shinjuku keio department store Guide: Enjoy Symbol of Shinjuku West Gate

Shinjuku is a bustling district that combines commercial and entertainment facilities, business districts, and tourist attractions. Along with other major Tokyo areas like Shibuya and Ikebukuro, it's a popular destination among tourists due to its diverse offerings.

The area features atmospheric entertainment districts filled with bars and restaurants. Additionally, the area around Shinjuku Station hosts numerous department stores and commercial complexes, with the vibrant cityscape extending to the neighboring Shinjuku-sanchome Station.

Today, I'll introduce the Keio Department Store, currently the only department store in Shinjuku's West Exit, based on my numerous visits.

Keio Department Store: A Long History Since 1964

The Shinjuku Keio Department Store, established in 1964, celebrates its 60th anniversary in 2024. It was founded in the same year Japan hosted the Tokyo Olympics, marking the country's economic development and return to international society.

While Shinjuku Station's West Exit landscape has dramatically changed over 60 years, the Keio Department Store's presence remains unchanged. As a long-established local department store, it maintains an approachable atmosphere welcoming all visitors.

While adapting to modern needs, the Shinjuku Keio Department Store continues to offer its unique value proposition.

Becoming the West Exit's Only Department Store After Odakyu's Demolition

The Keio Department Store became the sole department store at Shinjuku Station's West Exit after the adjacent Odakyu Department Store was demolished in 2022. The Odakyu Department Store ended its 50-plus-year history to make way for a new 48-story development project.

As a result, the Shinjuku Keio Department Store is now the only department store connected to Shinjuku Station via underground passages from the West Exit. While details are yet to be finalized, there are plans to rebuild the Keio Department Store into a 110-meter-tall commercial facility by the 2040s.

5 Captivating Features of Keio Department Store by a West Shinjuku Resident

Unmatched Convenience: 1-Minute Walk from Shinjuku West Exit

The Shinjuku Keio Department Store boasts excellent accessibility, directly connected to multiple train lines at Shinjuku Station, including the Keio Line, Odakyu Line, and JR lines. With two entrances at ground level and underground, the basement entrance connects directly to the Keio Line gates, allowing shoppers to stay dry during rainy days.

Located just a minute's walk from the West Exit, it's perfect for quick stops before catching a train to grab bento boxes or sweets. Many locals frequent the store during their commute, making it an approachable spot for tourists to visit during sightseeing breaks or to purchase meals to enjoy at their hotel.

Diverse Product Selection: Ideal for Authentic Japanese Souvenirs

Source: PR TIMES

Unlike typical Japanese department stores dominated by international brands, Shinjuku Keio Department Store features predominantly domestic brands. The sixth floor showcases traditional Japanese crafts and art pieces, with popular items including furoshiki (traditional wrapping cloth) and matcha bowls used in tea ceremonies.

The store regularly hosts regional product fairs and tourism exhibitions throughout the year, offering Tokyo visitors access to local Japanese goods from various regions.

Food Floor: Experience Everyday Japanese Cuisine

Source: PR TIME

The basement food floor's concept, "Daily Joy and Happiness Proposals for Food-Conscious Adults," focuses on everyday Japanese cuisine. The floor features various prepared foods, bento boxes, and sweets, with a particular emphasis on delicatessen and bento specialists. From established shops to trending outlets, visitors can explore diverse options.

Seasonal specialties, such as cherry blossom viewing bentos during spring, offer visitors a taste of Japan's seasonal food culture.

More Reasonable Pricing Than Other Department Stores

Shinjuku Keio Department Store offers more reasonable prices compared to other department stores in Shinjuku like Takashimaya and Isetan. With their concept "Toward New Daily Life," they sell accessible lifestyle products as a department store closely connected to everyday living.

Keio Department Store regularly holds sales events. The products maintain high quality while being affordably priced, allowing for reliable and economical shopping.

The food floor offers discounts on premium ingredients and food items starting from early evening, before dinner time. You can find good deals on representative Japanese foods like sushi and sashimi.

One of the attractions is having both department store quality and affordable products accessible to the general public.

Convenient Services Including Tax-Free Counter and Multilingual Support

Source: Senken Shimbun

Keio Department Store offers convenient services for international tourists including tax-free counters and multilingual support.

The dedicated tax-free counter ensures smooth procedures. The counter area is spacious with 10 chairs available for resting. Currency exchange machines are also installed for cash needs.

The store provides multilingual services in English, Chinese and other languages. Tablets and pointing conversation tools are available to facilitate smooth communication despite language barriers. Multilingual floor guides and store information pamphlets are also available for self-guided shopping.

Access to Keio Department Store

Address: 1-1-4 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
Access: 1 min walk from Keio Department Store exit at Shinjuku Station (Keio Line), 1 min walk from JR-side exit of Shinjuku Station (Toei Shinjuku Line, Oedo Line), 1 min walk from Central West Exit (Keio Exit) of JR Shinjuku Station, 1 min walk from Underground West Exit of Shinjuku Station (Odakyu Line)
Hours: (B1F-2F) 10:00-20:30 *Until 20:00 on Sundays/Holidays, (3F and above) 10:00-20:00, (Restaurants) 11:00-22:00 (Last order 21:00)
Closed: Irregular
Phone: 0570-022-810
Official Website: https://www.keionet.com/info/shinjuku/

There are many shopping facilities to enjoy besides Shinjuku Keio Department Store!

Mitsukoshi Isetan Shinjuku Store

Mitsukoshi Isetan is a major department store known for its fashion offerings. With the concept "Your new present coordinates with fashion," they propose new styles to upgrade your daily life. The store features boutiques from luxury brands to the latest fashion and cosmetics.

Their signature select shops include "ISETAN Leaf," which offers seasonal items, and "ISETAN Seed," which curates everyday best brands. The store caters to all generations from their 20s to seniors and families, making it perfect for fashion enthusiasts to enjoy in groups.

Address: 3-14-1 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
Hours: 10:00-20:00, 7F Restaurant Floor 11:00-22:00
Closed: Irregular
Phone: 03-3352-1111
Official Website: https://www.mistore.jp/store/shinjuku.html

Shinjuku Takashimaya

Like Shinjuku Keio Department Store, Takashimaya is a comprehensive department store offering fashion, groceries, living goods, and art. Established in 1831, it's known as one of Japan's leading department stores, featuring high-quality luxury items from domestic and international brands.

Following their philosophy "Trust in people, love people, serve people," they prioritize customer service. They provide multilingual floor guides and video phone interpretation services for international tourists. This department store is perfect for those wanting to enjoy shopping across various categories.

Address: 5-24-2 Sendagaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Hours: 10:30-19:30
Closed: January 1-2
Phone: 03-5361-1111
Official Website: https://www.takashimaya.co.jp/shinjuku/

Lumine Shinjuku

Lumine Shinjuku consists of three buildings: Lumine EST and Lumine 1&2, with the concept of "Creating Life Value" beyond just shopping.

Lumine EST
Lumine EST targets teenagers and those in their 20s, offering trendy fashion, accessories, and restaurants. It's characterized by its focus on trend items rather than basics.

Address: 3-38-1 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
Hours: (Shopping) Weekdays 11:00-21:00, Weekends/Holidays 10:30-21:00
(Restaurants) Weekdays/Weekends/Holidays 11:00-22:00
Closed: Irregular
Phone: 03-5334-0550
Official Website: https://www.lumine.ne.jp/est/

LUMINE 1
Located near Shinjuku Keio Department Store, LUMINE 1 features fashion brands and accessories targeting customers in their 20s-30s. Compared to LUMINE EST, it hosts select shops with trendy yet sophisticated atmosphere.

Address: 1-1-5 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
Hours: Shopping 11:00-21:00 | Restaurants (1-7F) 11:00-22:30
Closed: Irregular holidays
Tel: 03-5334-0550
Official website: https://www.lumine.ne.jp/shinjuku/

LUMINE 2
LUMINE 2 targets late teens to early 20s shoppers. The facility offers a wide range of items from trending brands to basic essentials.

Address: 3-38-2 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
Hours: Shopping 11:00-21:00 | Restaurants (1-7F) 11:00-22:30
Closed: Irregular holidays
Tel: 03-5334-0550
Official website: https://www.lumine.ne.jp/shinjuku/

NEWoMan Shinjuku

Just steps from Shinjuku Keio Department Store, NEWoMan Shinjuku is a premium shopping complex with the concept "A place to discover new experiences for all modern women living in a new era." The facility features fashion brands, cosmetics, and restaurants targeting sophisticated women.

The mall creates a relaxing atmosphere with healing music BGM and subtle aromatherapy scents. Spaciously arranged shops and strategically placed greenery contribute to a stress-free shopping experience.

Recommended for those who want to enjoy shopping and dining at their own pace.

Address: 4-1-6 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
Hours: Fashion floors Mon-Sat 11:00-20:30 | Sun/Holidays 11:00-20:00
Closed: Irregular holidays
Tel: 03-5334-0550
Official website: https://www.newoman.jp/shinjuku/

OIOI (Marui)

Source: Official website

OIOI (Marui) is a commercial facility themed around "an inclusive society where everyone can feel happiness." In Shinjuku, conveniently located near the Shinjuku Keio Department Store, there are three distinctive Marui buildings. Visit them based on your needs and preferences.

・Shinjuku Marui Main Building
The Main Building is the central facility among the three stores. It offers fashion and accessories for adults of all ages. Its theme is "experience," featuring many shops where you can touch products and try samples before purchasing.

Address: 3-30-13 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
Hours: 11:00-20:00 (B1F 11:00-21:00)
Closed: Open daily
Phone: 03-3354-0101
Official website: https://www.0101.co.jp/003/

・Shinjuku Marui Annex
The Marui Annex features unique shops, specializing in Gothic Lolita fashion and anime shops. It also hosts anime-centered events.

Address: 3-1-26 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
Hours: 11:00-20:00
Closed: Irregular holidays
Phone: 03-3354-0101
Official website: https://www.0101.co.jp/005/

・Men's Marui
This Marui specializes in menswear, featuring numerous men's brands.

Address: 5-16-4 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
Hours: 11:00-20:00
Closed: Irregular holidays
Phone: 03-3354-0101
Official website: https://www.0101.co.jp/074/

UNIQLO Shinjuku Main Store

Source: PR TIMES

UNIQLO Shinjuku Main Store, opened in 2024, is the largest store in the Shinjuku area. With the concept "From Shinjuku to the World, From the World to Shinjuku," it's the fourth global flagship store in Japan.

The store spans three floors (1F-3F), offering products for all ages from babies to adults. As Shinjuku-exclusive items, they sell collaboration T-shirts with famous companies headquartered in Shinjuku.

The third floor features "UTme!" where you can create original T-shirts as a memento of your Japan trip. It's recommended for those looking for limited items or wanting to create memorable souvenirs.

Address: MI Shinjuku Building 1F-3F, 3-29-1 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
Hours: 10:00-22:00
Closed: Open daily
Phone: 03-6380-5115
Official website: https://www.uniqlo.com/jp/ja/special-feature/shinjuku-honten