Hayashi Department Store, Tainan: Experience Modern History & Creative Culture

Hayashi Department Store, also known as Gō͘-chàn-lâu-á (Five-Story Building), was Taiwan's first modern department store and a symbol of prosperity in Tainan City during the Japanese colonial period. This building not only witnessed the development of commerce in Taiwan but also holds countless memories for the people of Tainan. Today, Hayashi Department Store has been restored and reopened with a new look as a creative and cultural department store, attracting tourists from all over who want to see its historical charm and experience the local creative and cultural products.

The 1930s marked the beginning of Taiwan's progress towards modern civilization. Hayashi Department Store was founded in 1932 by Japanese merchant Hayashi Kaneichi. It was the second department store in Taiwan and the first in Tainan during the Japanese colonial period. It was the tallest building in Tainan at that time and the only department store in Taiwan with an elevator. Hayashi Department Store introduced many new products and services, such as cafes and rooftop shrines. It was a landmark in Tainan's most prosperous "Suehiro-cho" district and became a fashion landmark in Tainan.

With the outbreak of the Pacific War, Hayashi Department Store was bombed, leaving behind some historical traces. It closed after the war and was used as a government building and was once left idle. Later, it was designated as a municipal historic site and underwent a long period of restoration and reconstruction, reopening on June 14, 2014, under the name "Hayashi Department Store" with a completely new look.

The architectural style of Hayashi Department Store combines modernism and traditional Japanese elements. The exterior is simple and sleek, while the interior retains many of the original designs. Here, you can see Taiwan's first elevator (although it is slow, you can still ride it), pointer-type floor displays, and the torii gate and shrine on the roof. In addition, the walls of Hayashi Department Store still have bullet holes from World War II, which are all witnesses to history.

Today, Hayashi Department Store mainly sells creative and cultural products with local Tainan characteristics. On the first floor, you can find many souvenirs, such as Pong biscuits, canvas bags, and various creative and cultural gadgets. The second floor features designer brands and household items. The third floor is a cultural exhibition space, where various art and cultural activities are held from time to time. The fourth floor is a restaurant serving local Tainan cuisine. The rooftop is home to the historical site "Suehiro Shrine," which is a popular spot for overlooking the city of Tainan, and there is also a souvenir shop.

Hayashi Department Store is not only a shopping destination but also a place to experience the history and culture of Tainan. It is well worth exploring its history, architectural features, and creative and cultural products, and experiencing the cultural charm of Tainan.

Nearby attractions/food/accommodations:
Chihkan Tower: A Miniature of Tainan's History
Tainan Fire Museum: Exploring History and Learning about Disaster Prevention
Tainan Wu Family Garden: Explore One of Taiwan's Four Great Gardens
Tainan Garden Night Market: A Foodie Paradise in Southern Taiwan
Anping Fort: Witnessing Taiwan's History in Ancient Tainan
Yanping Guazi Ma, Tainan: Over 60 Years of Traditional Rou Gui
Anping Tofu Pudding: Over 50 Years of Brand History and Unique Local Flavors
Dynasty Hotel: Your Top Choice for Business and Leisure near Tainan Station
Admiring Island: A Luminous Getaway with Tainan Anping's Ocean View B&B

『Hayashi Department Store, Tainan』

Address: No. 63, Section 2, Zhongyi Road, West Central District, Tainan City
Opening Hours: Daily 11:00-21:00
Transportation: Take the THSR to Tainan Station, transfer to the TRA to Tainan Railway Station, and then take a bus or taxi.
Designated Parking: Tainan Art Museum Building 2 Underground Parking Lot.