The Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse (Yokohama Aka Renga Soko) consists of two late Meiji-era brick buildings on the Yokohama waterfront in the Minato Mirai district of Kanagawa's largest city. Constructed between 1907 and 1913 by the Meiji government as bonded customs warehouses for the Port of Yokohama, the two buildings represent an important moment in Japanese architectural and commercial history — the adoption of Western-style fireproof brick construction for large-scale port infrastructure during Japan's industrialization.
Warehouse No. 1, completed in 1907, served primarily as a customs transit shed and is the smaller of the two structures. Warehouse No. 2, completed in 1911, was the main bonded storage facility and is notable for its use of reinforced concrete combined with red brick cladding — a hybrid construction method blending Western fireproofing techniques with an aesthetic suited to Yokohama's international port character. Both buildings were designed by Tsumaki Yorinaka, a prominent Meiji-era government architect responsible for several other Yokohama customs facilities.
The warehouses operated as port facilities through the Meiji, Taisho, and early Showa periods, storing imported goods including raw silk, tea, and general cargo transiting through Japan's busiest international port. Operations wound down after World War II damage and the gradual shift of active cargo handling to modern port facilities. Yokohama City designated the buildings as historical landmarks and undertook a major restoration program from 1989 to 2002, meticulously preserving the original brick fabric while adapting the interiors for cultural and commercial use.
Today Warehouse No. 1 operates as an event and performance space hosting live music, theater, exhibitions, and seasonal festivals. Warehouse No. 2 functions as a shopping and dining complex with approximately 60 shops and restaurants across two floors. The surrounding promenade — Aka Renga Park — serves as one of Yokohama's most popular public spaces, with views across the harbor toward the Minato Mirai skyline and the Yokohama Bay Bridge. The Christmas Market held at the park each December is among the city's most visited seasonal events.
Why it matters
Built 1911 as customs warehouses; symbolizes Yokohama's Meiji-era international trading history
Location
35.4451, 139.6424 View on map
Highlights
- Two Meiji-era bonded warehouses (1907–1913) by government architect Tsumaki Yorinaka, preserved as Yokohama historical landmarks
- Warehouse No. 2: approximately 60 shops and restaurants across restored brick-and-steel interiors
- Warehouse No. 1: event and performance venue hosting rotating exhibitions, live music, and seasonal festivals
- Aka Renga Park promenade with panoramic views of Yokohama Harbor and the Minato Mirai skyline
- Original exterior brickwork and cast-iron structural elements retained through the 1989–2002 city restoration
Tips for visiting
- Evening visits offer the best light on the brick facades and the harbor reflections; arrive 30–45 minutes before sunset
- The exterior and public promenade are free to access at all times; the Warehouse No. 2 shops typically open 11 AM–8 PM (check for holiday variations)
- Warehouse No. 1 has a rotating events calendar — check the official website before visiting to catch art installations or live performances
- The nearest stations are Bashamichi and Nihon Odori (Minatomirai Line), each about a 10–15 minute walk along the waterfront
- The December Christmas Market at Aka Renga Park is one of Yokohama's most popular seasonal events; arrive early afternoon to avoid peak crowds in the evening
Frequently asked questions
Is there an admission fee to visit the Red Brick Warehouse?
The exterior grounds and Aka Renga Park promenade are free to access at all times. Warehouse No. 2 (shops and restaurants) is free to enter. Warehouse No. 1 charges admission for specific ticketed events and exhibitions; check the current schedule on the official website.
How long should visitors allow for a visit?
A walk around the exterior and a browse through Warehouse No. 2 takes approximately one to one and a half hours. Adding dining, a specific event in Warehouse No. 1, or a longer waterfront stroll through the surrounding Minato Mirai area can extend the visit to half a day.
Is the site accessible for visitors with mobility needs?
Yes; both warehouses underwent accessibility upgrades during the 1989–2002 restoration. The ground floors of both buildings are step-free, elevators serve the upper floors of Warehouse No. 2, and the Aka Renga Park promenade is flat and paved — suitable for wheelchairs and strollers.
What is the historical significance of the warehouses?
Built as bonded customs warehouses in 1907–1913, the buildings stored imported goods at what was then Japan's primary international trading port. They are among the best-preserved examples of Meiji-era industrial architecture in Kanagawa and symbolize Yokohama's central role in Japan's 19th-century economic opening.