Looking for the leading location for fashion, brands, and luxury? Then Ginza, Tokyo’s top shopping district, is the place for you! Always buzzing with shoppers, Ginza has tons to offer. Its stylish streets, lavish brand-named stores, and bright lights are a must to capture with your camera! Let’s check out this extravagant neighborhood together by looking at its rich history, its landmarks, what to do, and its best bites.
History
Ginza’s wealth started during the Edo Period (1603-1868) when the silver coin mint was moved there. The name “Ginza”, in fact, literally translates to “silver mint”. During the Edo Period, Ginza grew from an artisans area to a bustling commerce center, and several expensive kimono shops opened on Chuo Dori street, the main street of the area. Towards the end of the Edo Period, Ginza’s fortune began to decrease. In order to keep this wealthy district alive, drastic changes had to be made.
The government decided that Ginza would be the first area of Tokyo to be westernized. The main streets were rebuilt, and the first western-style brick buildings were constructed here. Shops with actual paved flooring, as opposed to tatami mats which were the tradition until that time, began to appear. New cafes that resembled ones you would find in Europe opened on the streets. From the 19th century onward, Ginza slowly became the fashionable neighborhood that we know it as today.
Landmarks
Chuo Dori
Chuo dori is the main street of Ginza. It starts from the north in Nihonbashi and goes all the way down south to Ginza. Major department stores, such as Matsuya, Ginza Mitsukoshi, and Ginza Six, are all located along this street. The street is open to pedestrians during weekend afternoons (the times depend on the season), and people can enjoy a nice walk as well as take some cool pictures.
Kabukiza
Kabukiza is the most important Kabuki theater in Tokyo, and was built in 1889. Kabuki is a traditional Japanese form of entertainment, in which male actors perform plays on stage with elaborate costumes and make-up. It can be compared to the western Opera.
You can visit the theater during the day and enjoy its exquisite traditional architecture. You can go to the rooftop on the 5th floor for a nice view of the area, and take some time to relax.
If you decide to watch kabuki, you can rent an English audio-guide that will help you understand and follow the dialogue and dynamics of the play during the performance. Be ready to clear your plans for the day, because a kabuki play can last up to 4 hours!
Check out their website for more info.
Ginza Mitsukoshi
After Mitsukoshi opened in the nearby area of Nihonbashi in the 17th century, a second store opened in Ginza, making Mitsukoshi the first department store chain in Japan. Mitsukoshi is famous for its luxurious style and brands. Just like the flagship store in Nihonbashi, Ginza Mitsukoshi has two lion statues at the main entrance, making it a perfect spot for pictures and as an easy meeting point. Ginza Mitsukoshi’s entrance opens onto Chuo Dori street, at the famous 4-Chome Crossing. It is located in front of Wako, another famous department store in the area.
The rooftop of Ginza Mitsukoshi offers a terrace garden with a beautiful view of the Ginza area. Here, you can find a statue of Shusshe Jizo-son. This Shinto god statue was moved several times in Ginza before arriving at its final destination on the terrace on top of Mitsukoshi. This statue is quite famous among locals, who often visit and worship it, as it is said to bring benefits in one’s career.
Ginza Six
Opened in 2017, Ginza Six is the biggest department store in Ginza. It is by far the most luxurious and modern department store in all of Tokyo. Its style, contrary to Mitsukoshi’s traditional vibe, focuses on Japanese contemporary art and design. This place is definitely worth the visit!
What to Do
Itoya
Itoya is the most famous stationery shop in Ginza. Starting as a tiny shop in 1904, it was renovated and reopened in 2015. It is now a department store with 10 floors, and each of those floors is dedicated solely to stationery. It became famous for selling high-quality Japanese and international stationery.
You’ll be amazed when you see all the snazzy items they have, and you may find something you never knew you needed! So, make sure to stop by and see what Itoya has to offer.
UNIQLO
Uniqlo is a famous Japanese brand clothing store that has gained popularity all around the world for its high-quality minimalist style clothes. Uniqlo branches are located in almost every part of Tokyo, but Ginza houses the flagship store with 12 floors. It is absolutely worth a visit if you are into Japanese fashion, but be careful! You may just end up buying everything!
Hakuhinkan
Hakuhinkan is one of the biggest and best toy stores in Tokyo. Here, you can find everything and anything you’re looking for and more! For children, this shop is an absolute paradise! When you head inside, you will probably be reminded of a lot of childhood memories. Who knows, maybe you’ll even pick out a cute toy for your inner child!
Shiseido
The Shiseido Building is dedicated entirely to all things beauty and beauty products. Here, you can find the latest trends in cosmetics, as well as give yourself a treat with some top-quality skincare.
Shiseido has counseling for beauty, treatments, photo sessions, and more. Come here to discover the vast world of makeup and beauty!
The Tsukiji fish market has been providing the people of Tokyo with fresh seafood since 1935, and up until very recently, it was the biggest fish market in the world. The outer market, as opposed to the inner market that is now located in Toyosu, is more for retail stores and tourists who want to grab some delicious fresh fish. The sushi here is probably the freshest you can get in the world!
If you want to explore the Tsukiji fish market and eat the best bites, why not join our Fish Market Tour in Tsukiji and be accompanied by a guide that knows all the greatest places to eat delicious fish in the market
What to Eat
Sushi
Sukiyabashi Jiro ($$$)
This sushi restaurant is a legend among all the sushi restaurant in Japan. Because it is so famous, it is almost impossible to make a reservation here unless you’re lucky. We felt that we had to mention it in our list since it is so famous and so delicious. Let us know if you make it in! 😉
If you couldn’t make to Jiro, here is another amazing sushi restaurant in the area:
Ginza Kyubey ($$$)
Kyubei is a sushi restaurant that opened in 1935. It is considered one of the world’s best restaurants according to La Liste. Make sure to order the omakase course, and let the chef guide you on a sensory journey that you’ll only find here.
To secure seating here, we recommend making a reservation through your hotel concierge.
Ramen
Mugi to Olive ($)
Mugi to Olive has a very modern and minimalist decor, but the ramen they serve will make you feel snug and right at home. They have three unique broths you can choose from, including: dried sardines, chicken, clams, or a mix of the 3.
As the name of this restaurant suggests, they add a unique twist to their ramen by using olive oil in their ramen. You can adjust the flavor of your ramen as you like with the olive oil they provide at your table. Give this ramen with a fun twist a try and see how chefs mix Japanese and western cuisine together to make new creations!
Soba
Sanada ($$)
If you love soba noodles, this is the place to go! At Sanada, they use only the freshest seasonal ingredients from the Shinshu area, also known as Nagano prefecture. It is famous for the quality of its ingredients due to the fertile soil from past volcanic activity. The rice from Nagano is especially good, and you can try some here!
Grab a bite and taste some delicious northern Japanese ingredients and pair it with some nice sake–at Sanada, they have a great selection!
Shabu shabu
Zakuro ($$-$$$)
Shabu shabu is a famous Japanese hot pot dish where you dip fresh and high-quality ingredients in boiling broth to cook them. At this restaurant, they use only the best ingredients and high-quality wagyu, or Japanese beef. Enjoy lightly cooking the thinly-sliced wagyu beef in broth and savor its rich flavors.
Zakuro also has an elegant atmosphere that compliments their exquisite cuisine. They are only open for dinner, so make sure to make room in your itinerary!
Cafes
Ginza Tricolore is a cafe with a classic Showa Era (1926-1989) theme that has served refined coffee, cakes, and pastries since 1936. Shopping all day can be pretty exhausting, so why not take a break at this cafe and enjoy the retro atmosphere and aroma of fresh coffee.
Want a recommendation on what to order here? Try their eclairs! The creamy custard in the eclair paired with their house blend coffee is a match made in heaven.
Opened in 1910, this is one of the oldest cafes that is still in operation in Japan, and it is said that it is the origin of Japan’s cafe culture.
Cafe Paulista sources its beans from Brazil, which it has had close ties with for decades. Although you’ll only find blends made from Brazilian beans here, they have all kinds of roasts as well as espresso drinks. Kick back in this cozy but upscale cafe with some delicious fluffy pancakes and freshly roasted coffee to jumpstart your morning.
Ginza is the perfect neighborhood for you to indulge in some fancy shopping and stroll around looking at the world’s most famous and upscale brands. Each building here is dedicated to a specific brand and is unique in its shape and design. So make sure to put Ginza on your itinerary next time you visit Tokyo!
