Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse

Yokohama’s maritime history is cemented into the bricks of these twin buildings on Shinko Island. The two red-brick warehouses were built as customs houses in the 1910s, but have been reinvented in the 21st century as a retail and dining precinct. The first building houses artisans selling glass art, silks and Yokohama-yaki pottery, while the second (and larger) space contains 40 stores and a food court, including Australian-style brunch spot Bills and contemporary tea room Chano-ma. Seasonal events entertain shoppers year-round – there’s a beer festival in autumn, an ice-skating rink in winter and outdoor concerts over summer. Plus, the Red Brick Warehouse is a particularly good spot to hunt for souvenirs in the many Japanese knick-knack stores – akai kutsu (red shoe) chocolates from Akarenga Depot are especially adorable.