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Quick and easy things to do in Yokohama #9

Yokohama Quick and easy things to do Antiques Shopping Sundries

Miñangos

There's a lot to love about Yokohama. It's this diversity and variety that make Yokohama the great city that it is. One visit is never enough, for you can always find something new and different each time you walk its streets.

In Hanasaki-cho, one of the few "old school" smaller districts that still remain, you'll discover many charming mom-and-pop businesses and quaint retail stores during any given stroll. One of my favourite regular haunts is "Miñangos", an antique and sundries shop located in the back of a nondescript building's retrofitted garage. Finding it is half the fun, if you're not in a hurry. Doesn't the place already sound too cool to be hip? Well, it is - and they're now celebrating their 4th year anniversary.

Miñangos is an archaic Spanish word meaning "small pieces" or "fragments". The name perfectly captures the essence of the shop and its wares. Inside you'll find an array of unusual objects covering the walls and tabletops, tucked underneath the furniture, practically filling every nook and cranny.

Combing through Mina's (coincidentally the owner's name) treasure chests of items makes her place an interesting visit, whether you're just browsing or in search of a once-in-a-lifetime find. From exotic postcards to Indian fabrics, European glasses and teapots to buttons and bags, miñangos is a menagerie of curios.

Miñangos opened in December 2011 and has since ventured into art, photography, and even music exhibitions. Like the unique pieces in her shop, Mina wants artists to also share their stories.

I'm not exaggerating when I say Miñangos is one of my favourite places in Yokohama to frequent. I avidly follow their Facebook page and Instagram accounts to keep an eye on whatever new objects come in; you just never know what fantastic trinket or bauble Mina will stumble across - her items come from all over the world.

Located a few minutes’ walk from JR Sakuragicho Station, I strongly recommend you pay her a visit and have a look around. I'm sure you'll discover something you wouldn't mind taking home with you or giving away as a souvenir!