In this article, I’ll be discussing the major department stores in Japan that are unlike anywhere else in the world and my personal experiences with each of the department stores.
Department stores are the one-stop shop to get your hands on your preferred goodies. Be it clothes, cosmetics, toys, snacks, a hairdryer, or even a TV. Not to mention how conveniently you can walk around the store if you’re planning to window shop.
Furthermore, the discounts offered by department stores make it even more worthwhile to purchase any goods endlessly.
If you’re visiting Japan then there are numerous department stores you can find and trust me when I say that the department stores in Japan are remarkable. That’s why I’ve curated some of the paramount department stores in Japan where you can bag products of the highest quality.
Check them out below!
Popular Department Stores in Japan
Daimaru/Daimaru Matsuzakaya Store
Daimaru or Daimaru Matsuzakaya as popularly known is one of the major department stores in Japan. There are nearly 20 Daimaru stores across Japan, and the Tokyo branch is their largest building.
It’s located in proximity to the Japanese Railway Tokyo station hence you can effortlessly navigate to the store.
Upon entering the store I was hit by a warm fragrance of freshly baked bread and I immediately ran off to get a cup of coffee and a crunchy croissant which I can still reminisce about.
There is a plethora of Japanese and Western food you can find in Daimaru like sushi, souffle pancakes, mousse cakes, sandwiches, etc.
Daimaru in Tokyo has a lot to offer from apparel to souvenirs, anime merchandise, cosmetics, accessories, jewelry, electronics, toys, etc.
I found a load of sophisticated clothes and accessories for women from premium brands like Prada, Dolce & Gabbana, Louis Vuitton, etc and I purchased a Louis Vuitton bag which still looks good as new.
Daimaru Tokyo also provides luxury men’s clothing, accessories, and golf equipment. Make sure to have a taste of the cakes sold at the basement in Daimaru Tokyo because they’re exceptional and don’t forget to take a look at the garden rooftop which grants a breathtaking view.
Business Hours: Monday to Sunday 10 AM - 8 PM
Website: Daimaru Tokyo
Phone: +81 3-3212-8011
Address: 1 Chome-9-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 100-6701
Kintetsu Department Store
Kintetsu is another established department store in Japan that has been around since 1931. Kintetsu Department Store has over 10 branches in Japan and I stopped by the main store in Osaka as I heard from the locals it was very popular.
What I personally liked about Kintetsu is that it wasn’t massive like Daimaru hence I didn’t have to walk much and it gave me rustic vibes.
Kintetsu department store provides a miscellany of commodities like groceries, clothing and accessories, cosmetics, anime-themed products, jewelry, premium alcoholic beverages, freshly prepared food, electronics, etc.
On the basement and 1st floor, you’ll come across fresh groceries, meat, and confectioneries for affordable prices. I tried the dumplings which were chewy and tasted quite flavorsome. You’ll also find coffee shops on the 9th floor with awestruck scenery where you can capture pics for your Instagram.
In fact, Kintetsu Department Store consists of both budget-friendly and premium commodities. The only downside for me was there wasn’t an extensive menu of food or clothing choices like Daimaru.
However, Kintetsu seemed to be more affordable for me because the clothes and food were reasonably priced.
Business Hours: Monday to Sunday 10 AM - 8 PM
Website: Kintetsu Department Store
Phone: +81 6-6624-1111
Address: 1 Chome-1-43 Abenosuji, Abeno Ward, Osaka, 545-8545, Japan
Mitsukoshi
Let me start off by saying that Mitsukoshi is a store that you should drop in on when traveling to Japan.
Out of all the department stores I’ve visited in Japan, Mitsukoshi will always remain close to my heart because that’s where I purchased my favorite Kumamon plush.
Mitsukoshi department store in Ginza is a vast building with over 8 floors. Although the building looks old, the interior is modern. The basement as usual is where bakeries, food courts, and groceries are offered.
There’s an assortment of lovely and vibrant baked goodies like croissants, cakes, and macarons, as well as Japanese foods like sushi, miso katsu, etc.
As you visit the upper floors you’ll find luxury clothes, jewelry, houseware, cosmetics, and accessories like glasses, bags, hats, etc. I found several corners in Mitsukoshi that sell plushies of all kinds and the kimono I bought there was outstanding. There are even luxury supercars put on display in Mitsukoshi Ginza.
However, I had a bad experience with the elevator as I had to wait several minutes to get in. The escalators operated perfectly, however, when it’s crowded I wouldn’t recommend using the escalators.
In addition, Mitsukoshi consists of more Westernized commodities than Japanese hence the store is tourist-friendly but not an ideal place if you wish to get Japanese souvenirs.
Business Hours: Monday to Sunday 10 AM - 8 PM
Website: Mitsukoshi Ginza
Phone: +81 3-3562-1111
Address: 4 Chome-6-16 Ginza, Chuo City, Tokyo 104-8212, Japan
Isetan Shinjuku
The Isetan department store in Shinjuku is a favorite tourist destination and when I visited Japan I decided to stop by Isetan, and I have to admit the hype is real.
Initially, Isetan was a roadside kimono shop that later expanded into a department store that consists of numerous commodities and services like branded apparel, traditional Japanese clothes, accessories, footwear, cosmetics, home decor, furniture, groceries, liquor, etc.
If you love to experience the taste of authentic Japanese liquor then in Isetan you’ll find a large collection of Japanese sake. And let’s not forget about the food there which is why most people visit the department store.
They boast the best ‘depachika’ in town which means a Japanese food hall that includes groceries, meats, bakeries, a liquor lounge, etc.
The positive aspect of the depachika in Isetan is that every edible you find is fresh and reasonably priced, and I particularly loved the tiramisu mousse cake which tasted phenomenal.
Furthermore, you can snatch some of the superior quality home decor, utensils, and electronics for your residence.
Business Hours: Monday to Sunday 10 AM - 8 PM
Website: Isetan Shinjuku
Phone: +81 3-3352-1111
Address: 3 Chome-14-1 Shinjuku, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0022, Japan
Hankyu Department Store
This is one of the largest department stores situated in Osaka that usually goes unnoticed by tourists due to the building structure. Hankyu Department Store is located in Umeda Hankyu Building Office and comprises several floors.
Just like most department stores in Japan, Hankyu department store provides an extensive range of items like designer clothing, furniture, cosmetics, accessories, books, souvenirs, footwear, and whatnot.
But I noticed a significant difference in the Hankyu department store that other department stores didn’t possess and it was the decor of the store itself. Each floor is designed specifically to match what the floor has to offer and the store is decorated for every festival.
For instance, the floor that had a kid’s boutique was represented with cute animal depictions.
The apparel and footwear sold at Hankyu are of the finest quality and I managed to buy a branded shoe that cost me almost 7000 yen ($48). Furthermore, the depachika at Hankyu was impressive and served both Japanese and Western cuisines.
However, almost everything was expensive at Hankyu therefore it’s not budget-friendly. Furthermore, when I visited Hankyu it was very crowded and I couldn’t find a decent lounge area to rest in despite the vast magnitude of the building.
Business Hours: Monday to Sunday 10 AM - 8 PM
Website: Hankyu Department Store
Phone: +81 6-6361-1381
Address: 8-7 Kakudacho, Kita Ward, Osaka, 530-8350, Japan
Takashimaya Shinjuku
Takashimaya is a renowned department store in Shinjuku that makes you feel like you’re in New York because the building is wide-reaching with several floors. It is also closely located to the JR station thus traveling here is effortless.
I’m gonna talk about the basement floor here which is filled with eye-catching and mouth-watering foods including sushi, ramen, sashimi, cakes, pies, sweets, etc which are exorbitant but worth the price.
I tried wagyu beef here for the first time in my life and it was hands down worth every penny I spent. And as a tourist, I was eligible for tax refunds.
Takashimaya also provides an array of reasonable clothing and footwear choices from retailers like Uniqlo and Tokyu Hands and other items like homeware, groceries, souvenirs, etc. Besides, there are apparel from luxury brands as well like Prada, Nike, Chanel, and whatnot.
However, my legs grew tired after walking excessively as you know Takashimaya department store is a cosmic building and I was caught up in a stir because I almost got lost.
Business Hours: Monday to Sunday 10:30 AM - 7:30 PM
Website: Takashimaya Shinjuku
Phone: +81 3-5361-1111
Address: 5 Chome-24-2 Sendagaya, Shibuya City, Tokyo 151-8580, Japan
Parco
Parco is a Japanese department store chain that was founded in 1953. The company operates several department stores in Japan, as well as a location in Singapore.
Parco is known for its focus on fashion and youth culture, and its stores often feature a mix of established and emerging brands.
In addition to clothing and accessories, Parco stores also offer a variety of other products, including beauty products, home goods, and food.
Some Parco stores also feature art galleries and event spaces, and the company is known for its collaborations with artists and designers.
Parco has a reputation for being at the forefront of Japanese fashion and youth culture, and its stores are popular destinations for young people in Japan.
The company has also been expanding its presence overseas in recent years, with a focus on Southeast Asia.
Business Hours: Monday to Sunday: 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Website: Parco
Here are the current locations of Parco department stores in Japan:
- Parco Shibuya - Located in Shibuya, Tokyo
- Parco Ikebukuro - Located in Ikebukuro, Tokyo
- Parco Umeda - Located in Umeda, Osaka
- Parco Nagoya - Located in Sakae, Nagoya
- Parco Fukuoka - Located in Tenjin, Fukuoka
- Parco Hiroshima - Located in Hondori, Hiroshima
- Parco Shimonoseki - Located in Shimonoseki, Yamaguchi
- Parco Kumamoto - Located in Kumamoto, Kumamoto
Additionally, Parco operates several other stores in Japan that are not full department stores, but rather focus on specific products or themes.
These include Parco Book Center, Parco Art, and Parco Factory.
Sogo & Seibu (そごう・西武)
Sogo & Seibu is a Japanese department store chain that was formed in 2003 through the merger of two separate department store companies, Sogo and Seibu.
The company operates several department stores throughout Japan, as well as a location in Hong Kong.
Sogo & Seibu stores offer a wide range of products, including clothing, accessories, beauty products, home goods, and food.
The company is known for its focus on high-end and luxury brands, as well as its commitment to customer service.
In addition to its department stores, Sogo & Seibu operates several other retail businesses, including supermarkets, convenience stores, and specialty stores.
The company also has a strong online presence, with an e-commerce platform that offers a wide range of products and services.
Sogo & Seibu has a reputation for being one of the top department store chains in Japan, and its stores are popular destinations for both local and international shoppers. The company is known for its high-quality products, stylish designs, and commitment to customer satisfaction.
Here are the current locations of Sogo & Seibu department stores in Japan:
- Sogo Yokohama - Located in Yokohama, Kanagawa
- Sogo Chiba - Located in Chiba, Chiba
- Sogo Kawasaki - Located in Kawasaki, Kanagawa
- Sogo Funabashi - Located in Funabashi, Chiba
- Sogo Shizuoka - Located in Shizuoka, Shizuoka
- Sogo Kobe - Located in Kobe, Hyogo
- Sogo Hiroshima - Located in Hiroshima, Hiroshima
- Sogo Yokohama Seibu - Located in Yokohama, Kanagawa
- Seibu Shibuya - Located in Shibuya, Tokyo
- Seibu Ikebukuro - Located in Ikebukuro, Tokyo
- Seibu Sapporo - Located in Sapporo, Hokkaido
- Seibu Fukuoka - Located in Fukuoka, Fukuoka
Additionally, Sogo & Seibu operates several other retail businesses throughout Japan, including supermarkets, convenience stores, and specialty stores.
Matsuya
Matsuya is a Japanese department store chain that was founded in 1924. The company operates several department stores throughout Japan, with its flagship store located in Ginza, Tokyo.
Matsuya is known for its focus on high-end fashion and luxury brands, as well as its commitment to customer service.
Matsuya stores offer a wide range of products, including clothing, accessories, beauty products, home goods, and food.
The company is known for its partnerships with top fashion designers and brands, as well as its exclusive events and limited-time collaborations.
In addition to its department stores, Matsuya operates several other businesses, including restaurants, cafes, and specialty stores.
The company also has a strong online presence, with an e-commerce platform that offers a wide range of products and services.
Matsuya has a reputation for being one of the top department store chains in Japan, and its stores are popular destinations for both local and international shoppers.
The company is known for its high-quality products, stylish designs, and commitment to customer satisfaction.
Here are the current locations of Matsuya department stores in Japan:
- Matsuya Ginza - Located in Ginza, Tokyo
- Matsuya Asakusa - Located in Asakusa, Tokyo
- Matsuya Ueno - Located in Ueno, Tokyo
- Matsuya Ginza Annex - Located in Ginza, Tokyo
- Matsuya Nagoya - Located in Nagoya, Aichi
- Matsuya Ginza Men's - Located in Ginza, Tokyo
- Matsuya Ginza Annex 2 - Located in Ginza, Tokyo
Additionally, Matsuya operates several other retail businesses throughout Japan, including restaurants, cafes, and specialty stores.
Marui
Marui is a Japanese department store chain that was founded in 1931.
The company operates several department stores throughout Japan, with a focus on fashion and youth culture. Marui is known for its unique and trendy designs, as well as its commitment to supporting emerging designers and artists.
Marui stores offer a wide range of products, including clothing, accessories, beauty products, home goods, and food.
The company is known for its partnerships with up-and-coming fashion designers and brands, as well as its support of local artists and creators.
In addition to its department stores, Marui operates several other businesses, including restaurants, cafes, and specialty stores.
The company also has a strong online presence, with an e-commerce platform that offers a wide range of products and services.
Marui has a reputation for being one of the top department store chains in Japan for young people, and its stores are popular destinations for both local and international shoppers.
The company is known for its unique and trendy products, as well as its commitment to supporting emerging talent in the fashion and arts industries.
Here are the current locations of Marui department stores in Japan:
- Shinjuku Marui Annex - Located in Shinjuku, Tokyo
- Shibuya Marui - Located in Shibuya, Tokyo
- Shinjuku Marui Main Building - Located in Shinjuku, Tokyo
- Ueno Marui - Located in Ueno, Tokyo
- Kichijoji Marui - Located in Kichijoji, Tokyo
- Yokohama Marui - Located in Yokohama, Kanagawa
- Machida Marui - Located in Machida, Tokyo
- Shiki Marui - Located in Shiki, Saitama
- Kawasaki Marui - Located in Kawasaki, Kanagawa
- Kashiwa Marui - Located in Kashiwa, Chiba
- Haneda Airport Terminal 2 Marui - Located in Ota, Tokyo
Additionally, Marui operates several other retail businesses throughout Japan, including restaurants, cafes, and specialty stores.
Newoman
Newoman is a Japanese department store chain that was founded in 1971. The company operates several department stores throughout Japan, with a focus on fashion and lifestyle products for women.
Newoman is known for its stylish and modern designs, as well as its commitment to supporting emerging fashion designers and brands.
Newoman stores offer a wide range of products, including clothing, accessories, beauty products, home goods, and food.
The company is known for its partnerships with up-and-coming fashion designers and brands, as well as its support of local artists and creators.
In addition to its department stores, Newoman operates several other businesses, including restaurants, cafes, and specialty stores.
The company also has a strong online presence, with an e-commerce platform that offers a wide range of products and services.
Newoman has a reputation for being one of the top department store chains in Japan for women, and its stores are popular destinations for both local and international shoppers.
The company is known for its stylish and modern products, as well as its commitment to supporting emerging talent in the fashion and arts industries.
Here are the current locations of Newoman department stores in Japan:
- Newoman Shinjuku - Located in Shinjuku, Tokyo
- Newoman Shibuya - Located in Shibuya, Tokyo
- Newoman Nagoya - Located in Nagoya, Aichi
- Newoman Umeda - Located in Umeda, Osaka
- Newoman Fukuoka - Located in Fukuoka, Fukuoka
- Newoman Yokohama - Located in Yokohama, Kanagawa
Major Department Stores In Japan: FAQs
What are the 4 major department stores in Japan?
There are several major department stores in Japan, especially in Tokyo city and its suburbs. The major department stores in Japan that are popular among both locals are tourists are Daimaru Matsuzakaya, Kintetsu Department Store, Mitsukoshi, and Hankyu Department Store.
What is the biggest department store in Tokyo?
Tokyo city has a plethora of department stores that sell a variety of goods like apparel, accessories, footwear, electronics, food and groceries, souvenirs, etc. The biggest department store in Tokyo is Mitsukoshi which is located in Ginza, Tokyo. Mitsukoshi department store has 9 floors where the basement and first floors offer Western and Japanese food, groceries, meat, and fish. The upper floors consist of apparel, footwear, and souvenir boutiques.
What are the most popular department stores in Japan?
There are numerous department stores in Japan that offer a range of goods like premium clothing, footwear, accessories, anime merchandise, books, home decor, and appliances. The most popular department stores in Japan are
- Daimaru Matsuzakaya Store
- Kintetsu Department Store
- Mitsukoshi
- Isetan
- Hankyu Department Store
- Takashimaya
