What is Yokohama’s symbol, the “Red Brick Warehouse”?
The Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse in Yokohama City, Kanagawa Prefecture, is a popular spot where you can enjoy historic architecture along with shopping, dining, and events.
Originally built as a customs bonded warehouse during the Meiji–Taisho period, the buildings were renovated and now serve as a refreshed tourist attraction.
The red-brick exterior blended with modern shops creates a unique atmosphere where history and the present harmonize.
Highlights:
- Plenty of shopping & dining options
- Seasonal events throughout the year
- Excellent location with bay-area views
What to see at the Red Brick Warehouse
1. Enjoy the beautiful brick architecture
The most notable feature of the Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse is its classical red-brick exterior.
These historic buildings date back to the early 20th century and are lit up at night, creating a magical atmosphere.
Photogenic spots:
- A full view from the front plaza (especially recommended at dusk!)
- The interior brick walls and arched ceilings (retro and stylish)
- Shots combining the Minato Mirai nightscape (capture the ferris wheel across the water!)
2. Shopping & souvenir hunting
The Red Brick Warehouse houses many unique shops.
There are plenty of Yokohama-specific souvenirs and original items you can only buy here!
Recommended shops:
- Various sweets shops and souvenir stores (original sweets and Kanto-region souvenirs)
- Artist-run craft shops (handmade items and art pieces)
- Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse original goods (postcards, stationery, etc.)
With many stylish shops and sweets, it’s perfect for travelers looking for uniquely Japanese items!
3. Savor Red Brick Warehouse–exclusive food
The Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse also offers foods you can only taste here.
Try Yokohama’s distinctive flavors at the restaurants and cafes!
Recommended eats:
- The Red Brick Warehouse’s signature curry rice (original recipe with bold spices)
- Pancakes and desserts (fluffy pancakes and soft-serve ice cream)
- Craft beer “Yokohama Beer” (brewed locally)
Many restaurants at the Red Brick Warehouse have open terrace seating, so you can dine while enjoying the bay breeze.
4. Enjoy seasonal events
The Red Brick Warehouse hosts a variety of events throughout the year.
No matter when you visit, there’s always something new to experience!
Typical events:
- Winter: “Christmas Market” → A European-style market appears!
- Spring: “Flower Garden” → Beautiful flowers bloom across the plaza
- Summer: “Beer Fest” → Enjoy beers from around the world
- Autumn: “Oktoberfest” → A traditional German beer festival
These events are very popular with travelers, so it’s a good idea to check schedules in advance.
5. Combine with sightseeing in the Minato Mirai area
The Red Brick Warehouse is located in the heart of the Minato Mirai area, where many of Yokohama’s attractions are concentrated.
Within walking distance, you’ll find popular sights such as:
Nearby attractions:
- Yokohama Landmark Tower (stunning views from the observation deck)
- CupNoodles Museum (create your very own cup noodle!)
- Yokohama Chinatown (authentic Chinese cuisine)
- Yamashita Park (perfect for a bay-area stroll)
Combine a visit to the Red Brick Warehouse with these spots and you can enjoy a full day of sightseeing!
Practical information for travelers
How to get there
The Red Brick Warehouse is located in central Yokohama and is easy to reach from Tokyo!
By train:
- About a 15-minute walk from JR Sakuragicho Station
- About a 6-minute walk from Minatomirai Line Bashamichi Station or Nihon-Odori Station
By bus:
- Buses run from Yokohama Station East Exit to the Red Brick Warehouse
By car:
- On-site parking available (first hour 500 yen; thereafter 250 yen per 30 minutes)
Best seasons
- Spring (Mar–May): Perfect for walks with cherry blossoms and mild weather
- Summer (Jun–Aug): Full of events like beer festivals
- Autumn (Sep–Nov): Halloween and Oktoberfest take place
- Winter (Dec–Feb): Beautiful Christmas market & illuminations
Summary and Frequently Asked Questions
Summary
- The Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse blends historic buildings with modern shops, creating a must-see attraction
- With plenty of dining, shopping, and events, it’s enjoyable no matter how many times you visit
- It’s recommended to visit together with other Minato Mirai area attractions
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is there an admission fee for the Red Brick Warehouse?
A: Admission is free for general viewing. However, some events and attractions may charge a fee.
Q: Are there places to eat at the Red Brick Warehouse?
A: Yes—there are many restaurants and cafes! Many have terrace seating so you can enjoy the views while you eat.
Q: How much time should I allow to visit the Red Brick Warehouse?
A: If you include shopping and dining, plan for around 2–3 hours.
Q: Until what time is the warehouse lit up at night?
A: The illumination runs from sunset until about 11:00 PM. Night strolls are highly recommended!
Q: Are there hotels nearby?
A: Yes—there are many hotels near the Red Brick Warehouse, such as the InterContinental Yokohama and Yokohama Bay Hotel Tokyu.
Please be sure to spend a special time at the Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse!
