When one (either he is Japanese or foreigner) said about Yokohama, this is where it means. Developed as an international port city at the end of Edo era to welcome American envoys, portside zone of Yokohama city has become major commerce and government area. The municipal office and other historical architectures in Kannai areas are designed with respect to modern western architectures. Yamate hills located in south of the city zone has been historically expats dwelling area where large houses and two international schools (YIS and St. Maur). Nowadays, it is the most luxurious residential area of Yokohama, with houses and apartment priced over 100milion yen. Many expats has chosen the Yamate hills as their living area with good access to schools and comfortable environment, yet recently some become to choose high-rise apartments built in Minato-mirai and Yokohama station area. Minato-mirai, which is a triangle area cornered by the Yokohama Station, Sakuragicho and bayside contains the office zone represented by the Land Mark Tower, amusement and shopping zone, and residential zone on over 1.8square kilometer land. Many famous international companies place their offices in this area: such as Nissan, Apple, Ericsson, JGC, Chiyoda Corporation and more.
High-rise apartments in Minato-Mirai area, mostly built within this decade
View of Osanbashi Yokohama International Passenger Terminal
Scenery of a street in Yamate-cho area, where YIS and St. Maur are located