🤖 Quick Guide: Shinjuku Takashimaya at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
| Best For | One-stop shopping, luxury dining, and authentic food souvenirs. |
| Tax-Free Counter | 2nd Floor (2F). ⚠️ Closes at 20:00. |
| Food Hall (Depachika) | B1 Floor. Famous for wine, fresh fruit, and traditional sweets. |
| Electronics | 11th Floor (Nojima). Sells Apple products, beauty devices, etc. |
| Best Dining | 12F-14F. Highlights include Kuroge Wagyu and Matcha desserts. |
| Access | 2 min walk from JR Shinjuku Station (New South Gate). |
⚠️ CRITICAL WARNING: Tax-Free Rules
Do not go to the top floor for tax refunds!
Unlike many other department stores, the Tax-Free Counter at Shinjuku Takashimaya is located on the 2nd Floor (2F).
Strict Time Limit:
- The counter closes at 20:00 (8:00 PM) sharp.
- Even if the restaurants upstairs are open late, the tax refund desk will close. Please ensure you finish all your shopping and reach the 2nd floor before 19:30 to avoid the closing rush.
🍱 B1 Floor: The “Depachika” Food Hall Guide
The basement floor (B1) is a treasure trove for gourmets.
1. For Wine Connoisseurs: Leroy (ルロワ)
- What it is: A premium wine shop offering a VIP purchasing experience with professional sommeliers.
- Best For: Finding rare, high-value red wines.
2. For Affordable Souvenirs: Tomizawa Shouten (富澤商店)
- Best Buy: Japanese tea, traditional snacks, and baking ingredients.
- Price Range: Very affordable (200 JPY – 2,000 JPY).
- Verdict: The best spot to buy bulk “Omiyage” (gifts) that taste expensive but cost little.
3. For Traditional Gifts: Kayanoya (茅乃舎)
- Specialty: Traditional Japanese Dashi (soup stock) and seasonings.
- Style: Sophisticated Showa-era packaging.
4. For Fresh Flavors: The Fruit Market
- Highlight: Premium Japanese fruits (strawberries, melons) that are locally grown and rarely exported.
🛍️ Fashion & Lifestyle Floors (3F – 5F)
- 3F (Luxury): International high-end brands (Hermes, Chanel, Gucci).
- 4F (Accessories): Jewelry and watches.
- 5F (Fashion & Travel):
- Shops: Season Style Lab, AMACA.
- Facility: Designated Smoking Room.
📱 11F: Electronics (Nojima)
If you are looking for gadgets, head to the 11th floor.
- Nojima: A massive electronics store selling Apple products, beauty appliances, and cameras.
- Note: After buying here, remember to take your receipts down to the 2nd Floor for the tax refund!
🍽️ 12F – 14F: Best Restaurants
The “Restaurants Park” offers amazing views and food.
1. Koshizuka (黒毛和牛 腰塚) – 12F
- Cuisine: Kuroge Wagyu Steak & Hamburg.
- Review: Known for incredibly juicy meat that melts in your mouth.
2. Kyo Hayashiya (京はやしや) – 12F
- Cuisine: Traditional Japanese Tea House.
- Review: Famous for Matcha Parfaits—a perfect break after shopping.
❓ FAQ: Visiting Shinjuku Takashimaya
Q: Where is the Tax-Free Counter in Shinjuku Takashimaya?
A: It is located on the 2nd Floor (2F). Be careful, as many guidebooks incorrectly list it on higher floors.
Q: What time does the tax refund counter close?
A: It closes strictly at 20:00 (8:00 PM).
Q: Can I buy an iPhone at Shinjuku Takashimaya?
A: Yes, at the Nojima electronics store on the 11th floor.
