Lynda's Taiwan-logue

< Visited in Aug & Dec 2016 >

If you are going to be exploring Tainan, it will be impossible to miss this iconic building, less than 10 minutes drive from the old train station. Hayashi Department Store 林百货 was founded by Japanese businessman Hayashi Houichi in 1932, becoming the largest department store in southern Taiwan. Termed locally as the "Five Stories House", the building survived WWII and was restored by the local government by as recent as 2013. Eventually, a private company took over and re-opened as an avenue to showcase local designers and products, at the same time preserving much of the architecture and interior. Read about its history here.   

 

The grandeur of this building is the subject of photography enthusiasts and travellers alike. I watched a man repeatedly waiting for traffic lights to change at this intersection, pouring bottled water into a small pothole right across the mall, and using a regular digicam to capture the building with its mirror reflection in the puddle - showing me his photos with much pride.     

To the left of the main entrance sits a beverage counter of a local long-time teahouse and eatery - Tea Serving 奉茶. (Tried a refreshing Mulberry red tea - NTD70)

Ground floor ~

If you are into commemorative stamps, remember to locate this little corner on the first storey. 

Hayashi's iconic elevator - an attraction by itself and rebuilt from its original 12-pax capacity to the current 6-pax (though I think it's just nice for 4). Carrying passengers to-fro only first and fifth floors, you will have to wait in line to experience this rather retro device.  

Rooftop via stairs on 5F, housing a Shinto shrine and retail shop.  

Cafe on 5F ~

Each floor has its own theme, bringing together a good collection of local designers and products. Merchandise aside, I was mesmerized by the interior design which stayed true to its history, and somehow projecting a feel of old Shanghai. Retro elements weaved into the flooring, pillars, ceilings and lightings narrate nostalgia, making you linger longer than you would in a small mall.   

4F houses another cafe - with a different ambience from 5F's - and a showcase of Hayashi's history (not sure if this is a permanent exhibition). Artefacts always intrigue me, as each piece of old stuff is history retold.  

Before you leave, remember to take a look at the other landmark across the road from Hayashi - Land Bank 土地银行. 

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Hayashi Department Store | 林百货
(Website in Chinese, English & Japanese)
Address - No. 63, Section 2, Zhongyi Road, West Central District  中西區忠義路二段63號

檢視較大的地圖

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