# Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse

> Two handsome brick warehouses from the early 1900s, meticulously restored as Yokohama's beloved waterfront destination for shopping, dining, and seasonal events including a popular German Christmas market.

- Prefecture: Kanagawa
- Type: Landmark
- Address: Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan
- Admission: Free
- Official site: https://www.yokohama-akarenga.jp/

Built in 1911 and 1913 as customs inspection warehouses for the Port of Yokohama, the Red Brick Warehouse complex is one of the city's most beloved landmarks. After decades of disuse, the two warehouses were carefully restored and reopened in 2002 as a cultural and commercial hub. Warehouse No. 1 hosts art exhibitions, concerts, and theatrical performances, while Warehouse No. 2 features dozens of shops and restaurants spread across three floors. The surrounding open plaza hosts seasonal events throughout the year, including a popular German-style Christmas market in winter and an Oktoberfest in autumn. The waterfront promenade has clear sightlines to Bay Bridge and the Minato Mirai skyline, good for an evening walk.

## FAQ

### How do I get to the Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse?

From JR Yokohama Station, take the Minatomirai Line to Bashamichi Station (4 minutes, ¥190), then walk 6 minutes east toward the bay. Alternatively, the Akarenga Soko-mae bus from Yokohama Station East Exit goes directly (15 min, ¥220). From Tokyo Station: Tokaido Line to Yokohama (25 min, ¥490), then transfer. Free pier ferry from Minato Mirai 21 area is also scenic. Open-air plaza is 24/7; warehouses 11:00–20:00 (Warehouse 2) and 11:00–19:00 (Warehouse 1, exhibition-dependent).

### What can I shop and eat there?

Warehouse 2 has 70+ shops and restaurants over 3 floors: Bills (the famous ricotta hotcakes, ¥1,500), Hawaiian cafe Eggs 'n Things, gourmet popcorn, Yokohama craft beer at Antenna America, and the Yokohama Hammerhead souvenir shop. Specialty: 'Yokohama Iemitsu Curry' restaurant for the city's most famous dish. Most lunch sets ¥1,500–2,500, dinner ¥3,000–6,000. Cards widely accepted. The waterfront wooden deck has free seating for picnics, and ¥500 takeaway food from the warehouses works well.

### What seasonal events are held here?

Christmas Market in der Akarenga (late November–25 December, free entry) is Yokohama's most popular winter event, with German-style wooden huts, glühwein, sausages, and a 13m Christmas tree with light shows on the half-hour. Oktoberfest (early October, ¥500 entry, ¥800 beer mug deposit). Strawberry Festival (February). Flower Garden installations (April–May). Cherry blossom illuminations along the bay walk (late March–early April). Always check the official site for current schedule.

### When is the best time to visit?

Sunset (45 min before, year-round) for golden bay views with the historic warehouses lit warm. Evening (18:00–21:00) for the exterior illumination. Weekend afternoons get busy; weekday evenings (after 18:00) are pleasant. December for the Christmas market is the peak; arrive at 16:30 to beat the 18:00–22:00 crowds. Combine with Minato Mirai 21 (5 min walk west) for a full waterfront day. The free outdoor plaza never closes.

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Source: Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse — Japan Voyage