Japanese department stores are renowned for their quality, variety, and impeccable customer service. They offer an array of unique souvenirs and gifts, from traditional crafts and gourmet foods to exclusive designer goods and lifestyle items. Each department store offers a distinctly Japanese shopping experience, often including entire floors dedicated to regional specialties, high-end fashion, and beautifully packaged sweets.
This guide introduces six of Japan’s top department stores, each offering unique souvenirs and gift items that make perfect mementos of your time in Japan.
1. Mitsukoshi (Tokyo)
Founded in 1673, Mitsukoshi is one of Japan’s oldest and most prestigious department stores. Known for its high-end merchandise, the Mitsukoshi flagship store in Nihonbashi, Tokyo, offers an extensive selection of Japanese souvenirs, including beautiful ceramics, tea sets, and high-quality textiles. The store’s food floor, or depachika, is a must-visit for its gourmet snacks, luxury chocolates, and beautifully packaged sweets.
What to Buy: Traditional ceramics, Japanese tea sets, premium snacks, and seasonal gift sets.
Where to Find: Mitsukoshi Nihonbashi, Tokyo, and other major cities across Japan.
2. Isetan (Tokyo)
Isetan, located in the Shinjuku area of Tokyo, is well-regarded for its curated fashion selections and exceptional food hall. Isetan’s depachika offers a wide variety of unique Japanese snacks, chocolates, and sake, making it a great place to pick up culinary souvenirs. Isetan is also known for its collaborations with Japanese designers, offering exclusive fashion items and accessories.
What to Buy: Designer fashion items, artisanal chocolates, Japanese sake, and high-quality kitchenware.
Where to Find: Isetan Shinjuku in Tokyo and select branches in major Japanese cities.
3. Takashimaya (Kyoto)
Takashimaya in Kyoto is particularly known for its dedication to traditional Japanese craftsmanship. This store offers a wide selection of regional specialties, including Kyoto’s famous textiles, delicate ceramics, and artisanal incense. The Kyoto branch’s depachika offers local delicacies such as yatsuhashi (cinnamon rice snacks) and wagashi (traditional Japanese sweets).
What to Buy: Kyoto textiles, incense, yatsuhashi, and hand-crafted ceramics.
Where to Find: Takashimaya Kyoto, with additional branches in Tokyo, Osaka, and other cities.
4. Daimaru (Osaka)
Daimaru, located in Osaka’s Shinsaibashi district, is a department store known for its chic clothing and luxury brands. The store also offers a wide range of Japanese gifts and souvenirs, including Osaka’s famous food items like takoyaki-flavored snacks. Daimaru’s food hall features everything from fresh sushi to beautifully packaged confectioneries, perfect for souvenir shopping.
What to Buy: Osaka-themed snacks, luxury brand items, and traditional Japanese sweets.
Where to Find: Daimaru Shinsaibashi in Osaka, with other locations in Kyoto, Tokyo, and Hokkaido.
5. Tokyu (Shibuya)
Located in Shibuya, Tokyu Department Store is ideal for finding trendy fashion, cosmetics, and lifestyle goods. Tokyu offers a wide variety of unique gifts and souvenirs, including cosmetics, character goods, and trendy accessories popular among Tokyo’s youth. The Shibuya branch also houses a gourmet food section with Tokyo-exclusive snacks and sweets, ideal for souvenir shopping.
What to Buy: Japanese cosmetics, character merchandise, and trendy Tokyo snacks.
Where to Find: Tokyu Shibuya, with additional stores in various Tokyo locations.
6. Matsuya (Ginza)
Matsuya in Ginza is a high-end department store that offers a refined selection of Japanese crafts, luxury fashion brands, and exclusive gift items. Known for its beautiful presentations and upscale atmosphere, Matsuya’s food hall offers premium Japanese sweets and tea sets, while the upper floors carry fashion from both Japanese and international designers.
What to Buy: Japanese tea sets, luxury sweets, and high-end designer goods.
Where to Find: Matsuya Ginza, located in Tokyo’s upscale Ginza district.
These six department stores offer an excellent selection of unique and high-quality Japanese souvenirs. From traditional crafts and gourmet treats to fashion-forward accessories, these stores provide a rich shopping experience that reflects Japan’s dedication to quality and craftsmanship. Whether you’re looking for gifts for friends and family or a special memento of your journey, Japanese department stores have something to suit every taste.
