Hayashi Department Store
Hayashi Department Store
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Historic Sites • Architectural Buildings • Department Stores
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The Department Store That Inaugurated An Age of Fashion in the 1930s--Hayashi Department Store On December 5th, 1932, Hayashi Department Store opened and thus a modern age of Taiwanese culture began. The decade of 1930s was the start point of modern civilization in Taiwan. As the electric lamps, telephone, and water supply lines popularized, symbols of civilization such like the airplane and motor vehicles flooded into Taiwan. The cafés were becoming the fad of the day, as well as pop culture, movies, phonographs and jazz music. People´s mentality was opening up, and freewill dating was taking over arranged marriages, while dresses was replacing kimonos and Westernized education was popularizing. This was Taiwan in the 1930s. In 1932, Columbia Records Company released the eponymous theme song for a movie in Taiwanese "Peach Blossom Weeps Tears of Blood". In 1933, Teng Yu-hsien's popular song "Viva Tonal: The Dancing Age" helped to launch the first pop music singer Sun-sun (born Lau Tsing-hiong or Lau Chheng-hoing,1914-43) in Taiwan. In the same year Teng wrote and published three classic Taiwanese songs "Bang Chhun-Hong(Looking for the Spring Breeze)", "U ia hue(Flower in the Rainy Night)"and "Guat-ia Tshiu(Sadness in a Moony Night)". As the Pacific War broke out, the final waltz in the Dancing Age of Taiwanwas played. And so the Hayashi Department Store ended its brief yet splendid rendezvous with Tainan. 【The Founder of Hayashi Department Store: Hayashi Houichi】 Hayashi Department Store (ハヤシ百貨) was known to the Tainan people as "The Five-Stories-House"(Gō͘-chàn-lâu-á). It was founded by Japanese businessman Hayashi Houichi. Born in a village in the mountains of Yamaguchi Prefecture in Japan on February 6th, 1883, Hayashi lost his parent in his childhood, and was raised by his uncle and aunt. After their death, he grew up on his own means with his brothers and sisters. In 1902, at the tender age of 19, he left the village and entered the Sanyou Railway Company, and left the company 6 years later to start his own delivery company. Still at a tender age, Hayashi wrapped up his company in April, 1912 and came to Tainan the same year to try his luck. Fortunately, he found a mentor in Baba Tokujirou, the owner of Nichikichi Gofukuya, a traditional attire shop, who gave Hayashi a job as bookkeeper in the shop. Hayashi learned about the market, and with his vision and ability, he opened a little shop in Baba's residence, located at Oomiyachou Icchoume Nibannchi (Now the street corner across Quanmei Cinema). Two other shops followed and Hayashi made his first fortune. Investing in four other companies, Hayashi eventually accumulated enough capital to found Hayashi Department Store. The Department Store formally opened on December 5th., 1932, just days after the first department store in Taiwan, Kikumoto Department Store, also known as The Seventh Heaven, opened in Taipei City. Thus Hayashi Department Store became the second large department store in Taiwan, as well as the largest department store in southern Taiwan. Unfortunately, Hayashi himself fell ill days before, and passed away in Taipei on December 10th, 1932. Early January in 2013, Hayashi's second daughter-in-law, Hayashi Chieko and her family came from Japan to visit the Hayashi Department Store. This was the first time a Hayashi family's member entered the building after 80 years. Pale and Lackluster Years After WWII (1945~2013) After the WWII ended in the Pacific in 1945, Hayashi Department Store, damaged by air raids during the war, was transformed into offices by Taiwan Salt Factory and the "Salt Police". The top floor was used for anti-aircraft warfare. In 1977, the Salt Police was transformed into the Third Special Police Corps, and the building was mostly occupied by Taiwan Salt Company, which eventually moved its office to the current Jiankang Road site. Only until 1998 Hayashi Department Store was classified as a Municipal Heritage Site, and the ownership was transferred to the Tainan City Government. Restoration was completed in 2013. A Newborn Sprout in the Spring (2013) After the restoration was completed in 2013, the Cultural Affairs Bureau of Tainan City Government launched a bid for outsourcing of the management right and after an open bidding selection, Focus (Koche Development Company) won the bid. After 81 years, Hayashi Department Store will welcome a renaissance as Tainan Cultural Creative Department Store, becoming a window towards a New Modern Age in Tainan, and telling new stories of a newborn sprout of spring. So the New Life Movement has begun in Tainan.
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The area
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Neighborhood: West Central District/ North District
The West Central District is the most populous and the busiest area. A lot of shops and hotels crowd the district, and the long-standing history results in a variety of street food. In addition to that, this district also has the highest number of temples. This is how it got the name “Tainan’s Pantheon.” Historic buildings are literally ubiquitous. For example, Hayashi Department Store, National Museum of Taiwan Literature, Confucius Temple, Chihkan Tower (formerly Fort Provintia), Sacrificial Rites Martial Temple, Tainan Grand Mazu (name of a goddess) Temple, etc. Recently, the tourism in Tainan has laid emphasis on alleys and lanes. Examples include Fujhong Street specialising in creative handicrafts, as-you-stroll desserts on Jhengsing Street, Shennong Street lined with hundred-year-old ancient houses, Sinyi Street on which the old city gate stands, Sinmei Street where old and new cultures fuse together, and Guohua Street and Baoan Raod famous for all the savoury food. All the traditional and delicious food and flavours are about to burst in your mouth.
The North District, on the other hand, is a quiet secret hideaway. Lane 321 on Gongyuan Road used to be a Japanese soldiers’ dormitory. Now a few artists have set up their studios here. There are diversified art styles in each old Japanese-style house. The Garden Night Market on Haian Road is one of the famous night markets in both Tainan and Taiwan, and was the top 12 Facebook check-in location worldwide in 2013.
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Restaurants
2,132 within 3 miles
Attractions
201 within 6 miles
See what travelers are saying
- jenkle89Hendaye, France408 contributionsHayashi Department StoreWe spent a good few hours one evening exploring this Japanese Style Departement building. Lots of high quality Taiwanese products (food, clothing, souvenirs etc, etc). There is a small shrine and observatory on the top floor, you can even see damage caused to the building in WW2 from this floor. The history of this building is well explained (in English too) in a mini exhibition inside.Visited February 2020Traveled as a coupleWritten February 6, 2020
- HengSingapore, Singapore3,736 contributionsBeautifully conserved interiorTraditional building converted into a shopping center. What I like most about the interior is that they mixed in some antique amongst the things for sale. This and the antique lift really makes one feel like they are transported back a century. There’s a Japanese shrine on top.Visited June 2023Traveled with familyWritten July 20, 2023
- LeslierxLebanon, Ohio232 contributionsElegant!Loved this multi-level department store that is also a historical building. We shopped each floor. Top of the building outdoors has a nice view, chairs and coffee spot as well as gift shop.Visited March 2020Traveled as a coupleWritten March 9, 2020
- Reinder BTerschelling, The Netherlands154 contributionsNot that specialLots off staff working here, goods on sale mainly souvenirs. In all books they mention about WOII damages, but that’s hardly more than a scratch, so not really worth mentioning. Building itself is quite nice to see.Visited December 2020Traveled soloWritten December 4, 2020
- bebe93942017Hong Kong, China226 contributionsShouldn't miss spot in TainanThe department store is in a six storeys historical building. They keep the vintage interior decoration on the ground floor. On the rooftop there is a nice Japanese style courtyard. You can also try some local snacks there. You can find a lot of wonderful and interesting Taiwan goods on each floor. A must go in Tainan.Visited January 2020Written February 9, 2020
- ntguyBrossard, Canada764 contributionsReminescence of old timesBeautiful department store build during the 30s by a Japanese family offering beautiful new and old style clothing and everyday use japanese items. The management succeed well in maintaininging the charm and ambience of the period through clever uses of lighting. You can go to the top floor to admire the small open floor complete with memorabilia articles then go down each floor and stroll along alleys between nice merchandise.Visited November 2019Traveled as a coupleWritten November 7, 2019
- mkong2016Shenzhen, China236 contributionsMore than a department storeAfter visiting there, I know why everyone would come to this department store at least one time while staying in Tainan! For me, this is more than a department store, in fact, it is a museum indeed. I am glad to see this building with very well maintenance. Which floor do I like the most ? I would choose the fourth floor. It is because it looks like a designer market and I could find lots of interesting items in this floor! I also learned one thing as it was the first department store in Taiwan. No wonder why I could see many tourists there!Visited January 2018Traveled with friendsWritten January 26, 2018
- Alex PangBelait District, Brunei Darussalam54 contributionsA feeling of the old daysA step into the past. You get to see some old structure and a Shinto shrine at the top floor. Good atmosphere, although personally have no purchasing urge ;-)Visited December 2017Traveled with friendsWritten December 26, 2017
- Yang Yang CZwolle, The Netherlands156 contributionsGoing back in timeWhat a difference this department store is compared to the ones i am used to. Nice stuff in beautiful setting. Loved to watch the sunset from the rooftop.Visited November 2017Traveled soloWritten November 21, 2017
- Veire23Singapore, Singapore28 contributionsNice historic place to visit at nightLovely night view of Tainan City from the rooftop. Well refurbished historic building with quite a nice food and drinks area on the 5th floor. I visited during nonpeak season so it was relatively quiet and I got through the place in 40minutes. First floor had a mix of local Taiwanese gift snacks and tea for tourists looking to buy something home; Those looking for more 文青 stuff would head to 2-4 floor, although those more familiar with local Taiwanese (small items) designers would have probably seen similar items in Taipei. For items more specific to Hayashi, head to the 4th floor, and the souvenir shop at the rooftop level. Hayashi also has its own cafe on the 4th floor which also sells its merchandise on the side comprising of really cute and different cat characters in iron patches, cloth badges/magnets/wrap and small printed bags. Nice to drop in before or after dinner to enjoy the shopping experience and night view.Visited September 2017Traveled with friendsWritten September 22, 2017
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
945 reviews
Excellent
322
Very good
431
Average
170
Poor
15
Terrible
7
Reinder B
Terschelling, The Netherlands154 contributions
Dec 2020 • Solo
Lots off staff working here, goods on sale mainly souvenirs. In all books they mention about WOII damages, but that’s hardly more than a scratch, so not really worth mentioning. Building itself is quite nice to see.
Written December 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
bebe93942017
Hong Kong, China226 contributions
Jan 2020
The department store is in a six storeys historical building. They keep the vintage interior decoration on the ground floor. On the rooftop there is a nice Japanese style courtyard. You can also try some local snacks there. You can find a lot of wonderful and interesting Taiwan goods on each floor. A must go in Tainan.
Written February 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ntguy
Brossard, Canada764 contributions
Nov 2019 • Couples
Beautiful department store build during the 30s by a Japanese family offering beautiful new and old style clothing and everyday use japanese items. The management succeed well in maintaininging the charm and ambience of the period through clever uses of lighting. You can go to the top floor to admire the small open floor complete with memorabilia articles then go down each floor and stroll along alleys between nice merchandise.
Written November 8, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mkong2016
Shenzhen, China236 contributions
Jan 2018 • Friends
After visiting there, I know why everyone would come to this department store at least one time while staying in Tainan!
For me, this is more than a department store, in fact, it is a museum indeed. I am glad to see this building with very well maintenance.
Which floor do I like the most ? I would choose the fourth floor. It is because it looks like a designer market and I could find lots of interesting items in this floor!
I also learned one thing as it was the first department store in Taiwan. No wonder why I could see many tourists there!
For me, this is more than a department store, in fact, it is a museum indeed. I am glad to see this building with very well maintenance.
Which floor do I like the most ? I would choose the fourth floor. It is because it looks like a designer market and I could find lots of interesting items in this floor!
I also learned one thing as it was the first department store in Taiwan. No wonder why I could see many tourists there!
Written January 26, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alex Pang
Belait District, Brunei Darussalam54 contributions
Dec 2017 • Friends
A step into the past. You get to see some old structure and a Shinto shrine at the top floor. Good atmosphere, although personally have no purchasing urge ;-)
Written December 27, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Yang Yang C
Zwolle, The Netherlands156 contributions
Nov 2017 • Solo
What a difference this department store is compared to the ones i am used to. Nice stuff in beautiful setting. Loved to watch the sunset from the rooftop.
Written November 21, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Veire23
Singapore, Singapore28 contributions
Sep 2017 • Friends
Lovely night view of Tainan City from the rooftop. Well refurbished historic building with quite a nice food and drinks area on the 5th floor. I visited during nonpeak season so it was relatively quiet and I got through the place in 40minutes. First floor had a mix of local Taiwanese gift snacks and tea for tourists looking to buy something home; Those looking for more 文青 stuff would head to 2-4 floor, although those more familiar with local Taiwanese (small items) designers would have probably seen similar items in Taipei.
For items more specific to Hayashi, head to the 4th floor, and the souvenir shop at the rooftop level. Hayashi also has its own cafe on the 4th floor which also sells its merchandise on the side comprising of really cute and different cat characters in iron patches, cloth badges/magnets/wrap and small printed bags.
Nice to drop in before or after dinner to enjoy the shopping experience and night view.
For items more specific to Hayashi, head to the 4th floor, and the souvenir shop at the rooftop level. Hayashi also has its own cafe on the 4th floor which also sells its merchandise on the side comprising of really cute and different cat characters in iron patches, cloth badges/magnets/wrap and small printed bags.
Nice to drop in before or after dinner to enjoy the shopping experience and night view.
Written September 23, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Yue Ling
Singapore, Singapore106 contributions
May 2017 • Couples
A very nice exquisite departmental store with beautiful setup.
Be careful while picking up some of the food souvenirs because they are actually cheap stuff wrapped in beautiful wrappers (Eg, cuttlefish stripes, pineapple tarts etc).
The hayashi bun which is the top seller as claimed was also not that tasteful.
Whereas other handmade souvenirs are really nice but a tag too expensive imo.
A place worth visiting because we had a good time strolling through all the levels featuring different merchandises which were very beautiufl wrapped up and displayed.
The retro lift can only takes 5 person at a time and only ferry from level 1 - level 5 (Via versus) and will not stopped at level 2,3,4.
There is a rooftop shrine on the top floor and from there you can view a potion of the tainan cityscape..
Overall, a place worth visitng for at least 30 mins
Be careful while picking up some of the food souvenirs because they are actually cheap stuff wrapped in beautiful wrappers (Eg, cuttlefish stripes, pineapple tarts etc).
The hayashi bun which is the top seller as claimed was also not that tasteful.
Whereas other handmade souvenirs are really nice but a tag too expensive imo.
A place worth visiting because we had a good time strolling through all the levels featuring different merchandises which were very beautiufl wrapped up and displayed.
The retro lift can only takes 5 person at a time and only ferry from level 1 - level 5 (Via versus) and will not stopped at level 2,3,4.
There is a rooftop shrine on the top floor and from there you can view a potion of the tainan cityscape..
Overall, a place worth visitng for at least 30 mins
Written May 23, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SpokaneRod
Tainan, Taiwan37 contributions
Apr 2015 • Couples
For 30 years, I'd walked, scootered, and driven by this great Japanese-era building thinking Tainan should reinvent it as a store. Then, it did. Yet, inside it is just a bunch of boutique shops that offer trendy tourist knick knacks. Yeah, it's nice to walk around to see the interior structure of the building, but, to me anyway, that should the the backdrop for the shops, not hidden by them.
So, I'd actually spend 10 minutes outside across the streets on both sides looking at the facade, then 10 minutes inside.
So, I'd actually spend 10 minutes outside across the streets on both sides looking at the facade, then 10 minutes inside.
Written September 9, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
HTP
Wembley, UK45 contributions
Aug 2022 • Couples
I heard this was a posh department store and I’ve been here a few times. I saw some small plates I like and the price was quite a bargain. It took me some time but I managed to find a member of staff to help my purchase. I checked with the lady if each plate cost $200 and she said yes. I asked to buy 4. Then it took a long time for 2 members of staff to find those plates for me. I was told those I saw on the shelf were the last 4 so I agreed to purchase them. Two members of staff assisted me to the counter to complete my purchase. One of them was wrapping the plates and putting them into the boxes. She said it would take a while so I went to walk around. After 10 minutes, I went back. Both of them were serving other customers and left my plates unattended. When they realised I was standing there waiting, another lady began to wrap my plates again. After a long time when I was able to pay for my purchase, the till said each plate cost $350, not $200 as it was shown on the shelf. One member of staff went to check. She told me that other customers misplaced the price tags so the correct price was hidden somewhere. I felt embarrassed not to pay for it after they spent so much time wrapping them even most of the time they were serving other customers. I find this shop was not very organised and it doesn’t respect the customers for first come first serve, and they don’t recognise they own mistake of misplacing the price tag. It was not a good experience of shopping there and I don’t think I would like to go there again. I also found the staff there couldn’t communicate with foreigners in English very well. I observe some odd conversations (half English and half Mandarin Chinese) between the two members of staff and a foreign man.
Written August 9, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Claim your listingHayashi Department Store (West Central District) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Hayashi Department Store
- We recommend booking Hayashi Department Store tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 1 Hayashi Department Store tours on Tripadvisor
- Hotels near Hayashi Department Store:
- (0.03 mi) T.P. Apartment
- (0.11 mi) Fuqi Hostel
- (0.06 mi) Fuward Hotel Tainan
- (0.06 mi) Civil Life Tainan
- (0.17 mi) U.I.J Hotel And Hostel
- Restaurants near Hayashi Department Store:
- (0.03 mi) I'M Coffee
- (0.04 mi) Kiminali Cuisine
- (0.06 mi) Tokiya (Tainan Shengli Branch)
- (0.09 mi) Fu Ji Meatball (Bawan)
- (0.09 mi) Yummy Mesona Specialty Shop
- Attractions near Hayashi Department Store:
- (0.03 mi) Tainan Art Museum No. 2
- (0.05 mi) Art Museum 2
- (0.06 mi) Tainan Wude Dian
- (0.07 mi) Old Tainan Branch of Kangyo Bank
- (0.04 mi) Chongqing Temple
Hayashi Department Store Information
| Excellent Reviews | 322 |
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| Very Good Reviews | 431 |
| Hayashi Department Store Photos | 1,243 |





































































