Discovering the Wonders of Japan’s Depachika: A Food Lover’s Paradise

What is a Depachika?

If you’re planning your first trip to Japan, you might hear the term “Depachika” and wonder what it means.
“Depachika” is a food hall located in the basement of a department store.

“DEPA” comes from “department,” and “CHIKA” means “basement” in Japanese.

Here’s a list of items you can typically find in a Depachika.

• Bento Boxes
  A wide variety of bento boxes are available, including Japanese, Western, and Chinese options.
• Prepared Side Dishes
  
• Croquettes
  You can find various types of croquettes, including meat croquettes, crab cream croquettes, and vegetable croquettes.
• Tonkatsu
  
• Sushi and Sashimi
• Tempura
• Japanese Sweets
• Fresh Bread and Baked Goods
  Freshly baked bread and sandwiches are available from the bakery.
• High-Quality Tea
• Sake and Japanese Liquors
• Gift Boxes
  
• Desserts
  A variety of sweet treats like cakes, puddings, and jellies are available.
• Premium Meat and Seafood
• Chocolates
• Freshly Squeezed Juices
• Souvenirs
  You can find regional specialties and local products that make great souvenirs.

When to Visit a Depachika?

Depachika are perfect for various occasions:

Many Depachika are open from 10 am to 8 pm.

Tips for visiting Depachika

• Try to avoid these peak hours:
  Lunch time between 11:30am and 1:30pm
  Evening around 5:00pm to 7:00pm (People stop by to buy food on their way home from work.)
  Weekends and Holidays
• Explore all sections
  Depachika often have multiple sections, take your time to explore everything.
• Check for Special Deals near closing time
  Many depachikas offer discounts on fresh foods, like sushi and bento boxes, near closing time. This is a good chance to grab a deal.
• Bring your own Eco bags
  In Japan, there is a national regulation that mandates all retailers to charge customers for single-use plastic bags. You may be buying many small items at Depachika, having an eco-friendly bag will be quite convenient.