Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse
A restored historic port warehouse complex in Yokohama that combines cultural facilities, shopping, dining, and large-scale public events.
Last updated August 22, 2026
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Overview
Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse is a historic waterfront complex at the Port of Yokohama in Naka-ku, Kanagawa, Japan. The site consists of two early twentieth-century red-brick buildings, conventionally known as Warehouse No. 1 and Warehouse No. 2. Originally constructed as customs and bonded-storage facilities at the newly developed Shinko Pier, the buildings were later preserved and converted into a mixed-use cultural and commercial destination. The complex's official historical name is the Newport Pier Bonded Warehouse. Its origins lie in the expansion of Yokohama's harbor infrastructure during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Reclamation work began in 1899, was substantially completed in 1905, and was followed by further harbor development. The current Warehouse No. 2 was completed in 1911 and Warehouse No. 1 in 1913. Both were designed for customs-related operations, reflecting Yokohama's role as one of Japan's principal international ports. The buildings survived the 1923 Great Kanto earthquake with comparatively limited structural damage because iron reinforcement had been incorporated into the brick construction. Repairs continued through 1930. After the Second World War, the facilities were requisitioned by the American occupation authorities from 1945 to 1956. Their original logistical role declined as containerization changed port operations, and the buildings ceased functioning as customs houses in 1989. Yokohama City acquired jurisdiction over the properties in 1992. A preservation and adaptive-reuse project, pursued in part through the efforts of Naoshi Kawabata, was carried out from 1994 to 1999. Takenaka Corporation undertook structural and architectural work, including reinforcement of the roof and building framework. The interiors were subsequently redesigned for public use, and the restored complex opened on April 12, 2002, under the Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse name. The two buildings serve different but complementary purposes. Building No. 1 is primarily a cultural and event venue, with exhibition areas, halls, and space for art presentations, film festivals, musical competitions, theatrical productions, and other programs. Building No. 2 operates as a shopping and restaurant complex, with specialty retail, food and beverage tenants, and a harbor-facing balcony added on its third floor in 2007. The surrounding Red Brick Park provides plazas and open space, reinforcing the site's role as a public waterfront attraction. The complex is particularly associated with recurring seasonal events. These include a German-style Christmas market, the Yokohama Art Rink outdoor skating and art installation, Oktoberfest celebrations, and the Yokohama Strawberry Festival. Such programming extends the site beyond heritage tourism and gives it a year-round calendar of food, entertainment, design, and cultural activities. The venue has also hosted or supported broadcast and entertainment productions, including live final-stage broadcasts of the SASUKE obstacle-course competition in 2018 and 2019. Located near Minato Mirai 21, Yokohama Chinatown, and Yamashita Park, Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse functions simultaneously as a preserved industrial landmark, a retail and dining destination, a cultural venue, and a recognizable setting in Japanese popular culture. Its identity is built around the reuse of historic port architecture rather than around a conventional consumer-goods product line.
History
Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse developed from the modernization of Yokohama's international harbor. During the late nineteenth century, the Yokohama city government planned new port infrastructure to accommodate customs, bonded storage, and increasing international trade. Reclamation began in 1899 and was completed in 1905, followed by additional expansion that concluded in 1906. The two surviving red-brick structures were erected as customs-related warehouses at Shinko Pier. Warehouse No. 2 was completed in 1911, and Warehouse No. 1 followed in 1913. Both buildings were planned by Tsumaki Yorinaka, an architect and government official associated with the development of Japan's modern port facilities. Their brick construction incorporated iron reinforcement, an innovation that helped them withstand the Great Kanto earthquake of 1923. Although the buildings were damaged, they suffered less severe structural consequences than many surrounding properties, and repair work continued until 1930. Following the Second World War, the buildings were placed under the control of the American occupation forces from 1945 to 1956. After their return to Japanese administration, their importance declined as cargo handling practices changed. The adoption of containerization reduced the usefulness of traditional bonded warehouses, and the buildings stopped serving as customs houses in 1989. The possibility of preserving and reusing the structures gained momentum through the work associated with Naoshi Kawabata. Yokohama City took jurisdiction over the properties in 1992 and initiated a major restoration and conversion project. From 1994 to 1999, Takenaka Corporation carried out structural and architectural work, including strengthening the roofs and main frameworks while retaining the historic exterior character. The project transformed the former port facilities into a publicly accessible destination rather than demolishing them or leaving them unused. The restored complex opened on April 12, 2002. Building No. 1 was assigned a cultural role, providing exhibition areas, halls, and space for performances, film festivals, competitions, and other events. Building No. 2 was converted into a commercial facility containing shops, restaurants, and visitor amenities. The surrounding grounds were developed as Red Brick Park, integrating the warehouses with plazas and waterfront public space. A third-floor harbor-view balcony was added to Building No. 2 in 2007. Over time, the complex established a strong calendar of seasonal programs. The Yokohama Art Rink, operating since 2005, combines outdoor ice skating with an art exhibition and presents work by local artists. A German-style Christmas market takes place around the winter holiday period, while Oktoberfest programming in the autumn draws on German beer-festival traditions. The Yokohama Strawberry Festival, held in early spring, uses the site for agricultural promotion, tastings, themed food, and decorative installations. The venue has also served as a location for television, live broadcasts, and fictional settings. In December 2018, TBS announced that the final stage of the thirty-sixth SASUKE special would be broadcast live from the warehouse on New Year's Eve; the 2019 edition returned for a second consecutive live final-stage broadcast. The complex has appeared or been referenced in works including Komi Can't Communicate, After the Rain, Gundam Build Divers Re:Rise, Harbor Tale, and Bungo Stray Dogs. Today, Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse is a representative attraction of the Minato Mirai waterfront. Its significance comes from the combination of architectural preservation, port history, public programming, retail, dining, and tourism. Rather than functioning as a conventional standalone retail brand, it operates as an adaptive-reuse destination whose historic buildings provide the central identity for a diverse visitor experience.
- 2023
Strawberry Festival celebrates tenth anniversary
[1]The Yokohama Strawberry Festival marks its tenth anniversary with local strawberry sales, regional tastings, and strawberry-themed foods.
- 2019
SASUKE returns for a second live final stage
[1]The warehouse hosts the live final stage of the following SASUKE tournament for a second consecutive year.
- 2018
SASUKE live final stage announced
[1]The final stage of the thirty-sixth SASUKE special is announced as a live broadcast from the warehouse on New Year's Eve.
- 2007
Harbor-view balcony opens
[1]A balcony on the third floor of Building No. 2 provides visitors with a view toward the harbor.
- 2005
Yokohama Art Rink begins
[1]The seasonal outdoor skating rink and art exhibition starts operating at the complex.
- 2002
Complex opens as Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse
[1]The restored buildings open to the public on April 12 as a cultural, commercial, and event destination.
- 1999
Restoration phase completed
[1]The principal restoration work, including reinforcement of the roofs and structures, is completed.
- 1994
Restoration work begins
[1]A major restoration and adaptive-reuse project begins, with Takenaka Corporation responsible for structural and architectural work.
- 1992
Yokohama City assumes jurisdiction
[1]Yokohama City acquires jurisdiction over the former warehouses and advances their preservation and reuse.
- 1989
Customs-house function ends
[1]Containerization and changing port logistics bring the buildings' original customs-house role to an end.
Products and positioning
A heritage-led waterfront destination that combines preserved port architecture with shopping, dining, cultural programming, seasonal festivals, and public events.
Cultural and event venue · 2002
Building No. 1 cultural facilities
Building No. 1 is the complex's principal cultural facility. Its halls and exhibition spaces support art exhibitions, film festivals, musical competitions, theatrical productions, and other public programs. The building preserves the visual character of the former customs warehouse while providing flexible space for temporary events rather than conventional permanent retail.
Retail and dining · 2002
Building No. 2 shopping and restaurant arcade
Building No. 2 is the commercial heart of Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse. The restored structure contains shops, restaurants, cafés, and visitor amenities, allowing the historic site to function as a day-to-evening destination. Its third-floor balcony, opened in 2007, adds a harbor-view element to the commercial experience.
Seasonal cultural attraction · 2005
Yokohama Art Rink
Yokohama Art Rink is a seasonal outdoor ice-skating facility that also functions as an art installation. Operating during the winter season since 2005, it combines recreational skating with visual work, including contributions from local artists, and uses the warehouse plaza as an event setting.
Public waterfront space · 2002
Red Brick Park
Red Brick Park is the open public area surrounding the two warehouses. Its plazas and landscaped spaces support festivals, temporary installations, gatherings, and harbor-oriented sightseeing, helping connect the preserved buildings with Yokohama's broader Minato Mirai waterfront.
Marketing campaigns
- 2014Yokohama Strawberry Festival
Yokohama · Japan
An early-spring festival celebrating strawberries through themed food, decorative displays, sales, tastings, and product presentations. Its tenth anniversary in 2023 included locally grown Yokohama strawberries and varieties from Fukushima, Nara, and Ibaraki.
Outcome. Developed into a recurring seasonal attraction with agricultural, culinary, and family-oriented programming.
- 2005Yokohama Art Rink
Yokohama · Japan
A winter outdoor skating program that incorporates commissioned or presented art, creating a hybrid recreational and cultural attraction.
Outcome. Continued as a recurring winter program at the warehouse complex.
- Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse Christmas Market
Yokohama · Japan
An annual ticketed German-style Christmas market held around the winter holiday period, drawing on the warehouses' strong European architectural associations and using the surrounding grounds for seasonal food, retail, and festive experiences.
Outcome. Established as one of the complex's recurring seasonal attractions.
- Yokohama Oktoberfest
Yokohama · Japan
An autumn beer and food festival inspired by Munich's Oktoberfest, featuring beers from established and award-winning breweries together with sausages and other meat dishes.
Outcome. Became a recurring seasonal food and beverage event associated with the venue.
Brand decisions
2005
Launch of Yokohama Art RinkProduct launchBackground
The complex sought to expand its winter programming and use its outdoor public space for an attraction that complemented the historic buildings.
Action taken
An outdoor ice rink was introduced with an art-exhibition component, linking recreation with local visual culture.
Aftermath
The Art Rink became a recurring winter feature of the Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse calendar.
2002
Separate cultural and commercial functions between the two buildingsStrategyBackground
The restored complex required a sustainable public-facing use that could preserve its heritage value while attracting regular visitors.
Action taken
Building No. 1 was designated primarily for exhibitions and events, while Building No. 2 was converted into a shopping and restaurant facility. The adjacent grounds were developed as Red Brick Park.
Aftermath
The division created a mixed-use destination combining heritage tourism, retail, dining, cultural programming, and outdoor events.
1992
Preserve and adapt the former customs warehousesStrategyBackground
The buildings' original customs role had declined, particularly as containerization changed port logistics. Yokohama City assumed jurisdiction while the historic structures remained significant examples of port architecture.
Action taken
The city pursued restoration and adaptive reuse rather than demolition, commissioning structural and architectural work that retained the exterior character while preparing the buildings for cultural, commercial, and public use.
Aftermath
The project led to the 2002 opening of Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse as a major waterfront destination.
Recent events
- 2023
Yokohama Strawberry Festival marks its tenth anniversary[1]
Campaign · Product launch
The festival's tenth-anniversary program included sales of locally grown, freshly picked Yokohama strawberries, tastings of varieties from several Japanese prefectures, and a broad selection of strawberry-themed sweets and desserts.
- 2019
SASUKE returns for a second live final-stage broadcast[1]
Other
The venue hosted the live final stage of the 2019 SASUKE tournament, making it the second consecutive year in which the program used the warehouse complex for the broadcast.
- 2018
SASUKE final stage broadcast live from Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse[1]
Other
TBS announced that the final stage of the thirty-sixth SASUKE special would be broadcast live from the complex on New Year's Eve.
- 2007
Harbor-facing balcony added to Building No. 2[1]
Other
A balcony on the third floor of the commercial Building No. 2 opened, adding a public viewing point overlooking Yokohama's harbor.
- 2002
Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse opens as a restored cultural and commercial complex[1]
Other
Following Yokohama City's restoration and adaptive-reuse program, the former customs warehouses reopened on April 12, 2002. Building No. 1 became a cultural and event facility, while Building No. 2 became a shopping and dining destination.
Sources2 sources
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