Global Major Cities Guide

Large retail establishments offering a wide range of products, from clothing and cosmetics to household items, with excellent customer service.

Sections

Popular Department Stores in Yokohama

SOGO Yokohama
- Location: Directly connected to Yokohama Station (East Exit).
- Categories:
  - Fashion: High-end brands (Gucci, Prada) and mid-range Japanese and international labels.
  - Electronics: A small selection of gadgets and home appliances.
  - Food: The basement food hall (depachika) is a must-visit for gourmet foods, fresh produce, and beautifully packaged sweets.
  - Home Goods: Kitchenware, bedding, and interior decor.
- Price Range: Mid to high-end.
- Unique Features:
  - The depachika is a cultural highlight, offering a wide variety of Japanese and international delicacies.
  - Art galleries and event spaces on the upper floors often host exhibitions.
- Nearby Attractions: Yokohama Bay Quarter (a stylish shopping and dining complex) and Minato Mirai area.
Takashimaya Yokohama
- Location: West Exit of Yokohama Station.
- Categories:
  - Fashion: Luxury brands (Louis Vuitton, Chanel) and Japanese designers.
  - Beauty: High-end cosmetics and skincare brands.
  - Food: A large depachika with premium Japanese sweets, bento boxes, and international cuisine.
  - Kids: A dedicated floor for children’s clothing, toys, and baby products.
- Price Range: Mid to high-end.
- Unique Features:
  - Seasonal events and pop-up shops featuring local artisans and international brands.
  - Tax-free shopping for tourists (bring your passport).
- Nearby Attractions: Yokohama Station area, with easy access to other shopping complexes like JOINUS and Lumine.
Yokohama Landmark Plaza
- Location: Minato Mirai area, near Landmark Tower.
- Categories:
  - Fashion: Trendy Japanese and international brands.
  - Electronics: Specialty stores for gadgets and accessories.
  - Food: Upscale restaurants and cafes, as well as a small food hall.
  - Lifestyle: Bookstores, stationery, and home goods.
- Price Range: Mid-range.
- Unique Features:
  - Connected to the Landmark Tower, which has an observation deck offering stunning views of Yokohama.
  - Family-friendly atmosphere with entertainment options like Pokémon Center Yokohama.
- Nearby Attractions: Cosmo World amusement park, Cup Noodles Museum, and Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse.
Queen’s Square Yokohama
- Location: Minato Mirai area, connected to Minato Mirai Station.
- Categories:
  - Fashion: Casual and contemporary brands.
  - Food: A variety of restaurants and cafes, plus a small food court.
  - Lifestyle: Specialty stores for home goods, books, and gifts.
- Price Range: Mid-range.
- Unique Features:
  - A more relaxed shopping experience compared to larger department stores.
  - Live music and events are often held in the central atrium.
- Nearby Attractions: Yokohama Museum of Art, Pacifico Yokohama convention center.
Isetan (Located in JOINUS Yokohama)
- Location: Inside JOINUS shopping mall, West Exit of Yokohama Station.
- Categories:
  - Fashion: A mix of affordable and premium brands.
  - Food: A smaller but high-quality depachika.
  - Beauty: Popular Japanese and international cosmetics.
- Price Range: Mid-range.
- Unique Features:
  - JOINUS itself is a sprawling shopping complex with a wide variety of stores and restaurants.
- Nearby Attractions: Yokohama Station area, with easy access to other department stores and shopping streets.

Shopping Procedures and Tips

Tax-Free Shopping:
- Many department stores offer tax-free shopping for tourists. Look for the "Tax-Free" signs and bring your passport.
- Tax-free counters are usually located on specific floors or near the customer service area.
Payment Methods:
- Credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, JCB) are widely accepted.
- Cash is still commonly used, especially for smaller purchases. ATMs that accept international cards are available in most department stores.
Gift Wrapping:
- Japanese department stores are known for their exquisite gift-wrapping services, often free of charge. If you’re buying gifts, don’t hesitate to ask for wrapping.
Language Assistance:
- Many department stores have English-speaking staff or translation services at the customer service desk.
- Signs and directories are often available in English, Chinese, and Korean.
Seasonal Sales:
- Major sales occur in January (New Year’s sales) and July-August (summer sales). Look for "fukubukuro" (lucky bags) during New Year’s sales for great deals.
Cultural Etiquette:
- Be polite and patient when interacting with staff. Bowing is a common gesture of respect.
- Avoid eating or drinking while walking through the store.

Nearby Attractions and Points of Interest

Minato Mirai Area:
- A picturesque waterfront district with attractions like the Yokohama Cosmo World amusement park, the Cup Noodles Museum, and the Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse (a historic building with shops and cafes).
Chinatown:
- One of the largest Chinatowns in the world, located a short train ride from Yokohama Station. It’s a great place to explore after shopping, with vibrant streets and delicious food.
Yamashita Park:
- A scenic park along the waterfront, perfect for a relaxing stroll after a day of shopping.
Shin-Yokohama Ramen Museum:
- A unique museum dedicated to ramen, featuring a retro-style food court with ramen shops from across Japan.

Planning Your Shopping Experience

Morning: Start at SOGO or Takashimaya near Yokohama Station for high-end shopping and a visit to the depachika for lunch.
Afternoon: Head to Minato Mirai for a more relaxed shopping experience at Landmark Plaza or Queen’s Square. Take a break at the Landmark Tower observation deck.
Evening: Explore nearby attractions like the Red Brick Warehouse or Chinatown for dinner and cultural experiences.

By combining shopping with nearby attractions, you can enjoy a well-rounded day in Yokohama. Whether you’re looking for luxury goods, unique Japanese products, or delicious food, Yokohama’s department stores have something for everyone!