Back In Minato Mirai, Yokohama, Japan

minato mirai2, originally uploaded by Tony Alexander.

After returning to this city after a short vacation I am reminded of the little things I do like most about this city, like 24-hour convenience stores and ATMs. Minato Mirai is located in a city called Yokohama, which was the first major port opened by the West, in Japan and is considered one of the most modern cities in the world. It is also the birthplace of tennis in Japan as well, along with having the Landmark Tower which boasts having the fastest elevators in the world.

Minato Mirai city was made for couples and people who just want to take nice long night walks along the promenade while taking in the surrounding beautiful night views. You see, it's a safe city. You never have to worry about getting mugged or held up, or anything like that. Women can walk home safely without fear of being accosted by some stranger. Even the homeless are nice and well mannered as they never beg nor ask for money! It's like a dream city with all the modern conveniences of an Isaac Asmovian type city.

From the picture below you can see another night view taken from a place called Osanbashi Pier which is a real hot spot for couples at night. From this pier one can capture a full 360 degree view of the Port of Yokohama, which in my opinion is priceless.

Shooting pictures from here at night is a photographers heaven. I recommend coming in September or late Autumn. Perfect.

I also recommend the nightly dinner cruises where you can toast the night away while enjoying the harbor views and beyond even to Tokyo if you choose.

There are also many observatory decks around this area, too. People enjoy walking their dogs, and even cats - on leashes.
I have seen everything here.

I can't think of any other cities with so many conveniences. Did I mention that the vending machines sell beer? And that drinking beer from a can or a bottle while walking in public is totally legal? In some major cities in North America you can be arrested for drinking out of a bottle while walking around in public. As long as it's being drank from a cup it's fine.

Another nice thing is all the nightly entertainment. The bottom picture displays a ferris wheel spinning next to a roller coaster.

The building off to the left is call World Porters which is famous for having a large variety of stores selling just about anything from all over the world. I especially like this place because of its food court and movie theater on the fifth floor.

A perfect blending of Japanese and Western conveniences.

They also have a very small but nicely stocked wine and cheese selection here too. And if you purchase a bottle of wine they'll open it for you and provide you with drinking glass free of charge. They'll even let you drink it right there in the food court.