📝 1. Overview
Once bustling warehouses for Hakodate’s international trade, the Red Brick Warehouses have been reborn as a stylish waterfront shopping and dining district. Blending rustic 1900s architecture with modern boutiques and eateries, this area is perfect for a relaxing stroll along the bay. With scenic harbor views, glimmering reflections at night, and a festive atmosphere during holidays, it’s a must-visit for travelers looking to enjoy history with a touch of modern flair.
🌟 2. Highlights
🧱 Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse – Main complex with shops, event space & canal-side paths
🎄 Seasonal Illumination & Events – Especially magical in winter
🛍️ Local Boutiques & Gift Stores – Hokkaido crafts, fashion, and souvenirs
🍰 Sweets Alley – Try Hakodate cheesecake, soft serve & red bean treats
🖼️ History Wall & Exhibits – Learn about Hakodate’s port trading legacy
⛴️ Bay Area Views – Photo ops with boats, reflections, and sunset colors
💡 3. Tips
📸 Best Photo Spots:
- Waterfront at sunset – glowing bricks + reflection
- Inside the courtyard with string lights
- Winter lights with snow on rooftops
🕰️ Best time to visit:
- Evening for lights and dinner
- Winter (Dec–Feb) for illuminations & festive markets
- Midday for shopping and café-hopping
🎁 Many shops offer tax-free shopping with passport
🎒 Light luggage recommended—some shops are narrow
☕ Great spot for a slow afternoon with coffee and sweets
🍽️ 4. Nearby Eats – Top 3 in Red Brick Area
- Hakodate Beer Hall
🍺 Local brews, seafood, and Hokkaido comfort food
📍Kanemori Warehouse Complex
🕒 11:00 AM – 9:30 PM
🚶 Inside main building - Lucky Pierrot Bay Area Main Store
🍔 Quirky burger chain unique to Hakodate
📍Suehiro-cho 23-18
🕒 10:00 AM – 12:30 AM
🚶 Just across from warehouses - Snaffle’s Pastry Shop
🍮 Famous for melt-in-your-mouth cheese omelets (mini cheesecake)
📍Bay Hakodate Building
🕒 9:30 AM – 6:30 PM
🚶 2 min from warehouse entrance
🍽️ 4B. Sub-Zone Picks – What to Explore Inside the Warehouses
🛍️ Shopping Zone
- Hakodate Factory – Fashion, glassware, accessories
- Petite boutiques – Handmade crafts and unique souvenirs
- Souvenir Market – Local snacks, drinks, and gifts
☕ Café & Sweets Zone
- Sweets Alley – Dessert shops galore
- Starbucks (Red Brick Edition) – With waterfront seating
- Lucky Pierrot – Local fast food with funky décor
🎄 Event & Scenic Zone
- Courtyard – Events, food trucks, and winter trees
- Bay Promenade – Romantic walk with harbor views
- Illumination Walk – Seasonal lights reflected on the water
🚗 5. Access
📍 From JR Hakodate Station
🚶 15-minute walk along the bay
🚌 Tram to Jujigai Station → 3-minute walk
📍 From Mt. Hakodate Ropeway Base
🚶 5–7 minutes through Motomachi
📍 From Hakodate Morning Market
🚶 Approx. 10 minutes on foot
📍 Local Travel
🚶 Fully walkable from nearby attractions
🅿️ Paid parking available behind the warehouse complex
🧭 Perfect stop on any Hakodate sightseeing route