Department Store Food in Japan
Restaurant Floors and Japanese Food Courts
With the sheer number of restaurants and their odd placement in Japan, finding a cheap and cheerful place to grab a bite to eat may seem a challenge. But eating out in Japan doesn't have to give you a headache. In fact, the best place may be right in front of your face.
Japanese “Food Courts”
Department stores abound in Japan, particularly in the big cities and you can always find at least one or two (and sometimes a labyrinthine cluster) around the major train stations. All department stores have what an American might call a “food court;” but in Japan they have so much more to offer. In fact, you might call them “food halls” or “food cities” and for the tourist or newcomer to Japan, they might be the ticket to food heaven.
How to Find One
Finding a food hall in a department store is usually quite easy. There's usually a sign with various pictures of the types of food and restaurants on offer. If in doubt, head either to the basement or the upper floors and prepare yourself to be spoiled for choice.
Restaurant Floors
When we think of a restaurant in a department store/mall, ideas of a stellar culinary experience usually dpon't spring to mind. However, in Japan, the restaurant options in department stores are usually top notch. While some may be average noodle stands or run-of-the mill Italian pasta chains, there really are some delights to be found right in the midst of a shopping multiplex.
There are usually may Japanese options- from sushi to okonomiyaki (Japanese omelettes) to ramen- and sometimes an entire floor may be devoted to Japanese delights. However, you can usually find some Western or Asian options as well. For some excellent examples try the shoppers' paradises of Roppongi Hills, Tokyo Midtown or the Shin Maranouchi complex.
Food Courts
In addition to the floors of restaurants, you can always find a floor of food stands selling every tasty morsel you could imagine, Japanese style. From bakeries selling fresh bread, pastries, sandwiches, etc..to ice cream shops to sushi stands to pasta and salad nooks, there's something for everyone who wants a quick bite to go. And, an added bonus is that there are usually some samples to be had in case you want to try before you buy.
So, the next time you're in Japan and find yourself overwhelmed and/ or just hungry, be smart and head into a department store. Besides shopping you can also find some genuinely delectable dining options. Whether you want something fast and cheap or fancy a sit down dinner in a posh bistro, department stores are usually just the ticket. Unlike the American counterparts offering McDonalds, Taco Bell, or greasy fast food Chinese, in Japan you'll find yourself in a whole new ballpark.
