Takashimaya

The unofficial symbol of the upper-crust Ginza and Nihonbashi shopping districts, Takashimaya is the storied embodiment of Japan’s Bubble Economy excess. The Nihonbashi flagship location still employs the white-gloved elevator assistants that characterise the department store’s devotion to customer service. All manner of goods are available here, from wedding dresses to kimono and artisan tableware. The famed depachika (basement food market) specialises in decadent foodstuffs and, of course, loads of free samples.