On the basement level of Japanese department stores, you often find what are called “Depachika”.
You can find almost anything at a “Depachika.” While of course having meat, fish, fruit and vegetables, Depachika also have ready-made side dishes, lunch boxes, sweets, and even alcoholic beverages. There is a dazzling array of Japan’s delicious food and drinks as far as you can see. There are also a variety of cuisines available, with Chinese, Italian, French and Korean in addition to Japanese.
Even if the Straw Hat Pirates from One Piece showed up, they wouldn’t be able to eat all the foods at a “Depachika.”
The showcases are all made of transparent glass, giving it a dreamland-like feel.
Most side dishes are sold by the gram, so to order, you just point at the product you want and tell the staff and tell them how many grams you would like. And don’t forget to haggle with the staff, asking for no tomatoes or more meat or things like that. After measuring out the weight, the staff member will tell you the price, you pay, and the purchase is complete.
It might be fun to stop by a “Depachika” to buy some food before watching a sports event, having a picnic, or before heading out on a trip, either as food to eat on the way or once you arrive, or even to hold a party in your hotel with food, drinks and sweets you bought little by little while shopping around.