Things to Do at Hayashi Department Store

Hayashi Department Store holds the distinction of being Taiwan's first department store, and honestly, that's pretty remarkable when you consider it opened back in 1932 during the Japanese colonial period. The building itself survived WWII bombing and decades of neglect before being beautifully restored and reopened in 2013. What makes this place special isn't just its historical significance - it's how they've managed to blend that colonial-era architecture with a genuinely curated shopping experience that feels authentic rather than touristy. You'll find yourself in a six-story building that actually feels intimate rather than overwhelming. The restoration work is genuinely impressive - they've kept the original terrazzo floors, wooden fixtures, and that distinctive Art Deco facade while creating spaces that work for modern retail. It's the kind of place where you might come for the history but end up staying because you've discovered some local designer you'd never heard of before.

The store sits right in Tainan's historic center on Zhongyi Road. You can reach it easily by train-just a 10-minute walk from Tainan Station toward the old city center. The whole area is walkable. You'll probably explore other historic sites nearby anyway. Parking is tricky in this part of town, so walking or taking a taxi works better than navigating the narrow streets yourself. Total hassle otherwise.