timestamp: 15:52 on Sept. 6, 2023
The Yokohama Port Symbol Tower is a lesser-known landmark in Yokohama, built primarily for ship navigation, while also offering a green space for the public, complete with a viewing deck and gardens.
Constructed in July 1986, the tower stands at a height of 58.5 meters (191.92 ft) and is situated on Jetty D of Honmoku Pier. It serves as a ship traffic signal station, ensuring the safe navigation of passenger and cargo vessels from around the world as they enter and exit the Port of Yokohama.
The tower features an observation deck near its summit, providing panoramic views of the port. Visitors should take note that this tower serves a more utilitarian purpose than being a typical tourist attraction, as it lacks an elevator. To reach the observation deck, you need to ascend 16 short flights of stairs, totaling 140 steps up to the 4th floor.
Fujifilm X100V with 5% diffusion filter
ISO 800 for 1/250 sec. at ƒ/11
Classic Negative film simulation
Yokohama Port Symbol Tower
Location: Honmoku Pier, Naka Ward, Yokohama, Japan
Timestamp: 16:48 on Sept. 6, 2023
The 58.5-meter tower situated at Honmoku Pier was finalized in 1986 with the primary purpose of ensuring the safe navigation of ships entering and departing Yokohama Port.
From its observation deck, you can enjoy sweeping vistas of the port, and on clear days, you'll be treated to breathtaking views of the Miura Peninsula, Boso Peninsula, the Tokyo Bay Aqua-Line, and the majestic Mt. Fuji.
Surrounding the tower's base, there is a vast expanse of well-kept grass providing a perfect setting for visitors to enjoy picnics, recreational activities, take leisurely walks with their dogs, or simply unwind and relax.
Fujifilm X100V with 5% diffusion filter
ISO 400 for 1/110 sec. at ƒ/11
Provia/Standard film simulation
Border Collie at Yokohama Port Symbol Tower
Location: Honmoku Pier, Naka Ward, Yokohama, Japan
Timestamp: 15:58 on Sept. 6, 2023
My border collie enjoying a brief rest atop the staircase leading to the Yokohama Port Symbol Tower.
Her unconventional sitting style, a “lazy sit” or “sloppy sit,” stands in contrast to the typical, graceful posture where her legs would be neatly tucked beside her body, and her hind feet neatly tucked underneath.
Years ago, when I first observed this unique sitting habit, I worried that it might be a sign of hip dysplasia. Thankfully, a visit to the veterinarian put my concerns to rest, assuring me that she simply has her own quirky way of sitting.
Luckily, the sun was tucked behind a soothing blanket of thick clouds providing us with a cool and comfortable afternoon.
The vast, open expanse of grass encircling the tower is a perfect haven for dog strolls. This is especially invaluable for urban dwellers like us, conscientious of the need to shield our four-legged companions from the discomfort of hot pavement.
Fujifilm X100V with 5% diffusion filter
ISO 400 for 1/60 sec. at ƒ/11
Astia Soft film simulation
Yokohama Port Symbol Tower’s Grassy Plaza
Location: Honmoku Pier, Naka Ward, Yokohama, Japan
Timestamp: 16:18 on Sept. 6, 2023
From the observation deck of the 58.5-meter tower located at Honmoku Pier, near the mouth of the Port of Yokohama, you can enjoy some nice views especially on a clear day.
When looking south, you'll be treated to a panorama of the well maintained grounds surrounding the tower.
During my visit, my dog and I found ourselves alone, except for two maintenance staff members who were patrolling the area. I enjoy exploring these lesser-known locations where you can freely capture photos and relish the scenery in solitude.
The parking lot and the area around the tower are open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., with extended hours from 9:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. between July 21st and August 31st.
Many years ago, you used to have access to the park at night, but now there is a gate that even restricts pedestrians from entering the grounds, which is quite disappointing. 😢
Fujifilm X100V with 5% diffusion filter
ISO 400 for 1/250 sec. at ƒ/7.1
Classic Chrome film simulation
Yokohama Bay Bridge: Cable-Stayed Bridge over Port of Yokohama
Location: Honmoku Pier, Naka Ward, Yokohama, Japan
Timestamp: 16:30 on Sept. 6, 2023
This shot captures the northwest view from the observation deck of Yokohama Port Symbol Tower.
In this perspective, we can observe the Yokohama Bay Bridge, which serves as the gateway to the Port of Yokohama for ships entering and departing from Tokyo Bay.
The bridge boasts a cable-stayed design, featuring an impressive 860-meter (2,820-foot) span that spans Tokyo Bay. This design allows vehicular traffic to circumvent congestion along the bayshore route, providing faster access to Tokyo and Chiba Prefecture.
Completed in September 1989, the bridge was constructed to accommodate even some of the world's largest ships of that time, including the Queen Elizabeth 2. However, two decades later, the bridge's clearance became insufficient for the newer, taller mega cruise ships, forcing them to dock farther from Yokohama's central piers.
In the foreground, construction equipment is visible, illustrating ongoing efforts to extend the pier's length. This expansion aims to meet the ever-growing demand for berthing container ships.
Fujifilm X100V with 5% diffusion filter
ISO 500 for 1/250 sec. at ƒ/7.1
Astia Soft film simulation
Daikoku Pier and Tsurumi Tsubasa Bridge in Port of Yokohama, Japan
Location: Honmoku Pier, Naka Ward, Yokohama, Japan
Timestamp: 16:31 on Sept. 6, 2023
Welcome to the northern view from the observation deck of Yokohama Port Symbol Tower. In this shot, the northern panorama from Yokohama Port Symbol Tower's observation deck unfolds before us.
On the left in this scene, the Yokohama-Honmoku Breakwater Lighthouse (横浜本牧防波堤灯台) stands tall, its historic presence gracing the seascape. Two ships traverse the waters—one headed out to sea, while the other pulls a crane barge into the bustling port.
Across the bay lies a manmade island known as Daikoku Pier. Originally constructed as a freight base, this pier now serves as a crucial transportation hub within the Port of Yokohama. It acts as an access point for the Shuto Expressway and a docking area for large cruise ships that cannot pass beneath the Yokohama Bay Bridge.
Fujifilm X100V with 5% diffusion filter
ISO 1000 for 1/250 sec. at ƒ/11
Classic Chrome film simulation
Yokohama Port Symbol Tower’s Lower Observation Deck
Location: Honmoku Pier, Naka Ward, Yokohama, Japan
Timestamp: 16:37 on Sept. 6, 2023
The Yokohama Port Symbol Tower stands proudly at the tip of Honmoku Wharf, boasting an impressive exterior adorned in pristine white, complete with an observation deck crowning the tower.
However, it's important to note that the tower prioritizes its utilitarian function over easy accessibility for tourists. To reach the observation deck, visitors must ascend 16 short flights of stairs, totaling 140 steps, taking them up to the 4th floor.
For those facing mobility challenges or who prefer not to tackle the 16 flights of stairs, there's an alternative. A semicircular observation deck, positioned just 12.5 meters above the ground, offers a splendid experience. This lower deck provides ample space, complete with benches where you can relax, unwind, and savor the mesmerizing view of ships gracefully entering and departing from the Port of Yokohama, all while the gentle sea breeze rustles through your hair.
What's more, the grounds are pet-friendly and remain a hidden gem, relatively undiscovered by tourists. This tranquil oasis allows you to escape the hustle and bustle, providing a peaceful space to relish the serenity of the port.
Fujifilm X100V with 5% diffusion filter
ISO 2000 for 1/250 sec. at ƒ/11
Pro Negative High film simulation
Honmoku Wharf Mega-Gantry Cranes and Pier Expansion Work
Location: Honmoku Pier, Naka Ward, Yokohama, Japan
Timestamp: 16:47 on Sept. 6, 2023
This shot captures the western view from the lower observation deck of Yokohama Port Symbol Tower, offering a glimpse of ongoing construction activities aimed at extending the pier's length. These efforts are a response to the continuously increasing demand for berthing container ships in the area.
At the same time, the section of the wharf that has already been completed is fully operational, handling the loading and unloading of cargo from container ships arriving from all corners of the globe.
Despite the apparent chaos caused by the presence of numerous massive machines operating in close proximity to each other, the workers maintain a high level of organization. Remarkably, they manage to keep their work sites clean and orderly, despite the constant movement of earth and containers throughout the wharf!
Fujifilm X100V with 5% diffusion filter
ISO 1250 for 1/250 sec. at ƒ/11
Classic Negative film simulation
Resemblance of the International Space Station?!
Location: Honmoku Pier, Naka Ward, Yokohama, Japan
Timestamp: 16:48 on Sept. 6, 2023
I captured a shot of the inner diameter of the lower observation deck of the Yokohama Port Symbol Tower, where I tried to highlight graceful curved lines and repeating patterns.
For this particular shot, I opted for Fujifilm’s Classic Negative film simulation. This choice enhanced the brightness of the white tiled surfaces, though it did result in reduced contrast in the sky.
While the tower's official website doesn't confirm whether the semi-circular shape was intentionally designed to resemble a space station, several Japanese sources note a subtle resemblance to the workspaces/tubes found in the International Space Station (ISS).
For anyone planning on visit this tower, note that there is an elevator from the ground level to the lower observation deck. If traveling with a baby carriage, elderly family members, or anyone concerned about accessibility can still easily access the lower observation deck and surrounding green spaces.
How about you? Do you see any resemblance to the ISS? What about the left front side of the Millennium Falcon (Gen Xs)? I would love to hear your thoughts on this topic or is the city of Yokohama full of rubbish? 🤣
If you are a Fujifilm X100V shooter, would you use a different film simulation? OR, if you think this phot is pure rubbish, feel free to comment below!
For convenient navigation and additional information, you can refer to the Pix4Japan blog post, which includes Google Maps links to the tower, parking facilities, and the nearest bus stop. Additionally, the blog post offers curated links to relevant websites for further reading: https://www.pix4japan.com/blog/20230906-symbol-tower
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