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Namba Parks, Osaka Osaka

Department Stores

Namba Parks, Osaka

The Namba Parks (link in Japanese) complex is an amazingly designed mixed-use space in the Namba district in Osaka. Designed by an American architect and open since 2003, the color and geometry resemble the walls of a canyon. Strolling up and down the terraced rooftop gardens, there is a dramatic sense of scale and movement accentuated by waterfalls and hanging greenery. The retail stores are diverse and abundant, but the overall shopping experience is dominated by the awe-inspiring architecture and unusual design. You've got direct access to Namba Parks from Nankai Line Namba Station. The shops are open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

By Peter Lin

Takashimaya Department Store Kyoto

Department Stores

Takashimaya Department Store

Takashimaya is a repository of traditional and modern Kyoto art and design. Bringing luxury to your home and everyday life, it is a living museum and emporium of Kyoto culture and fashion. There are English interpreters available.

By Bonson Lam

Iyotetsu Takashimaya Department Store Ehime

Department Stores

Iyotetsu Takashimaya Department Store

There are two prestigious department stores in Matsuyama, Iyotetsu Takashimaya and Mitsukoshi, within easy walking distance of each other. The Iyotetsu Takashimaya building is actually the terminus for the Iyo Railway Co., (Iyotetsu), the first railway in Shikoku and was also the third private railway in Japan. This follows the Japanese tradition of major railway lines that would build department stores at the terminus of the lines, so that they could literally feed warm bodies into the maw of Mammon from all directions with their steel conveyor belts.

By Rod Walters

Muji Design Store Kyoto Kyoto

Department Stores

Muji Design Store Kyoto

Founded in 1980 by the Seiyu Group, Muji (short for Mujirushi Ryōhin), eschewed the glitz of that time, and instead led the way in natural, minimalist designs

By Bonson Lam

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