Hayashi Department Store

Hayashi Department Store, known in Chinese as Lin Baihuo, is not just a shopping center but a true historical gem of Tainan on the island of Taiwan. This historic building, constructed in 1932, was originally one of the most modern department stores of its time, founded by Japanese entrepreneur Hayashi Hoichi. Today, it has been carefully restored and represents a unique blend of history, culture, and shopping.

After decades of being forgotten, during which the building was used for various purposes or stood empty, the department store was recognized as a historical monument. A large-scale restoration returned it to its former glory while preserving many authentic details, including a rare elevator with a dial floor indicator and even preserved marks from historical events on the walls. Because of this, a visit to the store feels like a genuine journey through time.

In the spring of 2013, Hayashi Department Store reopened its doors to visitors, but this time as a cultural center and tourist attraction. Its floors house shops offering goods from Taiwanese designers, exclusive souvenirs, local delicacies, and art pieces. This place is perfect for those seeking something more than just ordinary shopping and wishing to experience a unique atmosphere of retro chic.

The roof of the building deserves special attention, as it houses a small Shinto shrine—the only one of its kind preserved on top of a department store in Taiwan. It also offers a beautiful view of the city. Hayashi Department Store is a striking example of how historical heritage can harmoniously integrate into modern life, becoming a point of attraction for tourists and locals alike.

To plan your visit, check opening hours, or ask any questions, you can contact the Hayashi Department Store directly. All the latest information regarding events and special offers is available through official channels. The department store is open daily for visitors from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM.

A visit to Hayashi Department Store is an immersion into a unique atmosphere where history, culture, and modern shopping intertwine. Here, every floor offers its own discoveries. You can explore the building, which is a living museum in itself, and take a ride in the vintage elevator with a dial indicator—the first of its kind in Tainan. Small historical displays and artifacts are placed throughout various levels of the store, telling the story of the site's past and the lifestyle of residents during the colonial era.

The main activity at the department store is, of course, discovering local goods. Unlike typical shopping malls, the focus here is on cultural and creative products. Visitors can find exclusive souvenirs, designer clothing, handmade textiles, and home decor items crafted by Taiwanese artisans. It is the perfect place to buy authentic gifts that reflect the region's history and craft heritage.

Beyond shopping and exploring history, the department store offers gastronomic experiences. One of the upper floors houses a cozy retro cafe where you can relax with a cup of coffee and a dessert. And on the roof, in addition to an observation deck with a wonderful view of the city, there is a Shinto shrine, which is a rare find for such buildings. Visiting the roof is a great opportunity to take panoramic photos and see the city from above.

Getting to Hayashi Department Store is quite simple, as it is located in the central part of Tainan, a city that boasts a well-developed transport infrastructure. Whether you are arriving by train or are already in the city, you will have several convenient options to reach this historical landmark.

For travelers coming from other cities in Taiwan, one of the most convenient methods is rail transport. Upon arriving at Tainan Main Railway Station (TRA), you will be in the immediate vicinity of the city center. From the station, the department store is within walking distance; the stroll takes about 20 minutes, covering a distance of just over 1.5 kilometers. You can also take a bus from the station—for instance, routes No. 88, 0, 1, 2, and 5 will take you to a stop just a few minutes' walk from the store. The bus ride takes approximately 7 minutes.

If you prefer a faster way, you can always take a taxi from the station, which will only take a few minutes. Tainan also has an extensive city bus network, so if you are in another part of the city, you can use routes passing through Zhongyi Road, such as No. 3, 5, 88, or 99. Thanks to its central location, the department store is easily accessible from any point in the city, making it a convenient addition to any Tainan travel itinerary.

The history of the Hayashi Department Store is inextricably linked to its founder, the Japanese entrepreneur Hayashi Hoichi. Coming from a small mountain village in Yamaguchi Prefecture, he built a structure in Tainan that became more than just a retail space—it was a significant symbol of its era. Built during the period of Japanese presence in Taiwan, the department store remains an important historical site reflecting the cultural and architectural influences of that time.

The fate of the department store is closely intertwined with the rich history of Tainan itself. One of the oldest cities on the island, it was founded in 1624 by Dutch colonists. In 1661, after the expulsion of the Dutch, the military leader Zheng Chenggong proclaimed it the capital of his state, naming it Dongdu ("Eastern Capital"). Later, from 1684 to 1887, the city served as the administrative center of the entire island, earning the nickname "Fucheng," or "Prefectural City." Thus, Hayashi Department Store appeared in a place with a centuries-old and multi-layered past.

After decades of neglect, when the building had practically lost its former significance, a new chapter in its history began. In the spring of 2013, following extensive heritage preservation efforts, Hayashi Department Store was fully restored and reopened its doors to the public. Today, it functions not as an ordinary shop, but as a popular tourist attraction and cultural center that allows visitors to touch the unique history and atmosphere of old Tainan.

To fully and leisurely experience Hayashi Department Store in Tainan, it is recommended to set aside 2 to 3 hours. This time will allow you not only to browse the unique products but also to fully soak in the historical atmosphere of this iconic site in Taiwan. Visiting this department store is more than just shopping; it is a true cultural immersion.

If you are short on time, a quick tour of the building's main highlights—such as the vintage elevator with a dial indicator, preserved marks of historical damage on the walls, and the Shinto shrine on the roof—will take about 1-2 hours. However, the true charm of Hayashi Department Store lies in its role as a cultural hub. Each of the five floors is dedicated to a specific theme and offers exclusive products from Taiwanese designers, handicrafts, and historical displays. Fans of unique souvenirs and authentic items should allow an extra hour to browse the selection.

To make your visit complete, many visitors prefer to relax in the retro-style cafe on the upper floor or enjoy the panoramic city views from the rooftop observation deck. If you plan to enjoy a coffee at your leisure, take commemorative photos, and fully experience the atmosphere of this "living museum," it is worth setting aside up to 3-4 hours, especially on weekends when it can get crowded. This approach will allow you to appreciate everything this unique historical site has to offer without rushing.

Hayashi Department Store is pleased to welcome visitors daily, making it convenient to visit any day of the week. The doors of this historical building in Tainan are open to everyone from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM. The attraction operates year-round, though it is worth noting that the schedule may change during national holidays. Entrance to the store is generally free, and no advance booking is required for a standard visit.

While no prior appointment is needed, keep in mind that there is a visitor capacity limit—no more than 500 people are allowed in the building at one time. Because of this, queues may form at the entrance on weekends and public holidays. If you plan to attend a special event or exhibition sometimes held on the premises, it is highly recommended to check the official website for the latest information beforehand. This will help you avoid any inconvenience and plan your visit in the best possible way.

A visit to Hayashi Department Store is an excellent starting point for exploring the historical heart of Tainan. Thanks to its central location, the store is surrounded by many other iconic sites that are easily reachable on foot. Exploring the surrounding area will allow you to dive deeper into the rich history and culture of this ancient city in Taiwan.

A stroll through the nearby streets will reveal a fascinating blend of eras and styles: from ancient temples and colonial architecture to modern art spaces and cozy cafes. Each of these places tells the story of Tainan in its own way, complementing the impressions from your visit to the famous department store. Below is a list of attractions located in the immediate vicinity.