⚠️ Permanently Closed (2020–2024)
GUNDAM FACTORY YOKOHAMA closed on March 31, 2024 and has been fully dismantled. There are no plans to reopen or relocate the facility. The moving Gundam’s exterior parts were reused at the Osaka-Kansai Expo 2025 as a static 17-meter statue at the GUNDAM NEXT FUTURE PAVILION. This article serves as a old record of what was once one of the most amazing attractions in Kanagawa. —
GUNDAM FACTORY YOKOHAMA Retrospective — The Life-Sized Moving Gundam (2020–2024)
Overview
I visited the GUNDAM FACTORY YOKOHAMA during its final months in early 2024, and watching the 18-meter RX-78-2 Gundam move under the night sky remains one of my most memorable experiences in Yokohama. I recommend arriving before sunset so you can see the machine first in daylight and then lit up against the bay — the contrast is unforgettable.
📍 Where It Was
GUNDAM FACTORY YOKOHAMA was found at Yamashita Pier (山下ふ頭), a short walk from Yokohama’s major tourist areas. The site has since been cleared and returned to its original use as a working pier.
Access to the Area Today
Even though the factory is gone, the Yamashita Pier area remains a pleasant waterfront walking place:
- 15 min walk from Motomachi-Chukagai Station (Minatomirai Line)
- 15 min walk from Kannai Station (JR Keihin-Tohoku Line)
- Adjacent to Yamashita Park — a loved waterfront park with views of Yokohama Bay Get the Yokohama Seaside Gourmet Train Pass — combine transport & dining for a perfect bay area day out
- 10 min walk to Yokohama Chinatown
What to Visit Nearby Instead
| Attraction | Distance | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Yamashita Park | Adjacent | pretty waterfront, cruise ship views |
| Yokohama Chinatown | 10 min walk | Largest Chinatown in Japan |
| Red Brick Warehouse | 15 min walk | Shopping, events |
| Cup Noodles Museum | 20 min walk | Interactive food museum |
| Yokohama Hakkeijima Sea Paradise | 20 min drive | Aquarium + amusement park |
For more on this topic, see our guide to Hakkeijima Sea Paradise Guide.
🎯 What Was There: A Retrospective
The Gundam Performance
The centerpiece of GUNDAM FACTORY YOKOHAMA was the 18-meter-tall RX-78-2 Gundam, mounted on a moving gantry platform called the GUNDAM-DOCK. The Gundam performed scheduled movements throughout the day, including:
- Walking motion: The Gundam took slow, deliberate steps forward on its platform
- Arm movements: Raising its arm, and striking iconic poses
- Head rotation: Scanning the crowd and tracking movement
- Knee bends: Crouching and standing
- Combined sequence: A full choreographed performance combining all movements
Each performance lasted about 2-3 minutes and occurred every 30-60 minutes. The engineering needed to move a 25-ton machine was amazing.
The GUNDAM-DOCK
The massive gantry structure that supported the Gundam — called the GUNDAM-DOCK — was an engineering marvel in itself. The 25-meter-tall structure included:
- Main viewing deck: The primary observation area at ground level, with unobstructed views
- Upper viewing platform: An elevated deck providing a perspective at eye level with the Gundam (more ¥3,300)
- upkeep area: Visible sections of the internal mechanisms and control systems
The GUNDAM LAB
An indoor show space documented the engineering behind the moving Gundam, including:
- Design blueprints: Original concept art and engineering diagrams
- Mechanism displays: Actual components used in the Gundam’s articulation system
- old timeline: The evolution of the GUNDAM FACTORY project from concept to reality
- Interactive exhibits: Visitors could try controlling a miniature Gundam arm
The GUNDAM Café & Shop
- Official merchandise store: Exclusive GUNDAM FACTORY YOKOHAMA items, including:
- Limited-edition Gundam model kits
- Factory-exclusive apparel and accessories
- Commemorative photo frames and postcards
- GUNDAM Café: Light meals, and Gundam-themed desserts
🎟 Ticket Pricing (old Reference)
For archival purposes, here were the admission prices during operation:
General Admission (Ground Level)
| Category | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Adult (13+) | ¥1,650 | Main viewing area access |
| Child (7-12) | ¥1,100 | Must be accompanied by adult |
| Child (under 7) | Free | Must be accompanied by adult |
GUNDAM-DOCK Upper Deck
| Category | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Adult (13+) | ¥3,300 | Includes general admission |
| Child (7-12) | ¥2,200 | Includes general admission |
📸 Legacy: What Happened to the Gundam
The Osaka Expo 2025 Reuse
After the Yokohama facility closed, the exterior armor parts of the moving Gundam were transported to the Osaka-Kansai Expo 2025 site. There, they were reassembled into a 17-meter-tall static Gundam statue at the GUNDAM NEXT FUTURE PAVILION. Key differences from the Yokohama version:
| Feature | Yokohama (2020–2024) | Osaka Expo (2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 18m | 17m |
| Movement | Full articulation | Static pose |
| Pose | Standing | One knee up, reaching forward |
| Venue | Yamashita Pier. Yokohama | Expo site. Osaka |
| Duration | 3+ years | Expo period only |
The Osaka statue was a static display — it did not move like the original did in Yokohama. However, it represented a symbolic continuation of the Gundam’s journey, with the pose depicting the Gundam reaching toward the future.
No Plans for a New Yokohama Facility
The operating company, Evolving G Co., Ltd., was dissolved in December 2025. There are no plans to rebuild or reopen GUNDAM FACTORY YOKOHAMA. The site has been fully restored to its original state as Yamashita Pier. —
🗺 Sample Yokohama Anime Itinerary (Updated)
While GUNDAM FACTORY is gone, Yokohama remains a fantastic place for anime fans. Here’s an updated itinerary:
Full-Day Yokohama Anime time
| Time | thing to do |
|---|---|
| 10:00 AM | Landmark Tower Sky Garden (featured in Bungo Stray Dogs) |
| 11:00 AM | Minato Mirai walk → Red Brick Warehouse |
| 12:00 PM | Lunch at Red Brick Warehouse |
| 1:00 PM | GUNDAM FACTORY memorial photo (Yamashita Pier — see the spot where it stood) |
| 2:00 PM | Yamate Western Houses (featured in From Up on Poppy Hill) |
| 3:00 PM | Harbor View Park (Ghibli spot) |
| 4:00 PM | Yokohama Hakkeijima Sea Paradise |
| 6:00 PM | Chinatown dinner |
Tip: Visit Yamashita Pier to take a photo at the spot where the GUNDAM-DOCK once stood. The waterfront view is still pretty, and you can imagine the 18-meter Gundam towering over the bay. —
💡 Travel Tips for the Area Today
Best Time to Visit Yamashita Pier
- Daytime: Clear views of Yokohama Bay and the Bay Bridge
- Late afternoon: pretty sunset over the water
- Evening: Night lights of the bay area
What to Bring
- Camera for waterfront photos
- comfy shoes for walking the port area
- small charger — you’ll be taking lots of photos
Nearby Attractions to Replace GUNDAM FACTORY
If you were planning a trip mostly for GUNDAM FACTORY, consider these alternatives:
| Alternative | Type | Distance from Pier |
|---|---|---|
| Yokohama Hakkeijima Sea Paradise | Aquarium + rides | 20 min drive |
| Cup Noodles Museum Yokohama | Interactive museum | 20 min walk |
| Yokohama Cosmo World | Amusement park | 20 min walk |
| Nippon Maru Memorial Park | Maritime museum | 15 min walk |
| Animate Yokohama | Anime goods store | 10 min by train |
What to Expect
Most activities are designed to be accessible for international visitors. Staff at popular attractions are accustomed to non-Japanese speakers and can communicate through basic English or translation apps. Duration varies from 1-2 hour experiences to half-day adventures. Wear appropriate clothing – many activities involve walking or standing for extended periods. Some outdoor activities may have age or height restrictions. Always check the official website before visiting for the latest information.
Local Tips
Those who frequent these activities suggest checking social media for last-minute openings and special events. Some venues offer discounted admission during certain hours or days of the week. Combining multiple activities in the same area saves travel time and often qualifies for package discounts. Consider joining a group tour for activities that require specialized equipment or guidance.
Money-Saving Tips
Save on activities by booking online in advance – many venues offer discounts for early purchase. Combination tickets covering multiple attractions often provide 15-25% savings. Visit during off-peak hours when some venues offer reduced rates. Check local tourist websites for digital coupons and promotional codes. Consider free alternatives like public gardens and observation decks that offer similar experiences to paid attractions.n
Packing Essentials
For outdoor activities, wear moisture-wicking clothing and comfortable closed-toe shoes. Sunscreen and a hat are essential during summer. A small towel is useful for wiping sweat. A waterproof phone pouch is useful for water activities. Pack snacks and extra water for remote areas.
Conclusion
exploring Yokohama can be as relaxed or as packed as you want it to be, and I have found that the best visits leave room for both planning and spontaneity. During my visit to Yokohama I went with a rough plan and found that leaving room to wander made the trip far more memorable. Use this guide to sort out the logistics in advance, then let the day surprise you — Kanagawa rewards travelers who stay curious.