Hayashi Department Store

Hayashi Department Store (1932) is Tainan’s best-preserved prewar department store, blending Japanese colonial architecture with contemporary retail. Restored after decades of closure, it features terrazzo floors, an original cage elevator, and rooftop Shinto shrine remnants with city views. Inside, curated Taiwanese brands, crafts, and a café sit alongside exhibits on the building’s history and wartime scars. It’s a compact stop that suits travelers interested in heritage architecture and design-led shopping; expect crowds on weekends. Combine with nearby Confucius Temple and Shennong Street for a half-day walk through Tainan’s historic core. Admission to exhibits may vary by floor.