In Japan, department stores are a big deal. They are everywhere in big cities and Hiroshima is no different.

The Fukuya Department Store is the oldest in the city, with the final wing being completed in 1938. 

The eight-story modern department store included two underground floors and was equipped with a modern cooling and heating system, a luxury for the time.

The department store was a bustling place to be, with many many customers. But sadly, as the war progressed, Fukuya was forced to close its doors for exclusive use by the military and government consolidated companies. 

The department store would go on to survive the atomic bomb, and finally, in 1972 the refurbished department store became the department store it is today.

Knowing the history of the store adds a bit of flavor to the shopping experience!

As always, we’d love for you to come say hi to us at our International Real Estate branch in Kusunoki. We help foreigners find apartments in Hiroshima and Okayama. Reach out to our staff who can speak English, Chinese, Vietnamese and Spanish if looking for a place at ryowainternational@ryowahouse.co.jp