Misumi Port Ferry Terminal (Sea Pyramid)

Special Exhibition | August 3, 2026

Independent spiral ramps run both inside and outside the building. From the outer ramp, you can enjoy panoramic views of the Amakusa Islands and the beautiful sea. Photo: Seiji Tomishige
A skylight is installed at the top of the cone. During the day, natural light pours into the interior from here. At night, the light from inside the building spills out, making the entire building appear to float like a sculpture. Photo: Kiyoshi Tomishige
Inside, a massive space 34 meters in diameter and 25 meters high unfolds, completely free of supporting columns. A clockwise ramp leads to the rooftop observation deck, offering a dynamic experience of walking around the entire structure. Photo: Kiyoshi Tomishige

Enjoy the scenery from the ferry terminal, which has a double helix structure similar to that of a seashell.

This ferry terminal, located on the Uto Peninsula in Uki City, Kumamoto Prefecture, was constructed as part of the "Kumamoto Artpolis" project, which aims to create lasting cultural assets through outstanding architecture in Kumamoto Prefecture. Ferries operate from the historic Misumi Port to Amakusa. The building, reminiscent of a seashell, was designed by Shoei Yoh. It is a cone shape with a diameter of 34m and a height of 25m, and a double-helix ramp, similar to that of a conch shell, allows movement between the inside and outside. A skylight at the top lets in natural light during the day and illuminates the concrete frame at night. You can enjoy the scenery while ascending and descending the endlessly revolving ramp. In 2016, a canopy with an arc-shaped roof, designed by Ney & Partners Japan, was completed. It is now used as a passageway connecting Misumi Station to the Misumi Port ferry terminal.

Misumi Port Ferry Terminal (Sea Pyramid)
・Architect : Shoei Yoh
・Location : 1160-177 Misumiura, Misumi-cho, Uki City, Kumamoto Prefecture
・Use : Ferry terminal
・Completed : 1990

Text: Yoshinao Yamada