We at KUBO have a lot of Filipino friends based abroad who often plan a trip to a nearby Asian country alongside their trip back home to the Philippines, and one such favorite destination is Japan. However, not everyone has the time or resources to make such a side trip. Good thing balikbayans visiting or transiting through Metro Manila can enjoy a bit of Japan right at Bonifacio Global City (BGC) in Taguig.
Mitsukoshi, a well-known upscale Japanese department store chain headquartered in Tokyo, officially had its grand opening in BGC last July, bringing the Japanese upscale mall experience to local shores. Mitsukoshi BGC aims to elevate Filipinos’ shopping experience with its curated retailers, modern Japanese designs, and world-renowned hospitality. If a visit to the Philippines doesn’t include a side trip to Japan, then a visit to Mitsukoshi BGC can fill in for now, ’til you can finally go to the land of the Rising Sun.
Of origins and imports
Mitsukoshi began in 1673 as a kimono store, “Echigoya,” in Nihombashi, Japan. Today, it operates globally with stores beyond its homeland—penetrating the thriving markets of Taiwan, North America, and now, the Philippines. Then and now, Mitsukoshi has continued to offer inspiring solutions that enhance consumers’ lifestyles globally. Its iconic name has become ingrained in the very fiber of Japanese culture, symbolizing the balance of tradition and innovation.
Mitsukoshi is the Philippines’ first Japanese shopping mall, showcasing the very best of Japanese lifestyle to the Philippines and everyone coming to visit. According to Isetan Mitsukoshi Holdings Ltd. Director, President and CEO, Toshiyuki Hosoya, “After 350 years of service globally, we will continue our legacy by introducing a wide range of ‘Japan’ to Filipino customers and bring innovations to the Filipino market. Indeed, Mitsukoshi BGC bridges the Philippines with Japan.”
All Japan feels
Just by its interiors, Mitsukoshi BGC transports mall-goers to Japan. Upon entering, guests are immersed in distinct elements of traditional Japanese design, with floors that mimic a cobbled road approaching a shrine and the attention-grabbing monument dubbed as “Joining Hands,” another symbol of Philippine-Japanese ties. Meanwhile, guarding the entrance of the mall along the 8th Ave. of BGC is the iconic Mitsukoshi Lion, an emblematic statue first seen outside of Japan.
New brands and exciting offerings
During the grand opening, two of Japan’s beloved fashion labels debuted in the country at Mitsukoshi BGC: Snidel and Fray I.D offer style-philes and career women sophisticated outfits with a Japanese flair. The two brands are known to bridge modernism, functionality, and art with their concept and design.
Beauty enthusiasts can flock to Shiseido, Kanebo, and Mitsukoshi Beauty to restock products from their holy grail drugstore and luxury J-beauty brands. Some brands like Waphyto, E Standard, and La Casta are also making their debut in the country at Mitsukoshi Beauty. Guests can also stop by Kiyosa Japanese Total Beauty, a nail-lash-and-hair salon popular among celebrities and Manila’s elite.
Foodies can travel to Japan gastronomically at Key Coffee, which offers beverages from one of Japan’s oldest roasters. Dining here is also an experience—it’s a kissaten, which combines a jazz speakeasy and a tea and coffee shop.
Matcha lovers should drop by The Matcha Tokyo, a Japanese cafe that specializes in beverages using 100% organic matcha.
Patrons can also visit the basement where the depachika, food markets traditionally found in Japanese department stores, are located. For authentic Japanese goods and hard-to-find delicacies like frozen fish and sashimi air-freighted from Japan, guests can stop by Mitsukoshi Fresh. Travelers who miss Japanese pastries and delicious ready-to-eat rice meals often found at Japanese convenience stores can relive the experience while shopping at Mitsukoshi Fresh, too.
There’s also a place for Japanese arts and literature. Kinokuniya Bookstore x Fully Booked offers Filipinos opportunities to explore this aspect of Japanese life. In fact, half its shelves are dedicated to Japanese books and manga in both Japanese and English.
The mall also houses a wide array of local and international brands and restaurants both familiar and new to Filipinos all over, and is set to open new concepts that are sure to elevate lifestyle choices for locals and visitors alike.
