Takashimaya

Takashimaya is more than just a department store; it is a true symbol of elegance and impeccable Japanese service, located in the heart of bustling Tokyo. As the flagship complex of one of Japan's oldest retail chains, it attracts connoisseurs of luxury and quality from all over the world. Here, under one roof, high-fashion boutiques, art galleries, and the latest achievements in household appliances coexist harmoniously.

While some guides might mention it as a restaurant, it is actually a massive multi-story shopping destination. Its unique feature is the enormous food department (depachika), where the rarest delicacies are presented, from the freshest seafood to elite seasonal fruits. Exquisite restaurants occupy the upper floors, offering guests authentic Japanese cuisine in an atmosphere of tranquility and aesthetics.

Visiting Takashimaya in the Shibuya-Shinjuku area is a chance to experience the Japanese culture of consumption, where every purchase becomes a special ritual. The beautiful interior, attentive staff, and vast selection of premium goods have earned the complex high ratings and the recognition of millions of visitors, making it a must-visit on any traveler’s map.

To plan your visit to Takashimaya as comfortably as possible, we recommend checking for the latest information in advance. While basic details usually remain the same, it is worth visiting the official website or contacting the complex before your trip to learn about potential special events or seasonal changes in the operation of specific departments in Tokyo.

You can easily spend a whole day at Takashimaya, immersing yourself in the world of high fashion and Japanese traditions. Explore the floors featuring boutiques of the world's leading fashion houses, such as Gucci and Louis Vuitton, or visit specialized departments offering exquisite kimonos and handmade jewelry. For technology enthusiasts, there are departments with the most modern Japanese electronics.

A gastronomic journey on the upper floors of the complex is a special pleasure in Tokyo. There are over 20 restaurants here, including Michelin-starred establishments, serving tender Wagyu steaks, tempura, and the freshest sushi with views of Shinjuku's futuristic skyscrapers. Don't forget to visit the famous food hall to try rare varieties of matcha tea or buy exclusive gift sets that make the perfect souvenir from Japan.

A tax-free service is available for international tourists, allowing for a refund of up to 10% tax, and personal shopping assistants are available if needed. Depending on the season, the complex hosts unique exhibitions and workshops, such as the art of ikebana, allowing you to combine pleasant shopping with cultural enrichment.

The Takashimaya department store in Tokyo is located at one of the city's busiest transportation hubs, making it very convenient to visit. The complex is just a five-minute walk from the South Exit of JR Shinjuku station. If you prefer the subway, use the Marunouchi, Shinjuku, or Oedo lines—the necessary exits A0 or B16 are only a couple of minutes away from the store entrance.

If you are traveling from Tokyo Central Station, a ride on the JR Yamanote line train will take about 10 minutes. For those who prefer walking, the path from the famous Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden is no more than 10 minutes, making it easy to combine outdoor relaxation with quality shopping. For public transport fares, it is most convenient to use Suica or Pasmo contactless cards.

For travelers choosing a taxi, the ride from Haneda Airport will take approximately 40 minutes, and from Narita Airport—about an hour and a half. There are many signs in English in the Shinjuku area, so finding this iconic building will be easy even for those visiting Japan for the first time.

The history of the legendary Takashimaya brand began in 1831 in Kyoto when a small shop selling fabrics and linens opened. Decades later, in 1909, the company took a significant step by opening a branch in the Shinjuku district of Tokyo. It was the chain's first store outside the old capital, which over time evolved into one of the most influential shopping centers in Japan.

During the post-war recovery era, Takashimaya became a symbol of the country's economic rebirth. The building was constantly modernized, introducing technical innovations that seemed like true wonders in the 1960s: from the first escalators to air conditioning systems. In the 1980s, the focus shifted toward gastronomy, and the store's food department became a benchmark of quality for the entire capital.

Today, this 14-story complex continues to follow its historical principle of "customer first." Following a large-scale renovation in 2019, the building combines centuries-old traditions of Japanese service with modern digital technologies. In the gallery on the top floor, you can still see unique artifacts telling the story of the company's journey from a small shop to a giant of global retail.

To explore all floors of the Takashimaya department store in Tokyo at a leisurely pace, we recommend setting aside about 3-4 hours. This is enough time to get acquainted with the collections of world brands, visit Japanese designers' departments, and give attention to the famous gourmet floor.

If your main goal is an exquisite dinner at one of the restaurants or purchasing rare delicacies in the food hall, a visit might take about an hour and a half. However, for those planning serious shopping and using the tax-free system, it is better to allocate at least 5 hours to calmly enjoy the process and the atmosphere of this luxurious place in Japan.

The flagship Takashimaya department store in Tokyo is open to visitors daily, without weekends or breaks. The main retail floors operate from 10:30 AM to 7:30 PM. This convenient schedule allows you to plan your visit either in the morning or before an evening stroll through the city.

Please note that restaurants and cafes located on the upper floors often have their own schedules and may welcome guests until 8:00 PM or 9:00 PM. If you are planning a late dinner, we recommend checking the closing time of a specific establishment on the official website or at the information desk at the building's entrance.

The Shinjuku district, where Takashimaya is located, is the true heart of modern Tokyo, filled with interesting locations. Exploring the surroundings after shopping will help you feel the dynamic rhythm of the Japanese capital more deeply and find amazing places just a few steps from the department store.

Very close by is the famous Times Square and the cozy Shinjuku Southern Terrace, which is a pleasant place for an evening walk. If you want to see something truly unusual, be sure to walk to the nearby intersection to see the Giant 3D Cat—one of the city's most amusing and popular modern attractions.