Cosmo Clock 21, Ferris wheel in Minato Mirai, Japan
Cosmo Clock 21 is a 112-meter-tall ferris wheel in Yokohama Cosmo World with 60 enclosed gondolas that rotate slowly through the air. Each rotation takes about 15 minutes and brings passengers back to the starting point, with capacity for up to 480 people per cycle.
The wheel opened in 1989 as part of a major city exposition that celebrated Yokohama's transformation into a modern port destination. It has undergone structural improvements over the decades and continues to stand as an enduring landmark of the waterfront development.
The wheel has become a symbol of Yokohama, and locals often use it as a reference point when giving directions or meeting friends. Its rotating silhouette is part of how residents view their city's modern character.
The best time to ride is around sunset or after dark, when the city lights come on and visibility stretches across the water to distant landmarks. The entrance is clearly marked at the amusement park, and lines tend to be shorter during weekday afternoons.
Two gondolas have transparent floors and walls that allow unobstructed viewing straight down, offering a thrilling sensation of floating above the city. These special cabins are positioned to give visitors a 360-degree open experience without barriers.
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