If you’re in the Shinjuku area, be sure to spend some time in the historic Isetan Department Store. You won’t miss the heritage façade of the building which stands grand on the corner of two the district’s busy streets. It dates back to the mid 1930’s, when a company that had its origins as a kimono store in the late 1800’s evolved into a much bigger affair.
Behind the old-world charms of the exterior though, you’ll find a thoroughly modern department store that prides itself on being on the cutting edge of fashion. The main building is essentially the women’s building, which is joined to a sperate, newer men’s building by connecting bridges.
The interiors are beautiful, with exceptional merchandising and a decidedly luxe feel. The service is great, with lots of multi-lingual staff, tax-free shopping is available and the range of goods available is extensive.
One of the must-sees is the food department housed in the basement of the main building. Here you’ll find aisles and aisles of sweet and savoury local and international foods beautifully presented in miles of glass cabinets. There’s also a fruit department that is a wonder to behold, both for the prices and the perfect presentation. It really elevates the humble fruits into the realm of delicacy. Samples are often available here, so you can try before you buy. It’s a great place to try out a few of the uniquely Japanese foods and an excellent option for take away meals, snacks and food souvenirs.
The Isetan building also houses a number of restaurants on its upper levels that are a great option for a quick and reasonably priced dine-in meal. Thanks to the international focus of the department store, its relatively easy to order and communicate in these. There’s also a small Japanese garden on the roof that is worth checking out if you’re up there.
Address: 3-14-1 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
Getting there: 3-minute walk from Shinjuku-Sanchome Station Exits B3, B4 or B5 (Fukutoshin, Marunouchi and Shinjuku Lines) or 5-minute walk from Shinjuku Station East Gate (JR lines)
Nearby: Bicqlo, BEAMS Japan, Golden Gai, PePe Mall, Sanagi Shinjuku, Shinjuku Gyoen, Tiki Tiki
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