Red Brick Warehouse, Building One, photo by Rey Waters ()
The Yokohama Bay area is packed with attractions and events that can meet just about every desire. For the past three years, I have walked from home to the bay at least once a week. It takes about two hours, but you can do it from Yokohama station via the Negishi line in a few minutes.
One of my favorite places to go to is the Red Brick Warehouse. No matter what time of year, there is always an event with plenty of delicious food and entertainment. The warehouse was built during the Meiji era to support the Yokohama port. Just fifteen years ago, after a major conservation and renovation, it was reopened as a significant tourist spot in Yokohama. The two buildings consist of many excellent restaurants and cafes, along with some very nice specialty shops. This was the place I first found the locally brewed Yokohama beer. Inside Building One you can see various historic photos of shipping activities from the early port days and view various items from the original buildings via a glass floor.
In between the buildings is a large plaza where all types of festivals and events are held. Sometimes I do not even check the web page and just walk over to see what great event is talking place. My first year living in Japan, I attended the Octoberfest and enjoyed several European beers along with some excellent sausage with sauerkraut. Last spring they held an Easter flower show that was second to none. The city is going all out for the Garden Necklace Flower Show, which will be located throughout the city including the Red Brick Warehouse. They recently finished the Strawberry Festival and the very popular Bread Festival. I have attended the Christmas event four years in a row, which reminds me of home and puts me in the Christmas spirit. During the winter months they erect a large ice skating rink that is enjoyed by all ages.
Oh, and did I mention the balcony dinning area? In Building Two, go on up to the third floor and enjoy a meal at one of several restaurants balcony seatings with a view.
From the Hotel MyStays Yokohama Kannai, (check here for more information) walk straight down Basha-michi Street, and keep going until you arrive at the waterfront where you will see Red Brick Warehouse over on the right (16 minute walk).
This is one of the places you do not want to miss during your visit to Yokohama.
