Department Stores in Japan
Takashimaya department store, Shinjuku, Tokyo
Shopping in Japan often involves visiting the department store. Department store shopping in Japan is an experience in itself! Each store has many floors devoted to a variety of different items.
For example, in many department stores, the basement level of the building is a grocery store. Other levels sell clothing for men, women, and children, and still other floors specialize in services from spa treatments to kimono and yukata fitting.
Department stores are very convenient in Japan because in many cases they offer one stop shopping. With such a variety of services offered at such high quality, many people prefer to visit the department store rather than a convenience store. Recently, with the rise in numbers of convenience stores and supermarkets, department stores have faced competition. However, a certain degree of formality is still present within the department store – a gift certificate from one of these shopping centers is sometimes given as a formal gift.
There are many popular department store chains. One can find these large stores throughout Japan. Staff are helpful and accommodating, floors are large and clean, and your shopping experience will most certainly be a pleasant one! Each area of Japan hosts different chains of department stores. For example, in the Kanto region (where Tokyo is located), one can find stores like the Keio Department store, Marui, Lumine, Odakyu, and Tokyu.
Marui Department Store
In the Kansai region (where Kyoto and Osaka are located), the shopper can find stores like Sanyo, Keihan, and Kintetsu. Nationwide stores are also available. These are department stores such as Daimaru, Hankyu, Isetan, Seibu, and Takashimaya. Discovering what’s inside and determining your favorite shop is a fun experience!
Hankyu Department Store, Kyoto
Popular shopping districts can be found in any major city. In Tokyo, visit the Ginza district for high style, Shibuya for the hip and trendy, and Shinjuku for the smart business shopper. In Kyoto, be sure to visit the intersection of Kawaramachi-dori and Shijo-dori for all your shopping needs. You can find the Hankyu department store and the Takashimaya! For shopping in Osaka, check out the Dotombori and Shinsaibashi areas – you’re sure to find some interesting items and services!
There is a wealth of shopping to be had in Japan, and in many forms. Be sure not to miss the opportunity to visit the department store!
*Photo sources:Takashimaya Department Store: http://www.japan-i.jp/explorejapan/kanto/tokyo/shinjuku/4oa00l000000494k.html
Marui department store: www.eddiewong.net
Hankyu Department Store: http://www.flickr.com/photos/matsuyuki/1157403287/in/set-72157601518091058/