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“Depachika” is a Japanese portmanteau of depato (department store) and chika (basement).
It refers to the sprawling food halls located in the basement of Japanese department stores.
These floors are packed with high-end delis, traditional Japanese sweets (wagashi), western pastries, and fresh produce✨
It’s often described as a “foodie paradise” or a “gastronomic theme park.”
Even though I come here all the time, I still get excited every single visit! 😆
Now, take a look at these festive New Year-colored senbei (Japanese rice crackers)! 🌝
The shops I introduced in my previous posts
First up, here are some photos of the shops featured in my previous article about the best New Year senbei gifts.
Ginza Akebono（銀座あけぼの）
This is the Ginza Akebono store.
Alongside a ‘2026’ sign, their New Year limited editions in madder-red (akane-iro) packaging are prominently displayed as their top recommendation.
This is the product I featured in my previous post.
I heard the package design depicts ‘the first sunrise of the year rising over the horizon and two cranes facing each other.’
It’s so simple and sophisticated—truly beautiful! I’m absolutely in love with this design!✨
And here are the senbei found inside. The way they’re displayed feels so much like the Japanese New Year—it’s lovely, isn’t it?💕
Shaped as ‘2026’ for a truly festive and exclusive New Year touch!
▼ Check out their classic collection here!
Ogura Sansou（小倉山荘）
This is the Ogurasansou shop.
Look at this stunning storefront! With the Hyakunin Isshu (poem cards) in the background and the bamboo blinds (Misu) hanging above, it perfectly recreates the world of classical Japanese poetry🌸
And look to the right—people are lining up to buy! With such elegant, traditional packaging, it’s the perfect choice for New Year’s greetings.
The line was so long that I couldn’t get a clear shot of the New Year limited editions. Sorry about that!
▼ Check out their classic collection here!
Ganko Shokunin（がんこ職人）
And finally, Ganko Shokunin.
That eye-catching puppy in the foreground is a New Year limited item, though it’s not a senbei. (If you’re curious, feel free to check out their official website here!) 🐶
This is the product I featured in my previous post.
This design, with plum blossoms on a red-and-white base, really brings out those festive New Year vibes. In Japan, these colors are a symbol of good fortune!🇯🇵
▼ Check out their classic collection here!
Other shops are also filled with New Year colors!
This shop, Akasaka Kakiyama（赤坂柿山）, is another famous rice cracker brand.
Their New Year products are also in red and white.
The cute illustrations on the package feature Daruma (Japanese lucky dolls) and a Horse (the zodiac sign for 2026)!
▼ Check out their classic collection here!
This is Bankaku Sohonpo（坂角総本鋪）, famous for its signature ‘Yukari（ゆかり）’ shrimp rice crackers 🦐
Their New Year limited-edition package is striking, featuring a horse galloping across a vibrant red background.
▼ Check out their classic collection here!
Well, how did you like the New Year atmosphere at the ‘Depachika’? 🛍️
The ‘Depachika’ during New Year is a special place that brings joy just by looking around.
I highly recommend visiting to find these gorgeous rice crackers that only appear this time of year!
I hope 2026 brings you plenty of delicious moments and a wonderful start to the year!
💡Please note: Shopping links in this article (such as Amazon) are primarily for domestic shipping within Japan. For information on international shipping availability, please check the details on each store’s page.
