The Depachika of Nihonbashi Mitsukoshi – A Gourmet Treasure Beneath Tokyo’s Oldest Department Store

Nihonbashi Mitsukoshi is not only Japan’s oldest department store but also one of its most elegant. Founded in 1673 as a kimono shop called Echigoya, Mitsukoshi became Japan’s first modern department store in the early 1900s. Today, its flagship store in Nihonbashi remains a symbol of refined taste and tradition. Beneath its grand Art Deco building lies one of Tokyo’s most famous depachika — a basement-level food hall that is truly a paradise for food lovers.

The depachika of Nihonbashi Mitsukoshi represents the heart of Japanese culinary art and hospitality. As you step off the escalator, you are greeted by a world of colors, aromas, and elegant displays. Counters line the floor with an almost museum-like sense of order and beauty. Every dish, dessert, and ingredient is arranged with care, inviting customers to appreciate food not only with their palate but with their eyes.

Here you can find an incredible variety of Japanese and international foods. The sushi counters offer beautifully crafted nigiri made with the freshest seafood. Bento boxes feature perfectly balanced portions of rice, vegetables, and meat, each arranged like a miniature work of art. Nearby, delicatessen-style sections sell croquettes, salads, and fried chicken, ideal for take-out lunches or dinners. The sweet section is equally impressive — from delicate wagashi (traditional Japanese sweets) shaped like flowers to luxurious Western-style cakes and chocolates made by top patisseries from Tokyo, Paris, and beyond.

One of the highlights of Mitsukoshi’s depachika is its emphasis on presentation and packaging. Every item, even a simple rice cracker, is wrapped with exceptional attention to detail. This reflects the Japanese spirit of omotenashi — heartfelt hospitality — and the cultural importance of gift-giving. It is a perfect place to buy omiyage (souvenirs or gifts), whether beautifully wrapped sweets, premium tea, or seasonal specialties like chestnut desserts in autumn and sakura-themed treats in spring.

The depachika also offers a fascinating glimpse into Japan’s seasonal food culture. The selection changes throughout the year, celebrating ingredients like bamboo shoots in spring, eel in summer, and osechi (traditional New Year’s dishes) in winter. During festive periods, such as the New Year or Valentine’s Day, the entire floor transforms into a dazzling display of color and creativity.

What makes the Nihonbashi Mitsukoshi depachika unique is its deep connection to Japanese history. Nihonbashi itself was once the commercial heart of Edo (old Tokyo), and Mitsukoshi’s heritage reflects that spirit. Many long-established Japanese food brands — some with centuries of history — have counters here. You can taste tsukemono (pickles), wagyu beef, or Kyoto-style sweets, all representing regional traditions brought together in one elegant space.

Even if you are not shopping, simply walking through the depachika is an experience worth having. The atmosphere combines the sophistication of an art gallery with the warmth of a neighborhood market. Staff members bow politely, offer samples, and assist with careful wrapping. For many foreign visitors, this encounter reveals Japan’s deep cultural values — precision, respect, and aesthetic harmony — all expressed through food.

After exploring the food hall, visitors can enjoy tea or lunch at one of the restaurants upstairs, or take their selections to the nearby Nihonbashi River for a quiet picnic. Whether you are seeking a high-end culinary souvenir or simply want to experience Japanese everyday luxury, the depachika at Nihonbashi Mitsukoshi is an unforgettable destination.

In this underground world of taste and beauty, every detail — from the shine of a lacquered bento box to the scent of freshly baked bread — reflects the harmony of tradition and modernity that defines Tokyo itself.