Daimaru Department Store’s basement food floor is arguably the best food market in the entire city.
Japan’s department stores are famed for their “depachika,” a word formed from the English word “department” (as in “department store”) and the Japanese word “chika,” which means “basement.” Invariably located on the basement floors of larger department stores, a proper depachika is a wonder to behold, and the one at Kyoto’s Daimaru Department store is among the best in the country.
It boasts an astonishing selection of fresh produce, meat, fish, wines, tea, Western pastries, wagashi (Japanese sweets), and some truly delectable prepared foods (great for self-catering). Keep your eyes peeled for the US$100 melons and the US$200 mangoes.
See also more info on the Daimaru Department Store and the 8th floor eating area – the Daimaru Resutoran-gai.
English address:
79 Tachiuri Nishi-machi, Shijo-dori, Takakura Nishi iru, Shimogyo-ku
Japanese address:
下京区四条通高倉西入立売西町79
Opening hours:
10am-8pm
Admission:
Free
Non-smoking area: Yes
Nearest Transport:
1min walk from Shijo Station, Karasuma subway line or Karasuma Station, Hankyu line
Nearest Hotels:
:: Check availability and pricing for hotels near to Daimaru on Booking.com or Agoda.com.
Telephone:
211-8111
Website:
Official website (Japanese)
Customer Reviews:
Read customer reviews of Daimaru on TripAdvisor
More Restaurant Suggestions: See my list of Kyoto’s Best Restaurants for more eating inspiration. The list covers all cuisines and price ranges.
Where Is This Place Located?
See these places on our Kyoto Google map:- Open the Kyoto map
- You will see the list of places on the left hand side. (Click the 3-line icon in the top left corner if not). Scroll down or use the map search (the magnifying glass icon) to find the place you want.
- Click the name of the place in the list. Its location pin will be highlighted on the map.
- Map pins are color coded - BLUE: Hotels | VIOLET: Ryokan | PINK: Places to Eat | YELLOW: Things to See and Do
- If you're using the map on your phone, open the map and then search for the name of the place. The map will then zoom in on its location.
Near To Here:
Daimaru Basement Food Floor is located in Kyoto’s Downtown district. See our complete list of things to do in Downtown Kyoto, including places to eat, nightlife and places to stay.
Kyoto Vacation Checklist
- For all the essentials in a brief overview, see my First Time In Kyoto guide
- Check Kyoto accommodation availability on Booking.com and Agoda.com - often you can book with no upfront payment and free cancellation
- You can buy shinkansen (bullet train) tickets online from Klook - popular routes include Tokyo to Kyoto, Kyoto to Osaka and Kyoto to Tokyo
- Need tips on where to stay? See my one page guide Where To Stay In Kyoto
- See my comprehensive Packing List For Japan
- You can buy an eSim to activate in Japan or buy a data-only SIM card online for collection when you arrive at Tokyo's Narita or Haneda Airports or Kansai International Airport. You can also rent an unlimited data pocket wifi router
- Compare Japan flight prices and timings to find the best deals
- If you're making frequent train journeys during your visit, you might save money with Japan Rail Pass – see if it's worth it for you
- World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while traveling and claim online from anywhere in the world
- Do you want help planning your trip? Chris Rowthorn and his team of Japan experts at Japan Travel Consulting can help