(ちかがい)

ちかがい
noun
underground shopping area, underground mall
1. underground shopping area, underground mall
A commercial complex built underground, typically beneath train stations or city centers.
地下街(ちかがい)(ある)く。
To walk through the underground mall.
(えき)地下街(ちかがい)()(もの)をした。
I went shopping at the underground mall beneath the station.
(あめ)()地下街(ちかがい)(とお)って会社(かいしゃ)()く。
On rainy days, I go to work through the underground shopping area.
この地下街(ちかがい)迷路(めいろ)のように()()んでいる。
This underground mall is as maze-like and complex as a labyrinth.

地下街(ちかがい) is a common feature of Japanese urban areas, especially beneath major train stations. Famous examples include Osaka's Umeda Chika and Tokyo's Yaesu Chikagai.

These underground complexes often connect multiple buildings and train lines, providing weather-protected shopping and dining.

Related terms:

  • 商店街(しょうてんがい): shopping street
  • 地下鉄(ちかてつ): subway
  • 駅ビル(えきびる): station building