Nihonbashi Mitsukoshi Main Store Overview
The history of the Nihonbashi Mitsukoshi Honten dates back to 1673. It was founded by Takatoshi Mitsui, a merchant from Ise-Matsusaka, as the kimono store "Echigoya" and moved to its current location in Nihonbashi in 1683. This relocation contributed to the development of Nihonbashi as a commercial center, and Mitsukoshi continued to grow as a symbol of Japanese commercial culture.
In 1904, Mitsukoshi became the first department store in Japan with the "Department Store Declaration. This declaration marked the beginning of a new form of commerce that adopted the style of Western department stores, and the new store was completed in 1914. This made Mitsukoshi a pioneer in the Japanese department store industry.
The current Nihonbashi Mitsukoshi main store building, completed in 1935, has a magnificent Renaissance-style exterior and attracted attention as the second largest building in Japan after the Diet Building and the Marunouchi Building. Yokogawa Corporation designed the building, and its interior incorporates the Art Deco style, creating a luxurious space.
The Nihonbashi Mitsukoshi Honten is just a minute's walk from Mitsukoshimae Station. This accessibility is a major attraction for visitors, and its retro appearance and excellent service are well-liked by many. Visitors can enjoy the beauty of the historic building and go shopping.
Historical Background and Development
The history of Mitsukoshi dates back to 1673 when the kimono store "Echigoya" was founded by Takatoshi Mitsui, a merchant from Ise-Matsusaka. This venerable store, which had been in business since the Edo period, moved to its current location in Nihonbashi in 1683 and established itself as the center of commerce in the area. In the Meiji era (1868-1912), Mitsukoshi declared itself a "department store" and began exploring new forms of department stores. This led to its evolution from a traditional kimono business to a commercial establishment that handled diverse products.
Built in 1914, the Mitsukoshi main store was a reinforced concrete building using the latest technology. However, it was severely damaged in the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923. Although the building frame survived the earthquake, the interior was destroyed by fire, and reconstruction became urgent. Through a series of additions and remodeling, Mitsukoshi regained its grandeur and achieved further growth.
Completed in 1935, the new Mitsukoshi Honten building features a beautiful design based on the Renaissance style. At the time, it became a symbol of Tokyo as the second largest commercial building after the Diet Building and the Marunouchi Building; in 2016, it was designated a National Important Cultural Property, reaffirming its historical value.
Mitsukoshi grew into the large-scale commercial facility it is today through several expansions and renovations in response to changing times; by 1964, its total floor space exceeded 71,000 square meters, making it the largest department store in Japan. This has made Mitsukoshi more than just a place for shopping; it is also a place where people can experience culture and history.
Architectural Style and Design
The Nihonbashi Mitsukoshi Main Store is a magnificent Renaissance-style building designed by renowned architect Tamisuke Yokogawa. It was first constructed in 1914 and rebuilt in 1927 after the Great Kanto Earthquake.
The interior is decorated in the Art Deco style, with the central grand hall attracting visitors with its magnificent five-story atrium. This hall is decorated with ornate marble and offers visitors an overwhelming sense of beauty. With the introduction of the Art Deco style, the Mitsukoshi Main Store has become a space that reflects the cutting-edge design of its era and a place of cultural value that transcends its function as a commercial facility.
The exterior of the Nihonbashi Mitsukoshi Main Store features a stately and ornate design based on the Western classical style. Yokogawa Corporation's consistent design has endeared the building to many people throughout the ages. Although the exterior is somewhat simplified, the building retains its beauty and dignity, leaving a strong impression on visitors.
In 2018, renowned architect Kengo Kuma renewed the building, adding modern elements—the renewal aimed to combine the latest design and functionality while preserving the building's historical value. The new space provides visitors with a more comfortable and engaging experience and is a place where tradition and innovation coexist in the Mitsukoshi flagship store.
Services Offered
The Nihonbashi Mitsukoshi flagship store has a personal shopping desk with a dedicated concierge to assist visitors with their shopping needs. This service makes the shopping experience more personal and unique by offering product suggestions tailored to individual needs. The concierges work across the entire building to find products that meet the customer's requirements and ensure a smooth shopping experience.
The food floor is one of the main attractions of the Nihonbashi Mitsukoshi flagship store, offering various healthy foods and gift items. Here, visitors will find a wide variety of products, from freshly prepared foods and fresh ingredients to Japanese and Western confections that enjoy the seasons and famous confections with a long history. Visitors can choose a special gift while experiencing the joy of food.
The Nihonbashi Mitsukoshi flagship store has a dedicated concierge on each floor to provide services tailored to visitors' needs. This allows them to promptly respond to questions and requests during the shopping experience and help visitors feel comfortable. The concierges enhance the visitor's experience by providing a variety of information, such as how to select products and floor guidance.
On the rooftop is the Nihonbashi Garden, a soothing space where visitors can get in touch with nature. This garden provides a quiet place to relax and forget the hustle and bustle of the city. Surrounded by greenery, it is a precious space where visitors can take a break from shopping and refresh themselves both physically and mentally.
Shopping Experience
The Nihonbashi Mitsukoshi department store is known for offering visitors a diverse range of shopping experiences. The beautiful Renaissance-style building has a historical background and was formerly known as Echigoya, a kimono store in the Edo period. This long-established department store offers an exceptional experience for visitors by developing services that meet today's needs.
The Nihonbashi Mitsukoshi main store offers complete services tailored to individual needs, such as personal color and skeletal style diagnoses. A specialized concierge provides these services and helps visitors find the style that best suits them. In particular, diagnosis using digital data allows for more accurate suggestions.
Visitors can also enjoy a meal on the food floor, which features a variety of Japanese, Western, and Chinese restaurants and eat-in spaces. Here, visitors can refresh themselves between shopping trips by sampling locally sourced food and delicious dishes from around the world.
Specialist concierges are available to help visitors select unique gifts and souvenirs. They suggest the best items based on the gift's purpose and the recipient's preferences, providing an environment where visitors can feel comfortable in their choice. This kind of service is very reassuring in helping you choose the right gift for a special moment.
Value as a cultural asset
The Nihonbashi Mitsukoshi Main Store was designated a National Important Cultural Property in 2016, highly valued for its historical value and beautiful architectural style. This designation was an important step in establishing the building's status as a cultural icon beyond its role as a department store. With its stately exterior and prestigious interior spaces, the main Mitsukoshi store continues to impress visitors deeply.
The architecture of the Nihonbashi Mitsukoshi Main Store is particularly appreciated as a symbol of the development of department store architecture in Japan. The current building, completed in 1935 in the Renaissance style, was one of Japan's most significant commercial buildings at the time, second only to the Diet Building and the Marunouchi Building.
The Nihonbashi Mitsukoshi Main Store was designed by renowned architect Tamisuke Yokogawa, and the Yokogawa Works he presided over was consistently responsible for its design. This engineering firm's design is based on the Western classical style but incorporates modern elements throughout, giving the exterior a simple yet refined beauty.
The interior spaces are designed in the fine Art Deco style, with the Mitsukoshi Hall and the Central Grand Hall attracting visitors with their beauty. These spaces are glamorously decorated with columns and floors of marble of different provenances, creating a prestigious atmosphere. The interior of the main Mitsukoshi store is more than just a commercial space; it is a place that offers a cultural experience.
Recommendations for Visitors
The Nihonbashi Mitsukoshi Main Store has a dedicated concierge on each floor who provides services tailored to visitors' needs. This makes the shopping experience more personalized and allows visitors to easily find products and services that match their preferences. From product selection to special requests, the concierge provides hospitality across the entire building to create a special experience for visitors.
The Nihonbashi Mitsukoshi main store is more than just a place to shop; it is also a place to enjoy a cultural experience. Art exhibits and special events are regularly held in the museum, allowing visitors to experience traditional Japanese culture and contemporary art. Various workshops and seminars are also offered, providing a valuable experience where visitors can learn new knowledge and skills.
Access Information
Access to the Nihonbashi Mitsukoshi Main Store is very convenient. The nearest station is "Mitsukoshimae Station" on the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line and Hanzomon Line, which is only a one-minute walk from the station. It is also only a 7-minute walk from "Shin-Nihonbashi Station" on the JR line. Thus, the area is easily accessible from major transportation systems, making it an easy spot for tourists to visit.
Access from Tokyo Station is also very convenient. It takes only 10 minutes on foot from the Nihonbashi exit to arrive at the Mitsukoshi flagship store. Visitors can also use the "Free Touring Bus" from Tokyo Station, an invaluable service, especially for tourists. This bus departs from the Tokyo Station Yaesu Exit bus stop and provides comfortable transportation to the main Mitsukoshi store.
For those who prefer to visit by car, the Mitsukoshi Honten parking lot is convenient. It is available from 10:00 a.m. until 15 minutes before closing time on weekdays and from 9:30 a.m. until 15 minutes before closing time on weekends and holidays. The set parking hours allow you to plan your visit and enjoy shopping and sightseeing to the fullest.
Nearby Sightseeing Spots
The Bank of Japan Institute for Monetary and Economic Studies Currency Museum is within walking distance of the leading Mitsukoshi Department Store in Nihonbashi and is attractive to visitors. The museum displays coins from ancient to modern Japan, offering visitors a rare opportunity to see actual items, especially Wadokaichin and large and small oval coins. Admission to the museum is free, but visitors should be aware that luggage inspections will be conducted upon entry.
The Mitsui Memorial Museum of Art, located just minutes from the leading Mitsukoshi Department Store in Nihonbashi, is a cultural destination worth visiting. The museum displays valuable art and artifacts collected by the Mitsui family and is a place to be noticed, especially if you are interested in traditional Japanese art. In the museum's quiet atmosphere, visitors can take their time to appreciate the historical artworks.
COREDO Muromachi is a shopping and dining complex near Nihonbashi's leading Mitsukoshi Department Store. Here, various stores and restaurants are clustered, making it a popular spot for tourists and locals. In particular, many restaurants are offering Japanese and Western cuisine, making it a very convenient place for visitors to enjoy shopping while dining.
Official Site (English)→Mitsukoshi Department Store in Nihonbashi
