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Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse is a group of warehouses built with red bricks in 1887. At that time, it was a symbolic presence of Hakodate, which prospered in the maritime industry. Later in 1988, it was reborn as a shopping mall and is now one of the popular tourist spots in Hakodate.
The most impressive feature of the exterior of Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse is its beautiful red brick construction. It retains its original appearance from when it was built during the Meiji era, giving a sense of historical atmosphere.
Red bricks are characterized by their unique warm color tones, subtly changing their expression depending on how the sunlight hits them. The red bricks shining vividly in the morning sun take on a deep reddish hue when illuminated by the evening sun.
Also, the texture unique to red bricks is another highlight. Each brick is stacked by hand, and the slight unevenness and color variations give it a warmth that industrial products do not have.
The vertical windows and white frames of the red brick buildings also create a beautiful contrast, exuding a classical atmosphere.
The group of warehouses, each with different heights and sizes, creates a rhythmic landscape. Its appearance is like a foreign townscape, inviting visitors into a world of the extraordinary.
The red brick exterior of Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse not only tells the history of Hakodate but also plays an important role in creating a beautiful landscape. It is a valuable building where you can fully feel the charm of the red brick material.
Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse is a complex facility consisting of four buildings.
In BAY Hakodate, Kanemori Yobutsukan, and Hakodate History Plaza, there are souvenir shops, restaurants, and stores selling household goods, interior products, jewelry, accessories, and more.
Kanemori Hall is a hall used for concerts and lectures.
Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse has many souvenir shops selling various Hakodate specialties and limited-edition sweets.
Hakodate Romankan, located inside Hakodate History Plaza, is a glass museum shop that utilizes a heavy brick warehouse while retaining its original atmosphere.
The interior is enveloped in a retro-modern ambiance. A wide range of products are sold, including accessories, glass beads, glass miniatures, glassware, and miscellaneous goods.
Among the extensive selection, you can find your favorite accessories.
The time spent searching for your favorites among the numerous accessories is sure to provide you with a special experience.
Hakodate Music Box Museum is a charming store surrounded by beautiful music box melodies. Inside the historic brick building, you can appreciate and purchase various music boxes.
At Hakodate Music Box Museum, you’ll find music boxes playing a wide range of genres, from classical to contemporary pop. The music boxes, crafted by skilled artisans, play delicate and beautiful melodies that captivate visitors.
Hakodate Music Box Museum is also an ideal place to find gifts for loved ones. There’s no better memorable gift than a music box for anniversaries or celebrations.
Additionally, the store displays valuable antique music boxes, offering a nostalgic and fantastical atmosphere as if you’ve traveled back in time. You’ll surely be captivated by the charm of music boxes that have been beloved through the ages.
Upright Music Box
Established in 1890 by Gustave Flachausen and Paul Risner.
The Polyphon company rapidly expanded its business and became synonymous with disc music boxes.
It's an upright type, and by inserting one coin, you can enjoy one song.
Discs can be stored at the bottom, and songs can be changed.
They were installed in hotel lobbies, bars, and restaurants, and used like what we now call a "jukebox".
Disc music boxes fulfilled the major points of cylinder music boxes and solidified their position as musical instruments rather than mere entertainment.
Interchangeable Orchestra
This music box, made by the Swiss company Heller in 1890, is designed to produce a wider range of tones by adding the sounds of bells, castanets, drums, and more to the cylinder music box.
The cylinders are interchangeable, allowing for the enjoyment of many performances.
Military Band Organ
An organ with exposed brass pipes on the front is called a "Military Pipe Organ," but it belongs to the category of Fairground Organs.
This model is not very large in size and is easy to move. Despite its size, it can produce a very loud sound, so it was widely used at amusement parks and events.
Hakodate Music Box Museum is one of the most popular spots within Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse and a must-visit when sightseeing in Hakodate. Take your time and enjoy the beautiful melodies.
From Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse, you can enjoy the beautiful view of Hakodate Port spreading out in front of you. The blue sea and sky, passing ships, and Hakodate Mountain visible in the distance. Just gazing at this magnificent view feels like it cleanses your soul.
Especially at dusk, the setting sun sinking into the horizon dyes the sea surface red, presenting a breathtaking beauty. The contrast between the historical buildings of Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse and the spectacular scenery woven by nature never fails to captivate visitors.
It’s also recommended to sit on a bench and leisurely gaze at the harbor during your stroll. If you spend some time away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life while being caressed by the sea breeze, you’ll surely feel refreshed both physically and mentally.
Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse has been reborn as a complex facility where you can enjoy modern shopping, gourmet food, and events while making use of the historical red brick buildings constructed in the Meiji era. The impressive red brick exterior tells the history and culture of Hakodate, captivating the hearts of visitors.
Inside, you’ll find a variety of fascinating facilities, including shops offering unique Hakodate souvenirs and limited items, Hakodate Romankan where you can encounter your favorite accessories, and Hakodate Music Box Museum filled with soothing melodies.
The time spent at Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse promises a special experience, as if you’ve wandered into a different world from everyday life. Indulge in exciting shopping and delicious meals within the historic building, and lend your ears to the fantastical tones of antique music boxes. This extraordinary space will stimulate your five senses and engrave unforgettable memories.
You can also walk from Hakodate Station. Using the streetcar allows for faster access than walking. Taking a taxi from Hakodate Station is also a good option. You’ll arrive in an instant.
When visiting Hakodate, be sure to spend a special time at Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse.
