Gourmet and shopping at Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse. Strolling through the warehouse district of Hakodate Bay Area

Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse is a landmark tourist spot in Hakodate lined with stylish beer halls, general stores, cafés, and other shops. The photogenic appearance of these red brick warehouses, originally built in the Meiji era and repurposed entirely into commercial establishments, is one of the reasons for their popularity. If you're visiting Hakodate, this is definitely a spot to check out. Here, we’ll introduce the highlights and characteristics of Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse, including the Kanemori Bay Cruise, shops, cafés, gourmet options, access and parking info.

1. What is Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse?

The history of Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse began in 1887 (Meiji 20) when Kumashiro Watanabe, the founder of Kanemori Warehouse, started a warehouse business using it as a storage facility for maritime cargo. At the time, the red brick warehouses were used to store goods transported by sea, but by the latter part of the Showa era, changes in cargo transportation methods led to a decline in the warehouse business.

At that turning point, the exterior’s traditional look was utilized, and the site was transformed into a multi-purpose complex. In 1988 (Showa 63), it was reopened as Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse. Today, this popular tourist attraction has become a symbol of Hakodate's Bay Area—this is the history behind it.

Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse consists of four areas from the east side near JR Hakodate Station: “BAY Hakodate,” “Kanemori Western Goods Museum,” “Hakodate History Plaza,” and “Kanemori Hall.”

Now, let’s take a look at each area starting from “BAY Hakodate,” which features a central canal, and explore the kinds of shops and features each area offers.

2. BAY Hakodate

BAY Hakodate, popular for its “Bell of Happiness,” features 15 shops including general stores and sweets shops, as well as a multi-purpose gallery space, a boarding dock for a cruise around Hakodate Bay, and even a chapel where weddings can be held.

Lilanote Church Bay Hakodate is a chapel with an impressive large staircase at the front. A wedding held in such a wonderful location would be a lifelong memory.

Inside the atmospheric red brick warehouse is the chapel, accompanied by the Italian restaurant “Bonnatale,” where post-ceremony parties can be held. The nighttime illuminations of BAY Hakodate are also beautiful.

3. Kanemori Western Goods Museum

Next is the Kanemori Western Goods Museum, consisting of two warehouse buildings. Inside the spacious facility are a total of 24 shops including jewelry stores, general goods shops, clothing stores, and cafés.

There is also the Kanemori Brick Lab, a free play area with block toys, making it especially recommended for families with children. The gallery space inside the museum offers free exhibitions, with displays changing seasonally or for specific events, ensuring you can enjoy something new no matter how many times you visit.

4. Hakodate History Plaza

Hakodate History Plaza houses seven stores, including a beer hall, a glass museum shop, interior goods, and souvenir shops.

A highlight is the Hakodate Beer Hall. The first beer hall in Hakodate opened in 1898 (Meiji 31) in Yachigashira-cho. Continuing that founding atmosphere, the Hakodate Beer Hall opened within the History Plaza, serving delicious beer in a stylish and modern interior reminiscent of the good old days. Enjoying draft beer in such a setting is truly a treat.

The Hakodate Roman-kan Glass Museum Shop displays and sells a wide variety of glass products, from accessories to glassware. The dazzling interior is so brilliant it lifts your spirits just by browsing.

5. Kanemori Bay Cruise

From the pier in the “BAY Hakodate” area of Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse, hop on the Kanemori Bay Cruise. This sightseeing boat takes you on a scenic 15-minute loop around Hakodate Bay. Sunset cruises in the evening are especially romantic and highly recommended. It’s sure to be a memorable part of your date or trip to Hakodate, so don’t miss the opportunity to board.

6. Exploring the Waterfront: Hakodate Port West Wharf ~ Canal ~ Bell of Happiness

After enjoying the red brick warehouses, take a stroll along Hakodate’s waterfront. Watch sightseeing boats or admire Hakodate Bay from the West Wharf, or walk along the beautifully lit canal at night. Winters in Hokkaido are very cold, but during Christmas season, a large tree is displayed, creating a magical atmosphere. And don’t forget the “Bell of Happiness” just outside the BAY Hakodate building—ringing it is said to bring happiness. Perfect for couples to enjoy together!

7. The Red Brick Warehouses and Mt. Hakodate... Every Angle is Instagram-worthy!

From Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse, you can see Mt. Hakodate. The combination of the traditional red brick buildings and Mt. Hakodate is incredibly photogenic. The warehouses are beautifully illuminated at night, too. Be sure to capture your favorite shot.

8. Café and Gourmet information

There are five cafés and restaurants inside Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse. Popular sweets include cakes from Hakodate Melcheese, which won the Monde Selection Grand Gold Award for seven consecutive years, and soft serve ice cream with unique flavors like sweet red bean and corn.

At the Bayside Restaurant Minato no Mori, you can enjoy authentic Italian cuisine. Taking your food to-go and enjoying it while gazing out at the sea is also recommended.

◎ Access and Parking

If visiting on foot, it’s about a 5-minute walk from the Jujigai tram stop or 15 minutes from JR Hakodate Station.

By car, it’s about 5 minutes from Hakodate Station and less than 30 minutes from Hakodate Airport. There is a paid parking lot on the east side with capacity for 76 cars. If you spend over ¥1,000 inside the Red Brick Warehouse, you receive 2 hours of free parking.