Yokohama, a port city brimming with exotic charm. While there are many attractions like Chinatown and Minato Mirai, a common dilemma for travelers is ‘where to buy souvenirs.’
Before you get tired from wandering around, knowing the spots where you can find high-quality local items is a smart travel tip. This time, we’ll delve into Yokohama’s true shopping scene, from renowned stores offering local brands that have passed strict evaluations, to shops where you can efficiently buy classic sweets, and even hidden gems where you can relax after shopping.
YOKOHAMA GOODS Yokohama 001 (Zero Zero One) Takashimaya Yokohama Store
📍 Address: 7F Takashimaya Yokohama Store, 1-6-31 Minamisaiwai, Nishi-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 220-8601, Japan
If you’re looking for ‘truly high-quality Yokohama souvenirs,’ you absolutely can’t miss this official shop located on the 7th floor of Yokohama Takashimaya, directly connected to Yokohama Station’s West Exit. ‘YOKOHAMA GOODS Yokohama 001’ is actually a regional brand that started with the Yokohama Expo in 1989. Its biggest feature is a rule where all products are reset every two years through a review committee, and only those that pass rigorous evaluation are displayed in the store. This ensures that the ‘current quality representing Yokohama’ is always guaranteed, making this the best shortcut if you’re unsure where to buy.
The store’s layout makes it easy to browse items neatly arranged along the walls and on display shelves, allowing you to pick up a basket and carefully select. You’ll find a wide array of deep-rooted local specialties highly praised by residents, such as ‘Genki Norinori’ seaweed from Tsutakane Shoten, a venerable seaweed wholesaler with over 130 years of history, known as the family business of TV personality Tetsuro Degawa; ‘Iwai’s Sesame Oil,’ which has been loved for a long time; and DeNA BayStars merchandise. Furthermore, the highly acclaimed ‘Bashamichi Jyubankan’s Biscuits,’ a famous Yokohama confection, are particularly popular as gifts, especially the beautiful ‘Rose Can’ which is a Takashimaya exclusive.
Despite being on an upper floor of a department store, many regulars intentionally visit this spot, often filling their baskets. The appeal is being able to take your time and choose without excessive staff interaction. After shopping, a thoughtful department store amenity for travelers is the ‘Rose Lounge,’ a plush bench area next to the C escalator, where you can organize your purchases or take a break.
Yokohama Takashimaya
📍 Address: 1-6-31 Minamisaiwai, Nishi-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 220-8601, Japan
Yokohama Takashimaya itself, which houses the aforementioned ‘Yokohama 001,’ is an unmissable spot for shopping-loving travelers. It has been cherished for many years as the face of Yokohama Station’s West Exit, offering sophisticated service and a tranquil atmosphere. It has the dignity befitting ‘Yokohama’s affluent’ enjoying leisurely shopping, and its convenience of direct access from the station, regardless of weather, perfectly meets the last-minute souvenir needs on a tight travel day.
Popular brands like ‘Tommy Hilfiger’ have stores on each floor, but special attention should be paid to the event spaces and traditional crafts sections. Lively events are constantly held, such as gourmet fairs featuring exquisite dishes from across Japan, made famous on popular TV shows, and limited-time sales from long-established wagashi stores (like Ogura Sanso and Toraya Uiro of Ise). On the 7th floor, you can also encounter breathtakingly beautiful traditional crafts like ‘Satsuma Kiriko.’ It’s an ideal place to find a lifelong souvenir to cherish, whether as a gift for your parents’ anniversary or a special treat for yourself.
Sogo Yokohama Store
📍 Address: 2-18-1 Takashima, Nishi-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 220-8510, Japan
Sogo Yokohama Store, located at the East Exit of Yokohama Station, is a massive department store connected to the Sky Building by a walkway. It also houses stores for daily use like Loft, and its 8th-floor event space frequently hosts large-scale events such as the Hokkaido Fair. There are many opportunities to discover local delicacies that are hard to find in the Kanto region, such as fresh seafood bowls and hearty dried salmon, perfect for a meal break during your souvenir hunt. Additionally, during the Chinese New Year Festival season, splendidオブジェ (objects/decorations) are displayed outside on the 2nd floor, adding seasonal charm.
And for travelers, there’s a ‘healing space’ unique to Sogo that you should definitely know about. The rooftop plaza features an artificial turf area, where a surprisingly relaxed atmosphere prevails for a prime location in Yokohama. It’s a hidden gem known only to locals, an oasis for when you’re tired from souvenir shopping or need a break with children.
Furthermore, as evening falls, make your way to the outdoor deck on the 3rd floor. While it lacks the flashiness of major observation decks, it’s a hidden photo spot where you can quietly enjoy the dazzling Yokohama night view. Shopping, gourmet food, and stunning views – the strength of Sogo Yokohama Store lies in the many ways you can enjoy it all in one building.
Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse
📍 Address: 1-1-1 Shinko, Naka-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 231-0001, Japan
The Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse, an iconic symbol of the Minato Mirai area, consists of Warehouses No. 1 and No. 2. Each offers a distinct atmosphere, yet both are perfect places to find stylish Yokohama-themed goods and classic souvenirs. Shopping while feeling the sea breeze truly enhances the Yokohama sightseeing experience. However, some passages can be a bit narrow, so during weekend crowds, navigating with a stroller might require some thought.
The greatest charm of the Red Brick Warehouse lies in its duality: ‘tranquility’ during the day and ‘frenzy’ at night. During the day, you can enjoy quiet and fashionable cafes and shops, appreciating the contrast of the blue sea and stately brickwork. But at night, the atmosphere completely changes. During major events like the ‘Christmas Market’ or ‘Craft Beer Fair,’ live band performances and neon lights blend, creating an incredible buzz and dense crowd.
If you want to fully enjoy the events, night is recommended. However, if your goal is ‘to leisurely choose souvenirs’ or ‘to take beautiful photos,’ it’s best to visit on a weekday afternoon before the crowds peak, or in the early evening. Also, the seaside can get very windy and bitterly cold in winter, so proper cold weather preparation is essential for navigating the area.
GOODIES YOKOHAMA
📍 Address: 2F Yokohama World Porters, 2-2-1 Shinko, Naka-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 231-0001, Japan
‘GOODIES YOKOHAMA’ is located on the 2nd floor of Yokohama World Porters, close to the Red Brick Warehouse. This shop is a strong ally for travelers, based on the concept of ‘A Port Town Gift Shop for Memories,’ gathering over 1,000 famous products and confections from Kanagawa Prefecture. It was previously a smaller store on the 1st floor but has been significantly expanded, becoming more spacious and offering a richer selection.
From ‘Yokohama Harbor,’ a classic Yokohama souvenir perfect for casual distribution, to cute Yokohama-themed雑貨 (general goods/misc items), you can find most things here in one place. Notably, it also carries seaweed (‘Genki Norinori’) from Tsutakane Shoten, TV personality Tetsuro Degawa’s family business, which was mentioned earlier. Being able to quickly purchase these items while sightseeing in Minato Mirai, without having to return to the main market store or Yokohama Station, is a huge advantage for travelers on a tight schedule.
Visiting lightly after depositing luggage at your hotel and then making all your souvenir purchases here just before leaving allows you to conclude your Yokohama sightseeing smartly, without being burdened by heavy bags.
Practical Tips for Yokohama Souvenir Shopping
When searching for souvenirs in Yokohama, the most important thing is to decide whether to base yourself around ‘Yokohama Station’ or ‘Minato Mirai area (Shinko district).’
For those returning by Shinkansen or seeking high-quality limited editions and time-honored flavors, shopping at ‘Takashimaya’ or ‘Sogo,’ both directly connected to Yokohama Station, is overwhelmingly efficient. Utilizing the quality of their ‘Depachika’ (department store basement food floor) and the hospitality of their resting spaces allows you to finish shopping without fatigue.
On the other hand, if you want to maintain your sightseeing momentum and buy cute packaged sweets and local goods all at once, the ‘Red Brick Warehouse’ in Minato Mirai or ‘GOODIES YOKOHAMA’ inside World Porters are recommended. Especially for classic sweets suitable for casual distribution, the golden rule for smart travelers is to buy them all at the last spot, rather than carrying heavy bags while touring various attractions. Choose the optimal shopping spot according to your sightseeing route.
