Free: All time
“There’s no such thing as a free lunch?” There actually is! Visit one of the depachikas in Tokyo and you’ll find out why. Depachika is a contraction of the words Depato (department store) + Chika (basement). As the name suggests, depachikas can basically be found in the basements of most department stores in Japan. It’s a heavenly floor filled with all sort of food your heart could desire. With the wide array of selection, world-class service, top-notch quality, immaculate display and packing, it’s a feast for both the eyes and the stomach. I say the stomach, because there isn’t a lack of chance to sample many of these food. Vendors from a most booths offer free tastings. Walk your way through the basement and you’ll have your lunch sorted!
Some of the depachikas in Tokyo:
Isetan
Address: 3-14-1 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku
Direction: Subway Marunouchi and Toei Oedo Line to Shinjuku-sanchome
Daimaru
Address: 1-9-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku
Direction: Train JR Tokyo Station, Yaesu North exit
Takashimaya
Address: 2-4-1 Nihonbashi, Chūō-ku
Direction: Subway Ginza Line to Nihonbashi Station
Mitsukoshi
Address: 4-6-16 Ginza, Chūō-ku
Direction: Subway Ginza, Hibiya, Marunouchi Lines to Ginza Station, exit A7, A8, A11
Seibu
Address: 1-28-1 Minami-Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku
Direction: Ikebukuro Station, Seibu east exit
Matsuya
Address: 3-6-1 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104-8130
Direction: Subway Ginza, Hibiya, Marunouchi Lines to Ginza Station; Train JR to Yurakucho Station
Photo credit: Bam Bros (Pbase)
