Sakai Kokodo is a wonderful antique gallery located on Yokohama's "Golden Half-Mile," Motomachi. Motomachi was the area where the first European and American families living in Yokohama were forced to settle. They established businesses along Motomachi and built many of their homes on the Bluff above. Sakai Kokodo deals mainly in imported European and American antique furnishings. The shop's location in Yokohama's original foreign settlement lends an air of authenticity to the antiques and gives shoppers a sense that perhaps many of the antique items are from families of the original settlement. In addition to antique furniture, Sakai Kokodo carries Meiji-era lamps and lampshades, and a large assortment of china, porcelain and crystal.
Takahashi Shoten is located in the famous Motomachi shopping area, and is a short five-minute walk from Yokohama's Chinatown. Takahashi Shoten has a large collection of foreign books and overseas magazines in English. The shop also has a good selection of Japanese stationary, letter sets, post cards and holiday greeting cards, most of which have ornate Japanese designs and are great as souvenirs of Japan.
Mihama is a shoe shopping boutique. Opened in 1923, Mihama offers unique products for their customer. All the products sold at Mihama are original designs, and of excellent quality. Being run by the 3rd generation of owners, the place exudes luxury and class. The staff is well trained, efficient and helps customers with what best fits and suits them. Mihama has about 300 wooden shoe molds for various feet sizes out of which only 150 are in use currently. Mihama has a history in the shoe selling business, and are undoubtedly the best at what they do.
Confronted by a 1953 MG in the entranceway and a classic Harley within the store, you get the impression that the days when leather and furs were king are not gone. Along with the usual plethora of jackets, pants and shirts you can also find vests, bags, wallets and hats. Going back even further in time there is an old west corner devoted to cowboy apparel along with North American Indian jewelry and crafts. Be sure to check out the polar bear skin at the back!
Becky Candle is a small but packed shop selling a range of candles including aromatic varieties in tins and a large selection of colored candles in glasses at moderate prices. The large candles with intricate designs that drip and spiral down are most impressive. The shop also offers candle-making classes and equipment for sale, so you can use molds of various styles and shapes to make your own. The shop looks spectacular when it is decorated for Christmas. It is closed on Mondays. -AH
Originally built in the early 20th century as a customs warehouse, Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse is now the most fashionable shopping complex in the waterfront Yokohama. Inside the building you will find the variety of boutiques, restaurants, and bars. Outside the building is great harbor view of Yokohama. most suitable for sightseeing and dating.