The Kanemori Red Brick Warehouses are a historic group of brick buildings in Hakodate’s Bay Area. The warehouses flourished during the Meiji era as maritime trade and cargo transportation expanded following the development of Hakodate Port.
For a time, changes in transportation and distribution methods threatened the future of the warehouses. However, their architectural and historical value was rediscovered in the late Showa period, leading to their transformation into one of Hakodate’s most popular tourist destinations.
Today, the atmospheric brick buildings house a variety of attractions, including the Kanemori Yobutsukan, filled with shops selling accessories, fashion, crafts, and other goods, as well as the popular Hakodate Beer Hall.
The history of the Kanemori Red Brick Warehouses began with the establishment of Kanemori Western Goods Store. As Hakodate developed into an important center of international trade after the opening of its port, the warehouses played a key role as a logistics and storage hub.
The warehouse buildings were constructed primarily from brick, giving them both a robust appearance and distinctive character. Their solid construction was well suited to Hokkaido’s demanding climate, while the warm red tones of the brick created an attractive streetscape along the waterfront.
The architecture of the Kanemori Red Brick Warehouses is characterized by its substantial brick construction and historic appearance. The buildings were designed to withstand Hokkaido’s harsh weather conditions, while their carefully preserved structure retains the atmosphere of the period in which they were built.
The combination of weathered red brick, historic architecture, and the waterfront setting creates a distinctive atmosphere that has become one of the defining landscapes of Hakodate.
Today, the Kanemori Red Brick Warehouses have been revitalized as a lively tourist and entertainment complex. Visitors can browse a wide variety of shops, enjoy meals and drinks, and experience seasonal events while exploring the historic buildings.
The complex offers a diverse selection of stores selling accessories, lifestyle goods, fashion items, local products, and other souvenirs. The historic setting makes browsing the shops part of the sightseeing experience itself.
Restaurants and cafés offer a variety of cuisines, including dishes featuring fresh seafood from Hokkaido. Visitors can take a break from exploring the waterfront while enjoying local ingredients in a relaxed historic setting.
The Hakodate Beer Hall is a popular place to enjoy Hakodate beer alongside beers from around the world. The spacious historic warehouse setting adds to the atmosphere and makes it an appealing stop for travelers exploring the Bay Area.
The warehouses also serve as an event venue for a variety of activities, including live music performances, concerts, and markets. The program changes throughout the year, bringing additional energy to the historic waterfront.
After sunset, the red brick buildings are illuminated, creating a warm and romantic atmosphere. The combination of historic architecture, waterfront scenery, and evening lights makes the Kanemori Red Brick Warehouses particularly atmospheric after dark.
The Kanemori Red Brick Warehouses are located in an area surrounded by some of Hakodate’s best-known attractions. Mount Hakodate offers its celebrated panoramic night view, while Goryokaku preserves the history of the final years of the Tokugawa shogunate in its distinctive star-shaped fortress.
Visiting the warehouses together with these landmarks makes it possible to experience several different aspects of Hakodate, from its international trading history and waterfront architecture to its military heritage and spectacular scenery.
The Kanemori Red Brick Warehouses combine historical value with the pleasures of modern sightseeing. Once an important part of Hakodate’s port-based economy, these buildings have been given a new role as a destination for shopping, dining, events, and evening strolls.
With their distinctive red brick walls and romantic waterfront setting, the warehouses offer an atmospheric introduction to Hakodate’s history and remain one of the city’s most memorable places to explore.
5 minutes drive or 15 minutes walk from JR Hakodate Station
2 minutes walk from Hakodate City Tram Jujigai Stop