Travels

Tokyo: Nihonbashi, Mitsukoshi

Nihonbashi is also the location of the flagship store of the Mitsukoshi department store chain.  I don't think any such grand department stores remain in the US. Mitsukoshi   Mitsukoshi

The main entrance has a gilt statue of Mercury, and a couple of lions. Mitsukoshi Mitsukoshi  Mitsukoshi

There is a motor entrance, complete with lots of elderly men in uniform enthusiastically directing traffic and welcoming the shoppers as they get out of their taxis (retirees from the company? This must be where Walmart learned about greeters.)  Mitsukoshi  Mitsukoshi

When the store opens, staff stand inside waiting to formally welcome shoppers--and if you enter at opening time, every staff member you pass will bow to you.   Mitsukoshi

The interior is lavish, and it is dominated by a three story high depiction of the goddess of sincerity.  (That's the console of a theater organ behind it).  Mitsukoshi Mitsukoshi  Mitsukoshi  Mitsukoshi

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