Depachika – Archipelagos of Delectables

Food delights are not what you expect in Japan. Found in the first basement levels of most department stores is the depachika (デパ地下), where food stalls shape like islands await you. The staff beckons your eye and nose to feast your senses on their culinary delights ranging from fine dipped French chocolates which would impress Parisians to beautiful hand-crafted traditional Japanese desserts.

The depachika not only caters to the rich, many items are on the wallet. The vendors try to capture the rush of workers heading home, so often the department stores are found next to train stations or a train line wholly owns the department store!

Feel free to taste what ever you want and be sure to taste the unusual. You might end up liking it what you least expect. If you are unable to read Japanese characters, worry not, the store will be set up to narrow your choice. Desserts both Japanese traditional and western, fried foods, and sushi all have there own sections. A gently spoken irashaimase, is their greeting to you for a memorable experience, be sure to indulge.

Be sure not to miss the Supreme example of the Depachika, Shinjuku Isetan 新宿伊勢丹.