Yokohama Sakuragicho Washington Hotel (1 Sakuragicho, Naka Ward, Yokohama) will hold a “Window Art” event using hotel room lighting on November 3rd.

This project began in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, when people were forced to wear masks, with the wish that “someday we’ll be able to remove our masks and see each other’s smiles again.” This marks the sixth year of the event.

As part of a special campaign commemorating the 70th anniversary of the hotel’s operating company, the event will fulfill the dream of a healthcare worker who applied to “design the window art for Yokohama Sakuragicho Washington Hotel!”

The design was inspired by feelings that “when I saw many patients in the COVID-19 ward, seeing the window art warmed my heart” and “I want to bring smiles to many people in the warm, connected community of Yokohama’s Minato Mirai area.” The art design will be revealed for the first time on the day of the event.

Additionally, a “#EveryoneSmile Campaign” will be held. Photos taken during the event and posted on Instagram with the specified hashtag will be eligible for a lottery to win prizes such as “YOKOHAMA AIR CABIN pair tickets.”

The lighting will be visible from evening until around 8:00 PM. The event will take place even in case of rain.

Yokohama Sakuragicho Washington Hotel

The Yokohama Sakuragicho Washington Hotel is a modern business hotel located in the vibrant Sakuragicho district, known for its proximity to landmarks like the Red Brick Warehouses and Minato Mirai. While the hotel itself is a contemporary establishment, the surrounding area is historically significant as part of Yokohama’s port development, which opened Japan to international trade in the 19th century. It primarily serves as a convenient and functional accommodation hub for both business and leisure travelers.

COVID-19 pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic was a global health crisis caused by the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, first identified in Wuhan, China in late 2019. It rapidly spread worldwide, leading to widespread lockdowns, economic disruption, and millions of deaths, fundamentally altering daily life and global travel. The pandemic’s history is marked by the unprecedented development and distribution of vaccines, which became the primary tool for managing the virus.

Minato Mirai area

The Minato Mirai area is a modern waterfront district in Yokohama, Japan, developed on former shipyard and industrial lands. Its name, meaning “Future Port,” reflects its transformation beginning in the 1980s into a major business and tourist center. Today, it is famous for its iconic skyline featuring landmarks like the Landmark Tower and Cosmo Clock 21 Ferris wheel.

YOKOHAMA AIR CABIN

The Yokohama Air Cabin is a modern aerial ropeway that opened in 2021, connecting Sakuragicho Station with the Minato Mirai district. It provides visitors with scenic views of the port, the iconic Red Brick Warehouse, and the city skyline. The system was developed as a new, convenient transportation link and tourist attraction for the vibrant waterfront area.