Osanbashi Pier in Yokohama Japan was originally constructed in 1894. The literal definition of "Osanbashi" is big pier in Japanese. The pier has served as a main stopping point for goods and passengers for over 150 years.

In 1995, an International Design Competition was held to redesign the passenger terminal. It would turn out to be the largest international competition in Japan with over 41 countries participating. The eventual winners of the project were Farshid Moussavi and Alejandro Zaera Polo of Foreign Office Architects, FOA. The architectural design has won worldwide recognition and the 2004 Award for Architectural Excellence.

The Brazilian wood Ipe is used for much of the surface area of the building. Ipe is known for its strength and superb durability. The rooftop provides expansive grass sitting areas. Visitors and residents of Yokohama can enjoy 24 hour views of the harbor. On clear days, you can see Mt. Fuji off in the distance. The building has no stairs, allowing visitors to easily transition from one side of the pier to the other. Buffers and unique sunshades provide relief on warm summer days.

The pier can accommodate two 70,000-ton cruise vessels or four 30,000-ton vessels. The building's height allows people from the mainland or on cruise ships to enjoy unobstructed views.