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Japan Railway & Transport Review 42 • December 2005 43

New Lines and Infrastructure in Greater Tokyo

Feature

Minatomirai Line—Introduction to Stations

Kazunobu Yamada

Line, Stations and Mobility

Major featuresThe new 4.1-km Minatomirai Line runsfrom Yokohama Station—an existing railh u b — t o M o t o m a c h i , e n t i r e l yunderground below central Yokohama(the existing Kannai business district andthe Minato Mirai 21 district now beingdeveloped). There are six stations:Yokohama, Shin Takashima, Minatomirai,B a s h a m i c h i , N i h o n - o d o r i , a n dMotomachi-Chukagai (Fig. 1). Duringconstruction, the elevated platforms andstation facilities for the Tokyu Toyoko Lineat Yokohama Station were movedunderground to allow the Tokyu andMinatomirai trains to use the same stationand track.The line construction had three mainobjectives:• To create a rail transportation corridor

for the Minato Mirai 21 district• To connect the Yokohama Station district

with the Minato Mirai 21 and Kannaidistricts, thereby consolidating centralYo k o h a m a , p r o m o t i n g n e wdevelopment in the area served by then e w l i n e , a n d s t r e n g t h e n i n gYokohama’s business and commerce

• To permit through services with theTokyu Toyoko Line, creating a transfer-

free route from central Yokohama tocentral Tokyo as part of the expandingrail network of Greater Tokyo.

The operations company was establishedin 1989; construction began in November1992 with commercial operations startingon 1 February 2004. Table 1 summarizesthe line’s main features.

Station designAfter the start of Phase 1 in 1992, thearchitects were chosen based on theirability to design distinctive stations andto display a wide sensitivity for urbandevelopment. A Design Committee ofthese architects and designers withexperience in signs and lighting wasset up. The Committee met four timesbetween June 1993 and March 1994,and sub-committees met eight timesto discuss design implementation.T h e y d e v e l o p e d t h e f o l l o w i n gprinciples and design concepts to ensureimaginative stations.• Each station to have own distinctive

designFor example, Yokohama was a gatewaythrough which enlightened Westernideas entered Japan, and today, it is agateway for information. Consequently,the station design should reflect this fact.Stations are more than places to board

and alight from trains—they should alsoinvite people to enjoy their ambience.This is intended to increase ridership.

• Stations designed to highest qualitystandardsFor example, to reflect Yokohama’sposition as a city of fashion, the stations h o u l d h a r m o n i z e w i t h t h eaboveground surroundings andcityscape to create a public space thatpeople will admire and view as anurban asset.

• Ideals to be met through refined designsnot through use of expensive buildingmaterials

Each station design is based on the themeof originality and convenience to createa local asset. The features and ambienceof the aboveground space continue intothe underground station building,providing a continuum joining the cityabove with the transportation facilitybelow. This concept became known as‘Urban Gallery Stations.’Universal Design concepts were used tohelp all passengers, including disabledpeople, use the stations easily and incomfort and to ensure that the stationbuildings are easy to maintain and control.To achieve these design concepts, theDesign Committee developed a consensuson common elements for all stations and

Figure 1 Route of Minatomirai Line

Yokohama

Shin Takashima

Minatomirai

Bashamichi

Nihon-odori

Motomachi-Chukagai

Sakuragicho Kannai

Ishikawacho

Red Brick Warehouse

Osambashi Pier

Yamashita Park

Minatomirai 21 Area

Chinatown

to Tokyo

Yokohama Minatomirai Railway

JR East Negishi Line

Keikyu

Tokyu Toyoko Line

Tokaidomain line

Yokohama

Shin Takashima

Minatomirai

Bashamichi

Nihon-odori

Motomachi-Chukagai

Sakuragicho Kannai

Ishikawacho

Red Brick Warehouse

Osambashi Pier

Yamashita Park

Minatomirai 21 Area

Chinatown

to Tokyo

Yokohama Minatomirai Railway

JR East Negishi Line

Keikyu

Tokyu Toyoko Line

Tokaidomain line

Japan Railway & Transport Review 42 • December 200544


station-specific elements as follows:Common station elements• The station design concept should

express the personality of the area.• The facilities and space should be user-

friendly and offer convenience andsecurity.

• The use of space should of ferconvenient functions.

• The atmosphere should be that of an‘urban gallery.’

• Signage should be common to allstations.

• Lighting should be functional andprovide sufficient illumination.

Station-specific elements• A distinctive message should be

expressed through design.• The ‘urban gallery’ concept should be

interpreted variously. Tactile tiles provide guidance to stations (JRTT)

Table 1 Summary of Minatomirai Line

Operator Yokohama Minatomirai Railway Company

Construction JRTT (constructed as private railway line)Tokyu Corporation had control over operations and construction from the midpoint of Yokohama Station towards Shibuya (Tokyo).The Agency commissioned Tokyu to design and construct areas from the said midpoint to Motomachi-Chukagai.

Power supply 1,500 Vdc

Overhead system Simple catenary

Control systems Automatic Train Control (ATC) system, on-board signalling

Track gauge 1,067 mm, 50 N rail

Operations 8-car train sets; 302 operations on weekdays at 3-minute headway during rush hours

Station name Yokohama Shin Takashima Minatomirai Bashamichi Nihon-odori Motomachi-Chukagai(Centre-to-centre (0 m) (840 m) (1,680 m) (2,580 m) (Prefectural (Yamashita Park)

distance from government offices, (4,140 m)Yokohama Station) Daisanbashi Wharf)

(3,230 m)Projected daily number 136,000 4,000 37,000 44,000 33,000 26,000of passengers

Structural type Box type; Box type; Box type;5 underground 5 underground 3 underground

levels levels levels

Platform depth Approx. 23.5 m Approx. 27.5 m Approx. 22.5 m Approx. 22.0 m Approx. 18.9 m Approx. 24.3 mbelow GLPlatform width 14.0 x 170 m 6.5 x 170 m 12.5 x 170 m 12.5 x 170 m 10.0 x 170 m 10.0 x 170 mand length

Design Tokyo Kyuko U.G. Toshi Kunihiko Hayakawa Naito Architect JRTT Toyo Ito & AssociatesElectric Railway Kenchiku Co., Ltd. Architect and Associates and Associates Architects

(Tokyu Architectsand Engineers Inc.)

Stat

ion

stru

ctur

e

Arch type; 3underground

levels

Box type, 4underground

levels

Dome type; 3underground

levels

Box type, 4underground

levels

Arch type; 3underground

levels

Box type; 2aboveground

levels, 4underground

levels


• A unique ambience should created bylighting.

• The station furniture should bedistinctive.

• The font for station names should bedistinctive.

These elements were incorporated intothe basic design to achieve the basicprinciples (design objectives).

FacilitiesThe design of the Minatomirai Linefollowed the above-mentioned principlesand the concepts established by theDesign Committee, with barrier-freeaccess—one of the common elements—providing mobility to the disabled andmeeting the requirements of the Barrier-Free Transportation Law (November2000). Even after construction contractshad been agreed, consultations with theconstructors succeeded in introducingnew developments meeting the mobilityneeds of passengers. For example, the11-person elevators offer access towheelchair users and at least one barrier-

free route was constructed from groundlevel to platform at each station.Escalators have an inverter variable-speedcontrol system. Normally they move at30 m per minute, but they can be adjustedwithout stopping to faster speeds of 40 or45 m per minute. Since relatively fewpassengers are using Shin TakashimaStation, to save energy, sensors wereinstalled to reduce the escalator speed to10 m per minute when there are no users.Tactile tiles for the visually impaired weremanufactured to new shape specificationsand meet JIS standards. The tiles begin atthe aboveground pedestrian area (whichmeets Yokohama municipal accessibilitystandards) and lead the visually impairedto the entrances, stairs, elevators, ticketmachines, toilets and platforms. The tilesalso lead past voice guidance devices. Onthe platforms, warning tactile tiles havenewly designed raised ribs. Staircases areequipped with double handrails, and theBraille signs use stainless-steel materials.The voice guidance uses chimes aboveentrances and exits, and at wickets. Birdsongs provide further guidance at the

bottom of platform staircases. Thevolume, interval between sounds andother specifications were determined byconsultations and trials with visuallyimpaired passengers.Similar voice guidance is installed at theentrances to toilets and elevators also havevoice guidance. Guidance at the

Comprehensive voice guidance systems (JRTT)

Voice guidance for toilet users (JRTT) Multifunctional toilet (JRTT)



escalators announces its direction up ordown.The Western-style toilets also have a built-in washlet bidet function and one boothhas a handrail and baby chair. One multi-function booth in each male and eachfemale toilet has a warm-water system forostomates, as well as a fold-down cot largeenough for an adult. A buzzer system tocall for assistance is installed in eachbooth and individual toilets.The second and seventh carriages in eachtrain set have wheelchair space near adoor. Platforms for both tracks have twoplaces equipped with ramps to eliminatethe gap and the level difference. Somewickets are constructed to a width of900 mm, and some ticket vendingmachines have an open space under themfor easier access by wheelchair users.

Minatomirai Station

LocationMinatomirai Station was constructed asa rail transit magnet for Minato Mirai 21,the most modern metropolitan centre inYokohama. The centrally located station

Ramp to eliminate gap and step for wheelchair users (JRTT)

Bridge and illuminated wall at Minatomirai Station (JRTT)

is near the Landmark Tower, Queen’sSquare, the National Convention Hall ofYokohama, hotels, a sightseeing boatdock, the Yokohama Museum of Art, anamusement park and other attractions.City planners envision a daytime workingpopulation of 190,000 and a residentialpopulation of 10,000. Many passengers

come to the tourist attractions fromoutside the city. Facing Yokohama Bay,the district has the atmosphere andfunctions of a growing ultramodernurban centre.

Station designThe station’s ‘urban gallery’ design bringsthe city’s atmosphere and excitement intothe transit facility below. Users areimmediately aware they are in more thanjust a station—they are also in a place tostop a moment, pick up information, enjoythe ultramodern message, and perhapsinteract with other people. They find iteasy to orient themselves becausestructural components, though obviouslyfunctional and daringly beautiful, arearranged to provide open vistas andextend sight lines. The station location,close to the waterfront, is picked up bythe design motif of ocean vessels—forexample, the porthole windows for theseason-ticket sales counter. The hugetube-enclosed underground space housesimaging and functional devices that addto the ultramodern design.


Bashamichi Station

LocationBashamichi Station is between the Shinko(New Port) district in Minato Mirai 21 andthe historic Kannai-Bashamichi district nowfamous as the first place near Tokyo to opento foreign trade (mid-1800s). Attractionsin the Shinko district’s leisure centreinclude Yokohama World Porters, theimport promotion and commerce/distribution facility, and the former redbrickwarehouses refurbished as a shoppingcentre. Bashamichi and nearby streetshave old buildings in the classic style,including the Kanagawa PrefecturalMuseum of Cultural History and the TeisanWarehouse. The area combines newlydeveloped districts with historic old ones.The Bashamichi shopping district is notedfor its many ‘first in Japan’ developmentsthat still remain to this day, taking visitorsback to when Japan opened up to the West.

Station designThe station has three underground levels.A domed atrium-like space rises in thecentral part of Lower Level 2 with other

high spaces on either side. The part ofthe station closer to the Motomachi-Chukagai terminus was constructed intandem wi th a pro jec t to bui ldunderground infrastructure traversingYokohama. Near the other end of thestat ion, Lower Level 1 is l inkedunderground to the Yokohama I-Land

Tower, a tall property associated withurban renewal.The station’s location suggested the maindesign theme—past contrasting andblending with future. The outer part ofthe underground structure glances backat the past, while the inner space looks tothe future. For example, supporting walls

Ticket wicket at Bashamichi Station (JRTT)

Station core at Minatomirai Station (JRTT) Bank of triple escalators at Minatomirai Station (JRTT)



along the outer side of the concourse andthe façade around the central dome atLower Level 2 are faced with real brickfrom the Meiji period (1868–1912).The wall of one of the high concoursesdisplays parts of the vault, banisters andother features of the headquarters of theformer Bank of Yokohama that once stoodin the area as objets d’art. The other airyconcourse is ornamented by a massive45-m long relief created by the late JumpeiNakamura for the same bank. This workadds to the impressive atmosphere of thestation and preserves a part of the city’scultural heritage. Its reuse in the stationwas made possible through joint efforts ofa heritage conservation association, theBank of Yokohama, and Yokohama City.

Motomachi-Chukagai Station

LocationThe last station on the line—Motomachi-Chukagai Station—is between the oldforeign residential district and the popularMotomachi shopping district. The first partof the station name comes from theshopping district and the second from thenearby Chinatown tourist attraction. Thestation is the closest to other Yokohamalandmarks, including Yamashita Park,Minato no Mieru Oka Park and theforeigners’ cemetery.The Yokohama Minatomirai RailwayCompany HQ is above one of the station’sentrances, giving it an even moreprominent position on the line.After Yokohama opened up to foreign tradein the mid-1800s, this area became aresidential and business district forforeigners where foreign culture enteredJapan, and Japanese culture was carriedto other countries.

Station designDue to its location, designers knew thatthe station would attract both largenumbers of commuting workers and

students as well as a relatively largenumber of casual passengers, especiallyshoppers, tourists, and people eating outa n d v i s i t i n g o t h e r a t t r a c t i o n s .Consequently, they designed the space forusers to ‘read a story’ as they pass fromthe aboveground entrance to theunderground concourse and platform.

The story is illustrated throughout thestation, showing the history from when theport opened to foreign trade.The illustrations—194 old photographs—were reproduced on 1-m2 ceramic tilesunder the direction of the YokohamaArchives of History, using their resources.The slightly tinted photographs blend well

Wall from previous structure preserved for design purposes at Bashamichi Station (JRTT)

Old construction materials preserved for design purposes at Bashamichi Station (JRTT)


Kazunobu Yamada

Mr Yamada is Director of the Architecture Division in the Equipment Department of the Railway

Construction Headquarters at the Japan Railway Construction Transport and Technology Agency

(JRTT). He joined JNR in 1975 after graduating in architecture from Nagoya Institute of Technology.

He became Equipment Department Director at the Kanto Branch of the Japan Railway Construction

Public Corporation (JRCC) in 1998, and has been in his present post since 2000 (name changed to

JRTT in 2003).

with the white tones of the station interior,and the lighting adds to the feeling ofunhurried, dignified space.Tiles in the boarding concourse show theculture of the time and objects associatedwith the city’s early beginnings, while thestairwell leading to Chinatown showsChinese festivals and streetscapes of thenearby Yamashita district. Tiles inthe alighting concourse show scenes ofthe Motomachi and Yamate districtsbefore WWII.An arched ceiling over the central part ofthe platform provides a large open spacewith a height of 10.5 m. The wallillustrations here consist of small dotsforming just a mosaic when seen fromclose up, but reveal urban scenes whenviewed from a distance. The illustrationson the Yokohama Bay side show portscenes, while the landward side showsscenes of Motomachi and Chinatown.The overhead high space has graphics too,offering subtle reminders of the localscene when facing that direction.Passengers on the down escalator descendthrough an airy space to a wide, whitespace below with tracks or waiting trains.

■

Concourse to first station platform on line at Motomachi-Chukagai Station (JRTT)

Space defined by dome over platform at Motomachi-Chukagai Station (JRTT)

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