Navigating the Parking Maze: A First-Hand Guide to TSUTAYA Yokohama Minatomirai’s Designated Parking

Recently, I visited the TSUTAYA Yokohama Minatomirai store, a unique fusion of bookstore and Starbucks café. This establishment offers a serene environment where patrons can leisurely enjoy coffee while working on their laptops or immersing themselves in a good book. However, one aspect proved particularly challenging: locating the designated parking facility.

This article aims to demystify the parking situation at TSUTAYA Yokohama Minatomirai, providing clear guidance based on personal experience.

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Unveiling the Mystery: TSUTAYA Yokohama Minatomirai’s Designated Parking

After thorough investigation, I can confirm that the official parking for TSUTAYA Yokohama Minatomirai is located at “Times Minatomirai Mid Square.”

While the store offers a parking fee discount service, finding the entrance to this underground facility can be quite challenging for first-time visitors. I personally experienced some confusion during my initial visit. Although Google Maps can guide you to the general area, pinpointing the exact parking entrance requires additional insight, which I’ll provide through visual aids later in this article.

Parking Fee Structure

The underground parking at TSUTAYA Yokohama Minatomirai charges 300 yen per 20-minute increment, with a daily maximum of 2,300 yen for stays up to 24 hours (rates current as of April 2024).

Fortunately, the store offers a parking validation service to offset these costs:
– Spend 300 yen or more for 30 minutes of free parking
– Purchases totaling 2,000 yen or more qualify for 2 hours of free parking

These discounts can be combined across both TSUTAYA and Starbucks purchases, so be sure to retain your parking ticket for validation.

This arrangement allows for flexible visit options, from a quick coffee break to an extended reading session or work period of up to two hours at no additional parking cost.

Step-by-Step Driving Directions to the Parking Facility

For those approaching from the Pacifico Yokohama area, follow these directions:
1. Turn onto Keyaki Street
2. At the traffic light in front of MARK IS (labeled “Minatomirai Station Front”), make a right turn
3. Proceed straight, passing the “Minatomirai Station North” traffic light
4. Immediately merge into the far left lane
5. Enter the Times Minatomirai Mid Square parking facility

Once parked, locate the elevator within the lot. This will take you to the ground floor, where you’ll find yourself adjacent to TSUTAYA Yokohama Minatomirai.

For added convenience, the parking area features a map detailing the route to the store.

Upon exiting the elevator, a left turn will lead you directly to TSUTAYA Yokohama Minatomirai.

Personal Insights from My Visit

The synergy between the bookstore and Starbucks creates a welcoming atmosphere for reading, working, or simply relaxing with a coffee. The store also offers a selection of stationery and miscellaneous goods, perfect for impromptu purchases.

Both TSUTAYA and Starbucks maintain late hours (closing at 22:30), with only a slight difference in opening times. This extended schedule is ideal for night owls looking to read, study, or work in a comfortable setting before heading home.

Store	business hours
TSUTAYA	8:00〜22:30
TSUTAYA Conditioning PILATES	8:00〜22:00
Starbucks	7:00〜22:30

*Information sourced from the official website

One notable drawback I observed was the lack of power outlets, despite the numerous patrons using laptops. Upon inquiring, I learned that while TSUTAYA manages the book inventory, Starbucks oversees the seating arrangements. This presents an opportunity for improvement – the addition of power outlets could significantly enhance the customer experience, particularly for those using the space for study or work purposes.

For those requiring power outlets, the nearby Starbucks Coffee Yokohama i-Mark Place offers limited charging stations at select tables near the counter.

In conclusion, TSUTAYA Yokohama Minatomirai successfully blends a tranquil ambiance with stylish design, embodying the essence of modern relaxation in Yokohama’s vibrant port district. Despite minor inconveniences, it stands as a testament to the evolving nature of urban spaces, catering to both literary enthusiasts and digital nomads alike.