Depachika

If you have 2 hours to spare in Tokyo, head straight to a depachika. Short for "depaato-chika shokuhin uriba," which means department store basement food-selling place, Japan's food craze begins (but definitely doesn't end with) depachikas. The noteworthy depachikas in Tokyo include Isetan and Takashimaya department store in Shinjuku, as well as Matsuya Department Store in Ginza; in Osaka, Takashimaya department store.





"So where do I begin?" asked the pupil.

And the master replied, "Follow your GUT instincts..."





As if in search of a spiritual path, I weaved in and out of a labyrinth of temptations from Chinese stirfrys to microbiotic takeaways. The bevy of bentos ranged from no-nonsense classics to seasonal produce tucked snugly within the confines of their compartments. The tempura and yakitori varieties were unlike anything I had ever seen. Confectionary, dessert and pastries paraded in brightest vivid colours and frills. If you cannot find anything that gets your juju goin', you are done for.



Breathe. Just breathe. Wow, those breath control exercises in Yoga class finally came in handy.





Food aside (just for the time being), depachikas effectively capture a snapshot of Japan’s collective spirit towards “putting their best face forward.” The polite attentive service, detail-oriented presentation and obsession with gift-packing, this is a culture that doesn’t just stop at 90-100% of what they are capable of.



Faced with endless supply of food, one could either regard it as a test of willpower or gamely summon the spirit of Kobayashi. Don’t worry for whatever happens in Depachika, stays in Depachika.