The department store shopping experience is the epitome of Japanese service. Inside these spacious emporiums the number of staff sometimes rivals the number of customers. With their polite bows, chants of irrashimase (welcome), and strong focus on customer service, a visit can be a rather regal experience. Stores like Mitsukoshi and Takashimaya have grown from humble beginnings and expanded beyond Japan. Many of these chains are owned by railway groups and have prominent locations near major stations. There are also a number of department stores – like Loft and O1CITY – that target trendy kids in hip fashion districts.

More traditional department stores all tend to follow the same formula: a supermarket in the basement, and several floors of clothing, furniture, kitchenware, toys, sporting goods, and restaurants at the top. Places like O1O1 however, have a number of different stores under the company umbrella. All these department stores have baby-changing facilities.