Shirokiya

Lovely place. I'd never been to Japan, so just browsing was very interesting. Great selection of furniture, plates and place settings, cards, and various trinkets. On the cosmetics side, Shiseido dominates the place :) Lots of things are expensive, but sale merchandise is so quirky and interesting, it's really tempting. If you're looking for unique souvenirs, that's the place to go! more

Once you enter the store, you will be surrounded with products from Japan. There are Sanrio products which are cute Japanese charactered stationary from Japan, Japanese bakery selling desserts local to Japan, and even makeup and tvs and digital cameras. Want to try the Japanese foods? Head up the escalator to the 2nd floor. Here you will find Japanese-style prepared fish, tempura, noodles, vegetables, preserves, and more. They have some that are packed and there are also chefs cooking to make things fresh for you. There is even a place to sit down and eat the foods you buy and just relax after all your shopping. It really is a great Japanese experience. more

I really enjoy Shirokiya just because. They have a little of everything there from unique gift items to good but not so costly Japanese food. During sales you can really get fantastic deals. If you have a Hello Kitty fetish or some of the other Japanese characters, you'll find it there. (last that I remember, they did) You can find luggage, purses shoes...basically what a department store would have. After shopping hard you can relax and eat a bowl of tempura udon or any other tasty fare. Then after you're finished, you can go see what other food item you can bring home (remember, no shopping for food when you're hungry). My favorite snacks are the freshly roasted chestnuts! more

Shirikiya is a small version of Japanese department stores! I like to walk through the 2nd floor to see and taste the Japanese foods. They often have a special events/food fair from different regions in Japan. I like to go there to try different kinds of Japanese foods that can be conveniently purchased! They also have a section for Japanese electronic applicances, and it is neat to check out some of the latest technology! more

Shirokiya is a place most people go in to browse for the latest in technology as well as for gifts. Everytime I go to the mall, my friends and I always stop in Shirokiya "just to look around" because honestly, we can't afford most of the items in there. They do have a good sanrio department and that's where I spent most of my time. Upstairs has a variety of foods and household goods. They carry a lof of authentic japanese food which most of the time, I do not know what it is. I do like buying their candy by the pound. Japanese candies are the best! more

Try their fried ika more

Shirokiya is your one stop shop for all things that are Japanese. They sell electronic goods from Japan, Japanese foods, teas, and other products from Japan. On the top floor they even have a dining area where you can buy already prepared Japanese foods. I usually go there to buy Japanese green tea and mochi. They’re selection of products is much better than Daiei’s. more

Shirokiya traces its department store roots back to 1662 in Tokyo, Japan. The store in the Ala Moana Shopping Center was the first outlet located outside of Japan. It is well known as the place you can pick up a $5,000 television along with a $5 bento, all in one store. In addition to the oriental food items upstairs (I love watching them make those Japanese pancake desserts), the lower level has electronics; books; magazines; furniture; and even a bakery. When the Japanese economy went bust, there was a momentary scare when it was announced that Shirokiya may be forced to close. Two of the three Hawaii stores did close, but the one in Ala Moana survived under new ownership. more

Being forced to first separate from former Japanese parent Tokyu and then to decrease the size of their store has made this long-standing store specializing in Japanese goods a much stronger store lately. Shirokiya has never been cheap but Japanese goods rarely are anyways. On the first floor, you can find the requisite electronics from Sony, Panasonic, etc, home furnishings, cosmetics, toys and such...but they also have a Book-off outlet which sells used and new Japanese (and American) books, magazines, comics, CDs, DVDs and VHS. But the shining star is their second floor...the food section. They seem to have alot more visiting Japanese establishments that sell their authentic food stuffs like okonomiyaki, takoyaki, croquettes. The permanent food stalls are more now, including a great sushi vendor (Tenryoan), and a vendor that makes great okowa (steamed rice w/different ingredients) and fried chicken w/sauce. Japanese regional fairs are still great (with the usual high prices though) having items not usually available. more