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hanshin department store, Japan, Japanese, japanese department store, japanese food, Osaka, Photography, travel
Every day while I was in Japan, I went from one amazing place to another amazing place. Whether it was a shrine, temple, castle, park or in this case a department store.
My first experience with the Japanese department stores was in Tokyo. After a long day out exploring we were happy to have a snack in our hotel room rather than go out to dinner. This is when we discovered the food hall in the department store close by to our hotel. We bought some amazing freshly prepared meals to take away. The selection is vast and the food is interesting and so beautifully prepared and presented. It would be quite easy to buy these meals on a regular basis and in fact I would not be surprised if this is a regular way of eating in Japan. These meals are unlike the prepared packaged meals that we can buy here in Australia.
As we travelled through Japan we realised that these fabulous food halls in the department stores are in all the big cities.
While we were staying in Osaka we went to the underground to the Osaka Train station many times. The elevator in our hotel went directly down to the underground making it ever so easy. There were hundreds of shops and restaurants in this area and this is where I discovered Hanshin Department Store.
Hanshin Department Store is best known for the incredible variety of food and drink available in the basement food hall.
I thoroughly enjoyed walking around enjoying the colour and bustle and nibbling or sipping the free samples. Viewing all the Japanese sweets, pickled vegetables, assorted tea varieties, and beautifully packaged bento box lunches gave me a short education in Japanese cuisine. There are also bakeries selling delicate cakes and pastries and popular snack stores selling rice crackers with various savoury flavours. Particularly well-known are the “ikayaki” squid pancakes, an Osaka specialty something like a crepe.
This entire floor offers delectable delights including coffees, teas, pastries, candies, chocolates, pickles, sushi and world class, flawlessly perfect, fresh fruit and even smoothies. And, so much more.
In the drinks section I found a range of local sake rice wine, shochuspirits, Western style wines and spirits, and a pretty good selection of regional craft beers.
Here in this food hall you will find a wide variety of food and drink, all of which is impeccably packaged and displayed. This is where I purchased several of my gifts to take back to Australia including some pretty amazing coffee.
Of course there are many other departments in this wonderful store but it was the colourful, interesting and exciting food hall that won my attention.
The Japanese understand quality and this store is no exception, it is upscale, impeccably clean and well staffed. Nobody speaks English and that isn’t a problem at all. Courteous service is the rule.
Beatiful. The Japanese honor their food in preparation and before eating. They always arrange beautiful. The park their cars respectfully and reverse into parking space. Almost all people quietly go about their business in orderly fashion. I remain mesmerized by these Spirit filled people. They are in my heart. I walk around Izumi Osaka hugging whomever will recieve. Sorry to get off the beauty of department store. Every store is similar with exceptional customer service, kindness & hospitality, second to none.
Thanks Tony. I am also in awe of the Japanese people, customs, food and most of all their standards and graciousness. Lyn
What an amazing display of all departments…mouthwatering temptations! Fabulous to have all this in one department store
Yes Mary it was such a treat and a really fun morning. Thanks Lyn
How fabulous! Another blogger recently recommended the same store and now I’ve seen your photos (and read your blog) I understand why.
Thanks Sheree. I think just about everything in Japan is fabulous. The do it all with so much pride. Lyn
Thetes something oddly fun about exploring other countries’ supermarkets 😀
I agree. A trip to the supermarket wherever in the world I am is a must. I particularly liked the Japanese supermarkets. Thanks Lyn
So many things to see and select what to buy! Good experience!
You would love it Linda. Their supermarkets are awesome
Looks like you had a fabulous experience. It is my kind of department store with food and wine. 🥂🍾. Than you for a lovely interesting blog. 💜 As always. 💟
Yes Leah I know that you would really appreciate it. Thanks Lyn 💜💖
I love the Asian stores! Such variety. Such color!
So much pride and love put in to everything they do. Thanks Nancy. Lyn
I do love those basement food hall levels of department stores. Such an array of food available. Delicious. :)
Me too. It is an outing in itself. Thanks Lyn
Your first sentence sums it up perfectly. Everything in Japan is mind blowing!
You really need to experience it to get it. I was constantly impressed. Thanks. Lyn
It seems like you really enjoyed your trip. :)
You are right. Every minute of it. Thanks Lyn
That’s just wonderful how you can get such high quality prepared food in department stores. Is it expensive?
I agree. No not expensive at all. Probably more than cooking it yourself but certainly far less than restaurant food. And, it was really good. Fresh, healthy and delicious. Thanks Lyn
When we were in Japan we saw little round ball things packaged in a whole lot of plastic in shops and markets that could have been anything from raw seafood to sweets. Couldn’t tell by the package and all the writing on them was of course in Japanese. They had lots of other heavily plastic packaged food as well that was more obvious what it was, but they definitely used way too much plastic in a lot of their packaging in some of the convenience stores, gift shops, and markets. The place you found looks much better.
Interesting. I can only remember seeing exquisitely packaged products. I sampled lots of them and none of what I bought was wrapped in a lot of plastic. Thanks Lyn
Totally yummy. The coffee was superb. I agree – the packaging is gorgeous and makes the contents inside seem even better!
Thanks Kay. I am so pleased that you enjoyed the coffee.
You’re on a winner here. Looks enticing. xxgg
Yes Gail. A winner in every way xx
The food looks exquisite – and the displays even more so! I didn’t realize this was a common practice in Japan. Thanks for sharing this experience. :)
Yes it really does and always. It is a very proud nation. Thanks Lyn
That place looks amazing!
It is fantastic . Thanks Kiersten. Lyn
Lovely….happy you got it out. There is loads to learn.
There sure are. Thanks Lyn