Sendai

Popular Department Stores in Sendai

1. Sendai PARCO

   • Location: Directly connected to JR Sendai Station.
   • Goods Offered: Fashion (local and international brands), cosmetics, accessories, electronics, and lifestyle goods.
   • Dining Options: The upper floors feature a variety of restaurants, including Japanese, Western, and Asian cuisines. There’s also a food court with casual dining options.
   • Entertainment: PARCO often hosts pop-up shops, seasonal events, and art exhibitions.
   • Price Range: Mid-range to high-end, depending on the brand.

2. S-PAL Sendai

   • Location: Integrated with JR Sendai Station.
   • Goods Offered: A mix of trendy fashion, cosmetics, souvenirs, and specialty foods. The basement level (depachika) is famous for its gourmet food and sweets.
   • Dining Options: Multiple restaurants and cafes, including local Sendai specialties like gyutan (grilled beef tongue).
   • Price Range: Affordable to mid-range.
   • Local Tip: The depachika is a great place to pick up omiyage (souvenirs) like Sendai’s famous zunda mochi (sweet soybean paste rice cakes).

3. Mitsukoshi Sendai

   • Location: A short walk from Sendai Station, in the Ichibancho shopping district.
   • Goods Offered: Luxury brands, high-end fashion, jewelry, cosmetics, and traditional Japanese crafts.
   • Dining Options: The top floor has a selection of fine dining restaurants, while the basement food hall offers premium groceries, desserts, and bento boxes.
   • Price Range: High-end.
   • Cultural Tip: Mitsukoshi is one of Japan’s oldest department store chains, known for its impeccable service and elegant atmosphere.

4. Fujisaki Department Store

   • Location: In the heart of the Ichibancho shopping district.
   • Goods Offered: A mix of traditional and modern goods, including clothing, homeware, and local crafts. It’s also known for its selection of kimono and traditional Japanese items.
   • Dining Options: Restaurants and cafes offering both Japanese and Western cuisine.
   • Price Range: Mid-range to high-end.
   • Local Tip: Fujisaki has a more traditional feel compared to other department stores, making it a great place to explore Japanese culture.

5. EBeanS

   • Location: Near Sendai Station.
   • Goods Offered: Youth-oriented fashion, anime merchandise, books, and hobby-related items.
   • Dining Options: Casual cafes and snack shops.
   • Entertainment: A popular spot for anime and pop culture enthusiasts, with frequent events and exhibitions.
   • Price Range: Affordable to mid-range.

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Tax-Free Shopping Procedures for Tourists

Japan offers tax-free shopping for foreign tourists, allowing you to save on the 10% consumption tax. Here’s how to take advantage of this in Sendai’s department stores:

1. Eligibility:

   • You must be a non-resident tourist staying in Japan for less than 6 months.
   • You need to present your passport (with the entry stamp) at the time of purchase.

2. Minimum Purchase Requirements:

   • General goods: A total purchase of at least 5,000 yen (excluding tax) in one store on the same day.
   • Consumables (e.g., food, cosmetics): Between 5,000 yen and 500,000 yen (excluding tax) in one store on the same day.

3. Procedure:

   • Look for stores with a "Tax-Free" sign (most major department stores in Sendai offer this service).
   • After selecting your items, inform the cashier that you want to make a tax-free purchase.
   • Show your passport at the tax-free counter or cashier. The staff will attach a receipt to your passport, which you must keep until you leave Japan.
   • Note: Consumables must remain unopened until you leave Japan.

4. Payment:

   • Tax-free purchases can be made with cash or credit cards. Visa, Mastercard, and JCB are widely accepted.

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Cultural and Local Tips for Shopping in Sendai

1. Customer Service:

   • Japanese department stores are known for their exceptional customer service. Staff will often bow and thank you multiple times during your visit. It’s polite to reciprocate with a slight bow or a smile.
   • If you need assistance, don’t hesitate to ask. Many staff members in major stores speak basic English or will use translation devices.

2. Gift-Wrapping:

   • Gift-wrapping is often complimentary and beautifully done. If you’re buying souvenirs or gifts, let the staff know, and they’ll wrap your items with care.

3. Depachika Culture:

   • The basement food halls (depachika) in department stores like Mitsukoshi and S-PAL are a must-visit. You can sample high-quality Japanese sweets, fresh sushi, and other delicacies. It’s a great way to experience Japanese culinary culture.

4. Seasonal Sales:

   • Department stores in Japan have major sales in January (New Year’s sales) and July (summer sales). Look out for "fukubukuro" (lucky bags) during New Year’s, where you can buy a mystery bag of goods at a discounted price.

5. Local Specialties:

   • Sendai is famous for gyutan (grilled beef tongue), zunda mochi, and sasakamaboko (fish cakes). Many department stores sell these as souvenirs or offer them in their restaurants.

6. Eco-Friendly Shopping:

   • Japan is moving towards reducing plastic waste. Bring your own shopping bag or be prepared to pay a small fee for plastic bags.

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Conclusion

Sendai’s department stores offer a perfect blend of shopping, dining, and cultural experiences. Whether you’re looking for luxury goods, trendy fashion, or local specialties, you’ll find something to suit your taste and budget. Don’t forget to take advantage of tax-free shopping and explore the depachika for a taste of Sendai’s culinary delights. Enjoy your shopping adventure in Sendai!