Featured Business Districts & Business Cost

Yokohama has nine business districts that boast easy access to railway and highway transportation. And considering the cost of an office in other parts of Japan like Tokyo, these business districts are very attractive for companies looking to rent; office rental cost in Yokohama is on average 40 percent cheaper than in Tokyo (Miki Shoji, July 2018).

There are a variety of office properties in Yokohama that are capable of meeting the latest high-spec R&D needs, particularly in the Minato Mirai 21 District. These properties have features such as high ceilings and dedicated drainpipes, capability to withstand load and chemical handling, etc. The city strategically supports an increase of R&D centers by subsidizing the construction of R&D office buildings. Major international companies like Apple have chosen Yokohama for their headquarters or large R&D facilities based on this advantage.

Particularly popular districts for international companies are as follows:

Minato Mirai 21 District

The expansive, attractively designed infrastructure in this area is further enhanced by the scenic waterfront view. An increasing number of urban R&D centers of leading companies and other innovation centers are drawn to the district.  Those concerned by the rental cost of an office in Japan have other options as well, including soft landing and coworking sites: Japan’s largest WeWork is located here in Minato Mirai 21.

Shin-Yokohama Station District

The district surrounding Shin-Yokohama station, a stop for Tokaido-line Shinkansen bullet trains, has been chosen by many international and IT companies due to its direct access to major cities throughout Japan. A new Sotetsu rail line is slated to begin operation in April 2019, further upgrading the area’s accessibility to central Tokyo.

Yokohama Station District

It is a lively area crowded with large shopping malls, hotels and office buildings, most of which house offices of IT companies and other major companies.

Kannai District

A major commercial center of Yokohama, this area is especially notable for being the focal point of recent efforts to invigorate the startup ecosystem in Yokohama.