Hayashi Department Store - West Central District, Tainan City (like a historical museum)
When it comes to landmarks in Tainan that exude a "Showa Modern" vibe, the elegant historical department store, Hayashi Department Store, located at the intersection of Zhongyi Road and Zhongzheng Road in the Central West District, is undoubtedly the top choice.
Affectionately called "The Five-Story Building" by locals, Hayashi Department Store opened in 1932 (Showa Year 7). It was not only the first department store in southern Taiwan but also, along with the Kyokugen Department Store in Taipei, one of the two iconic department stores during the Japanese colonial period. Back then, shopping at Hayashi Department Store was a symbol of status and modern living.
Hayashi Department Store's "Firsts in Taiwan" and Unique Highlights
Visiting Hayashi Department Store is not just about shopping; it's like exploring a vibrant museum of everyday life. Here are some must-see highlights:
1. Pointer Elevator
This is the most iconic feature of Hayashi Department Store. As Taiwan's first elevator, it retains a retro semi-circular pointer indicator light. Though the space is small, the "ding" sound every time the door opens feels like a journey through time.
2. Rooftop Shrine "Suehiro Shrine"
This might be the only case in Taiwan where a department store rooftop houses a shrine. The small stone shrine, named "Suehiro Shrine," primarily prays for commercial prosperity and family safety. While overlooking Tainan's streets from the rooftop, you can also admire this unique shrine, experiencing a blend of the sacred and the secular.
3. War Scars: WWII Bullet Holes
On the parapet of Hayashi Department Store's rooftop, you can still clearly see bullet holes from the end of World War II, left by American aircraft strafing and bombing. These marks were deliberately preserved during restoration, making history tangible and not just words on a page.
4. Grooved Bricks and Colorful Terrazzo Floors
The building's exterior walls feature "grooved bricks," popular at the time for their non-reflective, handcrafted texture. Inside, the floors are adorned with exquisite colorful terrazzo tiles, which, even after nearly a century of foot traffic, still emit a warm luster.
🎁 A Cultural Transformation: Tainan Living Room
Since its reopening in 2014, Hayashi Department Store has been positioned as a "Tainan Cultural and Creative Department Store." Each floor showcases Tainan's local characteristics:
1F Tainan Living Room: Sells high-quality local souvenirs, canvas bags, and more, showcasing Tainan's hospitality.
2F Tainan Design: Features cultural and creative designs and craft brands.
3F Tainan Fashion: Offers clothing, embroidery, and modern accessories.
4F Tainan Culture: Includes a café and regular exhibition spaces.
5F Tainan Cuisine: Serves local Tainan dishes and light meals.
6F Tainan Scenery: Features the rooftop shrine and a souvenir shop.
📍 Practical Travel Information
Address: No. 63, Section 2, Zhongyi Road, Central West District, Tainan City.
Business Hours: Daily 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM.
Friendly Reminder: To preserve the historical structure and ensure a quality viewing experience, Hayashi Department Store has a visitor limit of approximately 470 people at a time. During popular weekend hours, you may need to queue briefly at the entrance.
Night Photography: At night, Hayashi Department Store is illuminated with warm yellow lights, making the entire building shine at the corner. It's one of the most classic angles for capturing Tainan's nightscape.
Hayashi Department Store is not just a department store; it is a collective memory of Tainan's people and a microcosm of Taiwan's journey toward modern living. Here, you can buy the most authentic Tainan souvenirs and enjoy the breeze on the rooftop while gazing at the Land Bank (formerly the Industrial Bank) building across the street, feeling the flow of time.