Isetan is one of Shinjuku’s many over-the-top department stores– but it’s the lower ground floor depachika, or food hall, which will quickly steal your heart.

Here you will find yourself surrounded with endless options- carefully made nigiri in handcrafted wooden boxes, traditional wagashi dusted with roasted soybean flour, melon pan and freshly baked breads, specialty aged Japanese umeboshi, the finest wines and teas collected from around the world, and pastry cases that are, in themselves, art.

An unforgettable food experience, stop here to buy gifts to take home. Or do as I do- come for the near-closing discount around 7 PM and feast to your heart’s desire.