Hokkaido Official Tourism Site HOKKAIDO LOVE!

Explore Hakodate’s iconic red brick waterfront, where Meiji-era warehouses remain as lasting symbols of a once-thriving port town.

The Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse complex, founded in 1887 and rebuilt in 1909, stands along the Hakodate waterfront as one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. In 1988, these historic buildings were transformed into a shopping and dining complex while preserving their original brick architecture. Inside, the cool, quiet air blends with the warmth of wooden interiors, creating a calm atmosphere where time feels gently slowed.

At “BAY Hakodate,” visitors can browse boutique shops, enjoy local dining, or try hands-on music box crafting. The area also serves as a departure point for scenic cruises around Hakodate Bay. In “Kanemori Yobutsukan,” experience the delicate craftsmanship of glasswork and the clear tones of music boxes in a nostalgic setting.

As evening falls, soft lamps bathe the district in warm amber light, with red brick walls reflecting across the canal. At “Hakodate History Plaza,” enjoy freshly brewed local beer alongside the faint sea breeze from the port. With around 50 unique shops, the area offers the timeless charm of Hakodate’s waterfront.

Held from Dec. 1 to 25

The Hakodate Christmas Fantasy event happens every Christmas season near the Akarenga Kanamori red-brick warehouses. The main focus of this event is a huge Christmas tree, which appears to rise up from the bay in front of the red-brick warehouses, and lights up the night sky of Hakodate. Approximately 150,000 lights spring to life at 6:00 PM each night of the event, turning the sky into a vivid canvas of color. In addition, soup bars lined up along the bay will offer visitors a chance to taste Hakodate's local cuisine to their heart's content. Visitors can enjoy the warmth of the light from the tree and the crackle of the nightly fireworks.