Department stores in Japan tend to be huge buildings filled with every commodity imaginable. But what makes these stores different from most, is that they contain a vast labyrinth of food stalls that take up the building’s entire basement floor. This area is called ‘depachika’, which mixes the word depato (department store) and chika (basement). Typically open from around 10am to 8pm, you can quite easily spend hours wandering the aisles of this subterranean food hall, drooling over everything on display. There’s something for everyone, so much so that you’ll probably leave with bags overflowing with juicy meats, succulent sweets, flavorsome fish or toasted bread.

And because this area is housed in a building filled with upmarket shoppers, the food stalls are all of an exquisite standard, with some serving five-star hotels and Michelin-starred restaurants. Some of the delicacies on offer include matsutake mushrooms ($500 per pack), a fatty tuna belly called otoro ($50) and white strawberries called hatsukoi no kaori ($100 for a pack). However, don’t be put off by these staggering prices as the majority of food on display is at affordable prices. Depachika’s can offer tourists a quick snapshot of the culinary dishes of Japan all under one roof. You can find all manner of bento, unagi, sushi, sashimi, korroke and much more. For those in need of food from other corners of the globe, a variety of international flavors are on offer, from Chinese gyoza to French-style bakery.

As you wander through one of these food mazes, you’ll notice that the layout is organized into sections. Fish, meat, bento, sushi, bakery and alcohol are divided into their own little environments throughout the floor. And if you’re tired of walking, there are a few small restaurants dotted around the place.  

And because this food market is indoors, the intoxicating smells have added potency as it wafts around the enclosed space. Be warned, if you go on an empty stomach it will aggressively rumble demanding to be fed immediately.  

Everything is freshly prepared, and the workers behind the counter will carefully chop, slice and package your chosen item. Indeed, the packaging is so well presented that many people buy food as gorgeous looking souvenirs for people back home. Many stalls also offer samples on the counter, ensuring you buy the food you want.

The atmosphere is also unique for first-time visitors. The sizzle of the food being cooked, the vendors calling out greetings and promotions, and the idle chatter of shoppers weaving in and out of the aisles make for a heady mix of energy and chaos. To see this in action, it’s worth visiting a depachika at around lunchtime and in the evenings as it will be heaving with eager shoppers during the lunchtime and post-work rush hour. And if you like fishing for bargains, 6:30pm is the best time to visit as big discounts on perishable products like sushi and sashimi will be on offer. Many of these basement food markets are connected to subway stations, making it convenient to load up on as much food as possible before dashing off home after work. It comes as no surprise, therefore, that many department stores and neighboring railway stations are owned by the same parent company, ensuring maximum profit and satisfied customers. You will be able to find a depachika in any major city, but if you’re in Tokyo the ‘Isetan’ department store near Shibuya Station is famous for providing visitors with a typical depachika experience. It’s vast, crowded and packed full of flavorsome food. It’s known for its wildly pricey delicacies, wonderful French-style bakery, an exhaustive collection of alcohol and a rooftop garden to enjoy your bento. Treat yourself, and lose yourself in food heaven.