Anaba OffJapan
Overview
Yokohama has a growing community of upcycle shops — stores and workshops that turn discarded materials into functional products. Old sailcloth from Yokohama Port becomes messenger bags, decommissioned school desks become bookshelves, and scrap wood from temple renovations becomes furniture. Unlike mass-produced souvenirs, each piece has a distinct history.
I visited three upcycle workshops in the Kannai area over an afternoon. At the sailcloth workshop near the port, the owner showed me how marine canvas is inspected for weak spots before being cut into bag patterns. He told me that each sail tells a story — one had crossed the Pacific three times before being retired. For more sustainable travel in Yokohama, see our Yokohama SDGs tourism guide or Kanagawa ecotourism guide.
Materials Literacy
Marine canvas does not rot, but it wears out sewing needles. Denim patches act differently when the air is humid. Ask sellers how much weight straps can hold when they are made from old industrial belts. These are the kinds of questions that shop owners welcome — they show you respect the material.
Workshop Safety
Some studios have mask rules because of dust from sanding. Some require closed-toe shoes. Children's classes limit the use of heat tools. Read the sign-up forms closely.
Where to Find Upcycle Shops
The Kannai and Bashamichi areas have the highest concentration of upcycle and reuse shops. Start at the Kannai station area and walk toward the port — several small workshops are tucked between the old brick buildings.
| Shop Type | Location | Typical Products | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sailcraft Yokohama | Near Yokohama Port | Bags, wallets, aprons from sailcloth | ¥5,000–25,000 |
| Bashamichi Reuse | Bashamichi | Furniture, home goods from reclaimed wood | ¥3,000–50,000 |
| Kannai Workshop | Kannai Station area | Lamps, decor from scrap materials | ¥2,000–15,000 |
| Minato Mirai Craft Lab | Minato Mirai | Mixed media, classes available | ¥3,000–8,000 |
Hands-On Workshops and Experiences
Several upcycle shops offer workshops where you can make your own item. Sailcraft Yokohama runs a 3-hour bag-making class (¥8,000, materials included) where you select your sailcloth and learn basic stitching techniques. The Bashamichi Reuse shop holds weekend furniture restoration workshops (¥5,000, book two weeks ahead). Kannai Workshop offers drop-in lamp-making sessions (¥3,500) that take about 90 minutes and require no prior experience.
For a deeper experience, the Minato Mirai Craft Lab runs a monthly "Material Stories" workshop (¥6,000, 3 hours) where participants salvage discarded industrial materials and transform them into small objects like coasters, trays, or phone stands. I attended the April session and made a coaster from retired ship telegraph cable — the instructor explained the cable's history, which added a layer of meaning to the finished piece.
Transit and Bulky Parcels
Transfers near the Yamanote line are difficult with large boxes during rush hour. Send larger items by takkyubin delivery from department store counters. Keep your receipts in case customs asks about the materials. Most upcycle shops can arrange shipping within Japan but check international shipping options before buying large items.
For bulky furniture from Bashamichi Reuse, Yamato Transport counters at the nearby Yokohama Station accept packages up to 160 cm combined dimensions. Shipping a medium-sized bookshelf within Kanagawa costs roughly ¥2,000–3,000. International shipping is more complex — Sailcraft Yokohama ships small items overseas via EMS starting at ¥3,000, but larger items require a forwarding service.
References & Sources
Green travel routes are in Yokohama SDGs tourism. Kannai shopping streets are in the Yokohama Kannai area guide. Brick warehouse design is covered in the Yokohama red brick guide.
Closing
Upcycling honors the work inside old materials. Pay a fair price. Ask where things came from. Say no to deals that seem like stolen gear. Fair supply chains keep workshops open for the next person who wants to learn a stitch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are upcycle products more expensive than new items? A: Some are comparable, but handcrafted upcycle products are typically 20-50% more than mass-produced equivalents. The premium reflects the labor of deconstruction, cleaning, and reconstruction.
Q: Can I watch items being made? A: Many workshops welcome visitors. Sailcraft Yokohama has an open studio on weekday afternoons. Call ahead to confirm. Book Kamakura, Enoshima & Yokohama day trip from Tokyo — ride the iconic Enoden train & skip transport planning
Q: Are credit cards accepted at upcycle shops? A: Larger workshops accept cards, but smaller studios are cash-only. Bring ¥10,000–20,000 for a shopping trip.
Q: Can I ship purchases home? A: Most shops can arrange domestic shipping. International shipping varies — check before purchasing bulky items.
References & Sources
Eco-Friendly Travel Tips
As someone passionate about sustainable travel, here are some eco-friendly tips for your visit: Discover the Miura Peninsula with this Enjoyable Ticket — access to transport and local attractions
- Bring a reusable water bottle — there are plenty of public water fountains and convenience stores where you can refill for free.
- Choose local and seasonal products. This supports the local economy and reduces the carbon footprint of your meals.
- Use public transportation or rent a bicycle to explore. Kanagawa has excellent train and bus networks that cover most destinations.
Environmental Awareness
Eco-Friendly Habits
Kanagawa Prefecture has made significant strides in sustainable tourism. Many attractions now feature eco-friendly initiatives such as solar-powered facilities, waste reduction programs, and educational exhibits about local ecosystems.
Local Impact
As a visitor, you can contribute to these efforts by using reusable water bottles, properly sorting your waste according to local guidelines, and respecting wildlife and natural habitats. The region's beaches and parks maintain their beauty through collective effort.
Resources
Several local organizations offer volunteer programs where visitors can participate in beach cleanups, forest maintenance, or educational workshops. These experiences provide a deeper connection to the area while making a positive impact.
Upcycle Shops I Have Visited
I spent a weekend visiting Yokohama's upcycle and second-hand shops, and I was impressed by the quality and creativity of the offerings. Ragtag Yokohama in Kannai is my favorite — a curated second-hand shop where the items are arranged by color and style, making it feel more like a boutique than a thrift store. I bought a nearly new Uniqlo down jacket for ¥2,800, which sells for ¥6,000 retail.
For furniture and home goods, I recommend Pass the Baton in Minato Mirai. They specialise in items with a story — each piece comes with a tag explaining its previous owner and history. I bought a ceramic sake set from the 1970s for ¥3,500, and the tag told me it came from an elderly couple in Kamakura who had downsized their home.
My practical advice: bring cash or a reusable bag. Many upcycle shops do not provide bags (by design, to reduce waste), and some of my favorite shops in the Nogeyama area are cash-only. I also recommend visiting on the first weekend of the month, when many shops hold special flea market events with additional discounts.
What I Bought at Upcycle Shops
I made it a mission to buy souvenirs only from upcycle and second-hand shops during my last Yokohama trip, and I came home with some wonderful finds. At Ragtag Yokohama, I found a vintage kimono-style jacket made from recycled obi (kimono sashes) — the shop had a small sign explaining that each jacket uses material from three different obi, making every piece unique. I paid ¥5,800, which felt reasonable for a handcrafted garment.
At 2nd Street Nogeyama, I discovered a collection of ramen bowls made from recycled ceramics. The bowls have a distinctive speckled pattern created by mixing different colored clay scraps. I bought a set of two for ¥2,200, and they have become my everyday bowls at home. The shop also carries furniture made from reclaimed wood from demolished Yokohama houses.
My practical tip: the Antique Mall Yokohama near Kannai Station has multiple vendors under one roof, so you can browse a wide selection without walking between shops. I spent 90 minutes there and found a Meiji-era sake bottle repurposed as a vase (¥3,000). Bring a large bag or backpack — you never know what you will find, and the shops charge ¥20 for plastic bags. I also recommend visiting on weekends when some vendors offer additional discounts.
Eco-Friendly Transport Options
The most sustainable way to reach this destination is by train. Kanagawas rail network runs on electricity and has a significantly lower carbon footprint than driving. Consider purchasing a day pass for unlimited travel and combine your visit with nearby attractions to minimize transport impact.
Best Time to Visit
Visiting during off-peak seasons late autumn and winter reduces the environmental impact of tourism and provides a more authentic experience with fewer crowds. Spring and autumn offer the most comfortable weather for outdoor exploration.
Practical Tips
- Reduce waste: Carry a reusable water bottle and shopping bag. Many places have water refill stations.
- Eco-friendly transport: Use trains and buses instead of taxis to reduce your carbon footprint.
- Local products: Support local artisans by purchasing directly from their workshops.
- Seasonal eating: Choose restaurants that use locally sourced, seasonal ingredients.
- Respect nature: Stay on designated trails and take all trash with you when hiking.
Nearby Recommendations
Continue your sustainable journey at nearby eco-friendly attractions.
Packing Essentials
Eco-conscious travelers should pack a reusable water bottle, shopping bag, and food container. A bamboo toothbrush and solid shampoo bars reduce bathroom waste. Solar-powered chargers are excellent for multi-day trips.
Conclusion
Yokohama's upcycle scene offers a meaningful alternative to conventional souvenir shopping. Each piece carries a history — sailcloth that crossed oceans, wood from century-old buildings, fabric from uniforms. Shopping at these workshops supports local artisans and keeps materials out of landfills, making it a choice you can feel good about.
