The centerpiece of the place is the 971-foot Yokohama Landmark Tower, the tallest building in Japan. I heard it described by one fellow as "the world's most manly tower." I agree. It has a monolithic macho ruggedness quality.
The chilly temperatures did not keep the masses away on this day. The train disgorged hundreds, us included. The scene was reminiscent of bug-eyed thirsty cattle making their way to a watering trough. Waves of people poured from the Sakuragicho Station out to Minato Mirai 21. The literature says that minato mirai means "port of the future" with 21 signifying the 21st century. If this is the Japanese version of the future then I am in full agreement with their vision. There is a good balance of retail and public areas with just enough greenery to remind you that you're still on planet earth, and Tokyo Bay acts as a liquidy blue backdrop.
The real surprise was inside the great galleria of shops. First I heard Rosemary Clooney's unmistakable voice singing "Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire." It was being piped at the entrance of the cavernous place and then I saw a blow-up plastic Santa worthy of the number one position in Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. And Christmas trees.... Christmas trees, tinsel, and lights everywhere. The place was packed with Christmas-related products. Wow! I thought. It's Christmas in Japan. I was half-expecting to hear the bell ringers of the Salvation Army in the minute. After a while I caught myself whistling "Let It Snow." I was in the commercial Christmas spirit, as it were.
We came across a couple of student bands. They were marvelously talented and disciplined. They played, they sang, they chanted, they danced, and they drew such huge crowds in the mall that I could not get close enough to take decent video. They performed fabulously. Their energy and smiles were infectious.
Melba and I are going back. I think it's better than Disney World which is where Melba wants to go next in Tokyo.
