Overview
Japan's first railway began here. Today, Sakuragicho Station serves both the modern waterfront of Yokohama-Minatomirai and Noge's smaller bars and restaurants, with JR and subway routes for sightseeing and everyday travel around the city.
Sakuragicho is the stop for Landmark Tower, Colette Mare, the Yokohama Air Cabin, and the southern side of Minato Mirai. Yokohama Station has wider regional connections and airport trains, while Minatomirai Station is closer to Queen's Square and Pacifico Yokohama.
Station background
Japan's first railway opened in 1872 between Shimbashi and the original Yokohama Station on this site. Rail displays at CIAL Sakuragicho Annex and monuments around the station recall that history, although Sakuragicho now plays an equally important role as an entrance to the waterfront.
Lines and connections
JR's Keihin-Tohoku and Negishi services use station code JK11. Northbound trains run through Yokohama toward stations on the Tokyo side, while southbound services continue through Kannai and Ishikawacho toward Ofuna.
The Yokohama Municipal Subway stop is B18 on the Blue Line. Trains run directly to Shin-Yokohama Station for Tokaido Shinkansen connections, as well as to Yokohama, Kannai, and destinations farther along the line. The JR and subway platforms are separate, so allow time for the walk between them when transferring.
Airport access
Sakuragicho has no direct airport train. For Haneda Airport, the usual rail route is one stop to Yokohama followed by a transfer to Keikyu. Airport buses from Yokohama City Air Terminal are another option after the short local ride to Yokohama Station.
The extra connection is manageable, but it matters when you're carrying luggage. If airport timing is the priority, staying beside Yokohama Station removes the local JR leg.
Station area
The East Exit of the JR North Gate leads directly into Colette Mare, where New Otani Inn Yokohama Premium occupies the upper floors. CIAL Sakuragicho is attached to the station, placing food, shops, tourist information, luggage services, and railway-history displays close to the gates.
Across the tracks, Noge offers a different kind of evening. Its compact streets are known for casual restaurants, bars, and a more local atmosphere than the polished waterfront complexes.
What's nearby
The moving walkway begins near the station and leads toward Landmark Tower and the central Minato Mirai buildings. The Yokohama Air Cabin also starts outside the East Exit and crosses toward the Shinko waterfront near World Porters.
At ground level, Nippon Maru Memorial Park and the Kishamichi Promenade begin close by. From here, a waterfront walk can continue toward Cosmo World, the Cup Noodles Museum, and the Red Brick Warehouse.
Good to know
Sakuragicho and Minatomirai stations serve different edges of the same broad district. Sakuragicho is better for JR trains, Landmark Tower, Colette Mare, and Noge. Minatomirai Station is better for Queen's Square, Pacifico Yokohama, and hotels directly above its underground concourse.
Check the operator as well as the station name. The JR gates are closest to the waterfront and the hotel, while the Blue Line entrance is farther inland.
