The “Depachika” Secret: Why You Should Eat Lunch in a Department Store Basement
You are in Ginza or Shinjuku. You are hungry. But the restaurants are full, expensive, or have a scary line. Where do you go?
Look for a Department Store (like Isetan, Mitsukoshi, or Takashimaya). Ignore the fancy clothes on the 1st floor. Find the escalator and go DOWN.
Welcome to Depachika (Depa = Department Store, Chika = Basement).
To you, it might look like a grocery store. To us locals, it is a “Museum of Food.” It is a sprawling maze of the highest quality food in Japan, and it is the best place to find a luxury lunch without the luxury price tag.
Here is how to navigate the delicious underground maze.
1. It’s Not Just Groceries. It’s Art.
Walk around. You will see:
- $100 Melons: Yes, perfectly round muskmelons in wooden boxes. They are gifts for VIPs. (Don’t buy one, just admire them!).
- Cake Jewelry: French pastries and Japanese Wagashi sweets displayed like diamonds.
- The Delis: Endless counters of salads, yakitori, tempura, and grilled eel.
Friend’s Tip: Many stalls offer Free Samples (Shishoku). If a staff member offers you a piece of chocolate or a cracker on a toothpick, take it! It’s polite to smile and say “Oishii” (Delicious).
2. The “Luxury Bento” Hack
This is the main reason to come here. Famous restaurants (that usually require reservations) often have a booth in the Depachika selling Bento Boxes.
You can get a bento featuring A5 Wagyu Beef, top-tier Unagi (Eel), or fresh Sushi for a fraction of the restaurant price. Grab a bento (usually 1,500 – 3,000 JPY) and a bottle of tea.
3. But… Where Do I Eat?
There are no tables in the basement. Do not eat while walking. (That’s a big “no-no” in Japan).
Here is the secret: Go to the ROOF. Most big department stores have a beautiful “Rooftop Garden” (Okujo). It’s usually free, quiet, has benches, and sometimes even a view of the city. Take your luxury bento up to the roof, find a bench, and enjoy the best picnic of your life away from the crowds.
4. The “5 PM Discount” War
If you want a bargain, go to the Depachika in the evening (usually after 6 PM or 7 PM). Staff will start putting discount stickers on the unsold fresh food.
- 20% OFF (2-wari biki)
- Half Price (Han-gaku)
Locals (including me) circle like sharks waiting for these stickers. If you see a “Half Price” sticker on a sushi box, grab it immediately. It’s a war, and you want to win.
5. The Best Souvenirs are Here
Forget the airport duty-free. Depachika is where you buy gifts for people you really like. Look for:
- Beautifully boxed cookies (brands like Yoku Moku are legendary).
- Fancy Japanese Tea.
- Senbei (Rice crackers) in colorful wrappers.
The staff will wrap everything beautifully for you, often for free.
The Best Ones to Visit in Tokyo
Not all Depachikas are created equal. Here are the “Big Three”:
- Isetan (Shinjuku): The King. It has the most famous pastry chefs and the most stylish food. It’s always crowded but worth it.
- Mitsukoshi (Ginza): High-end and traditional. Great for Japanese sweets.
- Daimaru (Tokyo Station): The “Bento Capital.” Perfect for grabbing food before getting on the Shinkansen.
Hungry Yet?
The Depachika is an assault on the senses—in the best way possible. It’s overwhelming, loud, and smells amazing.
Go get lost underground. Buy the prettiest box you see. Eat it on the roof. That is the Tokyo local way.
Want to explore the food culture even deeper? Our Food Tours don’t just stay underground. We take you to the hidden izakayas and street stalls that even department stores can’t replicate. Let’s eat!
