Visiting a Department store in Japan is like stepping back in time. Sadly, at home, Department Stores are rapidly disappearing. Barry and I remember the excitement of visiting department stores at Christmas when we were kids. It was phenomenal…crowds would be gathered in front of the windows enjoying the beautiful display and animated features. It was like a fairy tale with the spectacle of Christmas continuing throughout the store.
In Japan, department stores are going strong. As visitors, they offer an excellent glimpse into life in Japan, are very entertaining and great for people watching as these stores are very busy with locals. These stores are often up to 14 storeys high, with 2 levels below ground that are food floors. A tip…don’t miss the Food Floors. For us they are a highlight…you can enjoy samples, buy prepared meals to take home, and just enjoy the spectacle. Today we will be visiting a few starting with a favourite, Hankyu (top of the line) and perhaps Kintetsu or Daimaru.
Yamato is a company that defines the Japanese approach to travel, shipping parcels, etc. They have a fleet of vans, trucks and bicycle powered transport which deliver parcels, move luggage from hotel to hotel. Note their logo on the top left corner of the trailer of a mother cat carrying her kitten
Luxury fruit is a popular item to give as a special gift. Grapes, mandarins, melons etc., all are gift worthy as they pass the test of being at their peak and in excellent condition. The prices are alarmingly high but this type of gift giving is an integral part of their culture.
This is mekabu, a seaweed derived from the root of the wakame seaweed plant. It is a nutrient rich superfood that has been cherished in Japanese cuisine for centuries.
Barry has a passion for Japanese knives. They are beautifully crafted and are a functional keepsake to enjoy. Barry bought a chef’s knife that has 100 layers of steel, has a lovely wooden handle and is made to last for a very long time. The service was excellent and the woman on the left was there to help with translation.
When shopping in Japan, be sure to take advantage of the discount that is offered to visitors. As well, any purchase that exceeds $50 is tax exempt. The process is very well organized…you show your passport and you are quickly reimbursed.
The lighting and Christmas decorations are exquisite and make it very festive.
Department stores offer so much…each floor is busy with shoppers and there is so much to see. Barry and I aren’t avid shoppers, but we find these stores fascinating. There are countless eating areas, the food floors are a highlight with places to purchase food and freshly made items. There are temporary installations featuring products from a different country or emerging local artists. Of course the many floors of clothing from everyday to haute couture, household goods, books provide an insight into life in Japan. We really enjoy the housewares floor as many Japanese crafts are featured.
This floor has installations that are often seasonal with pop ups, often from local artists. . At this time, there is a Christmas market and shoppers are taking advantage of the seating to enjoy a treat or just enjoy the lights and decorations.
We really enjoy the covered shopping streets that can extend for several blocks. Always fun to stroll through, or ride slowly if allowed, and appreciate another aspect of Japanese life.
