Behind all of Tokyo’s department stores is the concept of a one-stop shop. This approach enables shoppers to purchase a variety of items and receive a multitude of services, conveniently all from one large-scale store. In terms of the visionary and layout of most Tokyo’s department stores, the building is compartmentalized into levels based on the items being sold, ranging from both men’s and women’s clothing and accessories, cosmetics, housewares and a floor usually dedicated to food. Other specialty items can be found, and some department stores in Tokyo even offer guests rooftop gardens.
Tokyo department stores often have their own in-house brand or offer high-end labels from both international and local fashion houses. Visiting some of Tokyo’s best department stores is an experience unto itself, from excellent customer service to remarkable displays of goods and a unique shopping experience it is a glimpse into Japanese shopping culture.
Isetan Department Store
With the flagship store conveniently located in Shinjuku, Isetan offers shoppers a wide array of quality goods and is considered one of the most significant and influential of department stores in Tokyo. Selling both Japanese and international products, Isetan caters to most shoppers as the merchandise is elaborate. One of the best features of Isetan department store in Tokyo is the food hall. From sushi bento boxes to pastries and coffee, the food hall is certainly part of the Isetan experience. Whether you are looking to purchase some of the latest Japanese trends, or neatly crafted houseware items or souvenirs, Isetan is certain not to disappoint as one of Tokyo’s best department stores.
Flagship Shinjuku Location – 3-14-1, Shinjuku, Shinjuku 3 Chome, Shinjuku 160-0022, Tokyo Prefecture
Lumine Department Store
When it comes to the best department stores in Tokyo, Lumine is definitely a contender. The department store, which can feel more like a shopping mall is actually owned by the JR railroad which makes it conveniently accessible from the surrounding train stations outside the shop. There are several Lumine buildings and each offers a different collection of goods from electronics to cosmetics to fashion. The Lumine in Shinjuku offers tax-free shopping to tourists and foreigners who are visiting Japan as well as housing some duty-free shops.
Lumine Shinjuku building 1 | 1-1-5 Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku 160-0023, Tokyo Prefecture
Mitsukoshi Department Store
Widely accepted as one of the oldest department stores in Japan, Mitsukoshi originated as a store selling Kimonos. Times have changed since the store’s initial inception which was founded in 1673. Mitsukoshi is not just one of the oldest, but also one of the best department stores in Tokyo offering a multitude of upscale, high-quality goods and notable food floor which showcases Japanese cuisine along with international flavors. Elegant quality and Japanese style will never be out of fashion here at Mitsukoshi, where shoppers can not only shop the fine Japanese styles but also take time to sit back and watch the crowds shop throughout the different levels of this deluxe store.
Ginza location: 4-6-16 Ginza, Chuo 104-8212, Tokyo Prefecture
Marui Department Store
Most notably known for its women’s fashion and accessories, Marui department store in Tokyo is predominantly targeted towards young women housing plenty of shops and stores with the latest styles. You may notice the logo which looks like OIOI or on their website at 0101, which is an amalgamation of the original company predecessor’s name along with the name of its president, and conveniently the last 4 digits of the store’s phone number. Marui is one of Tokyo’s best department stores, offering everything from sunglasses, cosmetics, shoes, and purses, the stock is endless and although it showcases women’s fashions there is plenty of men’s style and fashion items found at Marui as well.
Marui Shibuya location 1-22-6, Jinnan, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Takashimaya
Complimentarily linked with excellent service and high-end luxury items, Takashimaya has a long-standing reputation as one of the best department stores in Tokyo. Takashimaya is a brand leader in women and men’s fashions, luxury housewares and furniture as well as kimonos. Standing some 14 floors high and next to Shinjuku JR Station, it is easy to spend plenty of time perusing the many shops found in Takashimaya department store, or maybe you will find yourself just window shopping. Takashimaya also feeds into the well known Tokyo Hands store, a DIY shop which sells arts and crafts supplies. Don’t forget to visit the basement food hall to sample and taste all the flavors of both Japanese and international cuisine.
5-24-2 Sendagaya, Shibuya 151-8580, Tokyo Prefecture
