Isetan Shinjuku is like a rite of passage into adulthood in Tokyo. What begins as a casual visit can quickly become a regular ritual, drawn by the department store's diverse offerings across multiple floors. While popularity of department stores in the United States are declining, Isetan is always overflowing with people. The basement level which features everything from katsu sando to strawberry shortcake, is especially bustling, and presents a culinary wonderland for all the senses.

There are also various events on each floor throughout the year, so be sure to check their event calendar to see what the latest offerings are. The basement level, B1, is a frequent venue for popular events, such as the Curry Festival, which gathers top curry restaurants from across Tokyo. If you happen to be there during one of their more popular events, be prepared for long lines. However, everything moves really smoothly and if you have the time, it’s a great opportunity to enjoy some of the best that Tokyo has to offer.

Given that Shinjuku is very expansive and filled with a million things to do, there may not be time for everything on your list. So if you’re short on time, Isetan is the perfect one stop shop for fashion and food. The middle floors feature a curated selection of well-known designer brands such as Dior and Prada, alongside popular Japanese labels like Auralee and sacai.

For popular confectionary shops on B1, like noix de beurre, expect long wait times. Mid-day weekdays visits offer a higher likelihood of shorter wait lines. Holiday seasons such as Valentine’s Day, White Day (March 14), Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Christmas and New Year’s also attract significant crowds, so try to plan accordingly.