A department store is a large-scale retail store that has a variety of stores such as specialized stores, brand stores, and restaurants all in one building. Many people refer to them simply as "Department" as well.
The History of Department Stores
Today's Mitsukoshi started the first department store in Japan named the Mitsukoshi Gofukuya store in 1904.
A Department Store's Basement Food Floor
Department stores have a "depa chika", that means the basement of department where food, sweets, deli items, and fresh produce are sold. In particular, the showcases displaying sweets look so beautiful, you might mistake it for a jewelry store.
Local Product Exhibition
There are department stores that feature and sell Japanese specialties and lunches sold on trains categorized by area for a limited time in the basement of the department store and event places. This is a popular event where you can purchase specialties without going to a specific local area.
Elevator Attendants
Some department stores have female employees called "Elevator Girls" in the elevators of their department stores. The number of department stores placing these attendants have been decreasing recently, but they assist in stopping the elevator at your chosen floor and providing guidance service to all customers.
Restaurants on the Top Floor
Most of the top floors of departments are a restaurant floor that has restaurants and cafes. Their price can be a little pricy, but there are various restaurants such as Western, Japanese, and Chinese restaurants. It's also fun to choose where to eat. Please note that they may often be crowded with customers making a line during the lunch time.
Clean Toilets
Most of the toilets in department stores are very clean. Recently, many department stores consider the importance of toilets and their design. You will often see that there are water coolers and relaxation sofas around the toilet area.
*Prices and options mentioned are subject to change.
*Unless stated otherwise, all prices include tax.
Limited time offer: 10% discount coupons available now!
Recommended places for you
-
SEIBU IKEBUKURO
Department Stores
Ikebukuro
-
Appealing
Rukku and Uohei
Izakaya
Sapporo / Chitose
-
Goods
seibu shibuya
Department Stores
Shibuya
-
Menu
ISHIDAYA Hanare
Yakiniku
Kobe, Sannomiya, Kitano
-
Daimaru Tokyo
Department Stores
Tokyo Station
-
Kamesushi Sohonten
Sushi
Umeda, Osaka Station, Kitashinchi
-
12 Unique & Fun Tokyo Food Tours to Enjoy in 2024
-
Professional Photos Even Beginners Can Shoot! 10 Tips for Taking Stunning Cherry Blossom Photos
-
15 Must-Try Restaurants in Ikebukuro: From Aged Yakiniku to All-You-Can-Eat Sushi, Plus Adorable Animal Cafés
-
Where to Eat in Yokohama: 10 Must-Try Restaurants for Yakiniku, Izakayas, Unique Dining & More
-
The CASIO S100: How CASIO's Masterpiece Calculator Redefines Business Elegance With Japan-Made Reliability
-
Step Into the Story: Inside Immersive Fort Tokyo
-
Complete Guide to Niigata Airport (KIJ): Dining, Souvenirs, Massages, and More!
-
6 Most Scenic Spots Around Mount Yotei, Hokkaido: Gorgeous Sunflowers & More!
-
7 Brand-New and Renewed Spots in Tokyo - Spring 2018 Edition!
-
Most Popular Department Stores in Tokyo and Surroundings (August 2019 Ranking)
-
Depachika: Made in Japan Souvenir Hunting in Japan’s Department Store Basement Floors!
-
Shibuya Marui to be Reborn! Plans Announced to Create Japan's First Major Wooden Retail Building
- #best sushi japan
- #what to do in odaiba
- #what to bring to japan
- #new years in tokyo
- #best ramen japan
- #what to buy in ameyoko
- #japanese nail trends
- #things to do japan
- #onsen tattoo friendly tokyo
- #daiso
- #best coffee japan
- #best japanese soft drinks
- #best yakiniku japan
- #japanese fashion culture
- #japanese convenience store snacks