Ginza District
Epitome of Elegance and Luxury Shopping in Tokyo
Ginza's name originates from the silver coin mint (ginza literally means 'silver guild') established here in 1612 during the Edo period. The area transformed dramatically after an 1872 fire destroyed much of the district, prompting the Meiji government to rebuild it as a model of Western-style modernization. Red brick buildings with gas lamps lined the streets, earning it the nickname 'Bricktown' and establishing Ginza as Tokyo's most fashionable and progressive district.
The early 20th century saw Ginza become the center of Japanese consumer culture and cosmopolitan sophistication. Department stores like Mitsukoshi (1930) and Wako (1932) opened flagship locations, while Western-style cafes, theaters, and art galleries attracted Tokyo's cultural elite. The term 'Ginbura' (Ginza-walking) entered the lexicon, describing the fashionable pastime of strolling Ginza's streets to see and be seen, similar to Parisian boulevard culture.
Today, Ginza hosts the world's most expensive real estate per square meter, reflected in the concentration of luxury brand flagship stores along Chuo-dori avenue. Every major international fashion house maintains a presence here: Chanel, Hermès, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, with architectural showcase buildings designed by renowned architects. The district balances heritage department stores with cutting-edge contemporary retail spaces.
On weekend afternoons, the main Chuo-dori avenue becomes a pedestrian paradise called 'Hokosha Tengoku,' where streets close to vehicles, allowing visitors to stroll freely among the luxury boutiques. Ginza also offers world-class dining from Michelin-starred restaurants to traditional sushi counters, high-end art galleries in converted buildings, and historic establishments like kabuki theaters, making it far more than just a shopping destination.
Key Highlights
- Tokyo's most prestigious shopping district since the Meiji era
- Home to flagship stores of every major international luxury brand
- Historic department stores: Mitsukoshi, Wako, Matsuya, Mitsukoshi
- Weekend pedestrian paradise on Chuo-dori avenue
- World's most expensive real estate per square meter
- Michelin-starred dining and traditional kabuki theater culture
Access Information
Location
Ginza, Chuo City, Tokyo 104-0061, Japan
Nearest Stations
- • Ginza Station (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line, Marunouchi Line, Hibiya Line)
- • Higashi-Ginza Station (Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line, Toei Asakusa Line)
Opening Hours
Department stores: 10:00-20:00 | Luxury boutiques: 11:00-20:00 | Restaurants: vary, many until 23:00 | Pedestrian paradise: Sat-Sun 12:00-18:00 (Apr-Sep) or 12:00-17:00 (Oct-Mar)
Admission Fee
Free to explore | Shopping and dining costs vary (upscale pricing)
How to Get There
From Tokyo Station
Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line to Ginza
5 minutes
From Shibuya
Tokyo Metro Ginza Line direct to Ginza
15 minutes
From Shinjuku
Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line to Ginza
20 minutes
Tips & Visiting Guide
Make the most of your visit with these helpful tips and guidelines.
Department Store Experiences
Visit Ginza Six for contemporary luxury and art installations, Wako for iconic clock tower and premium goods, Mitsukoshi for traditional department store service, and Matsuya for cosmetics floors. Each offers tax-free shopping with passport and unique food halls (depachika) in basements.
Dining from Budget to Michelin Stars
Ginza offers dining at all levels: basement food halls for affordable meals, upper floor chain restaurants with set lunch menus (¥1,000-2,000), traditional sushi counters, and numerous Michelin-starred establishments. Lunch sets offer significant savings compared to dinner at high-end restaurants.
Experience Weekend Pedestrian Paradise
On Saturday and Sunday afternoons, Chuo-dori main street closes to traffic, creating a pleasant walking environment with outdoor seating, street performers, and a relaxed atmosphere. This transforms the usually bustling shopping street into a European-style promenade perfect for leisurely exploration.
Luxury Flagship Architecture
Admire architectural masterpieces housing flagship stores: Hermès building by Renzo Piano with glass block facade, Mikimoto's pearl-inspired design, Chanel's crystalline structure, and Gucci's sleek tower. Window shopping here is a free architecture tour of world-class design.
Best Photo Locations
Photograph the iconic Wako clock tower at the Ginza 4-chome crossing, Chuo-dori avenue during pedestrian paradise hours, and illuminated storefronts at night. Early morning (before 10 AM) offers empty streets for unobstructed shots of architecture and crossings.
Explore Hidden Side Streets
While Chuo-dori hosts flagship stores, side streets and alleys hide traditional restaurants, intimate bars, art galleries, and specialized shops. The area between Ginza and Yurakucho has numerous izakayas and yakitori restaurants under railway arches, offering authentic experiences at reasonable prices.
Visit Traditional Kabuki Theater
Kabukiza Theatre, rebuilt in 2013 combining traditional architecture with modern facilities, offers traditional kabuki performances. Single-act tickets (makumi) available for about ¥1,000-2,000 let you experience kabuki without attending a full 4-hour performance. English audio guides available.
Tax-Free Shopping Procedures
Bring passport for tax-free shopping (10% savings on purchases over ¥5,000 at participating stores). Major department stores have dedicated tax-free counters. Some luxury boutiques process tax-free automatically at checkout. Keep purchases sealed until leaving Japan.
FAQ
How long should I spend exploring Ginza?
Most visitors spend 3-4 hours in Ginza for a focused visit. Serious shoppers or those planning to dine at high-end restaurants can easily spend a full day. If you're just window-shopping and sightseeing, 2 hours covers the main highlights along Chuo-dori.
Is Ginza good for budget-conscious travelers?
Yes, despite its luxury reputation, Ginza offers budget-friendly options. Department store basement food halls (depachika) have affordable meals under 1,000 yen. Upper floor chain restaurants offer lunch sets for 1,000-2,000 yen. Window shopping flagship stores is free and architecturally impressive.
What's the best time to visit Ginza?
Visit on Saturday or Sunday afternoons (12:00-17:00/18:00) during Pedestrian Paradise when Chuo-dori closes to traffic. Weekday mornings before 11 AM offer quieter shopping. Early morning (before 10 AM) is perfect for empty street photography. Evenings showcase beautiful illuminated storefronts.
Is Ginza crowded?
Ginza gets moderately crowded, especially on weekends during Pedestrian Paradise and evenings after work. It's less chaotic than Shibuya or Shinjuku due to wider streets and upscale atmosphere. Weekday mornings and early afternoons are quieter. Department stores are busiest during sales periods.
Do I need to speak Japanese in Ginza?
English support is excellent in Ginza. Major department stores have English-speaking staff and international customer service desks. Luxury boutiques often have multilingual staff. Restaurant menus in upscale establishments frequently include English. Translation apps help in smaller traditional shops.
Can I visit Ginza with children?
Yes, Ginza is very family-friendly. Department stores have kids' floors and baby changing facilities. Wide sidewalks accommodate strollers easily. Pedestrian Paradise on weekends is safe for children to walk. However, very young children may find extensive shopping tours tiring.
Are there free restrooms in Ginza?
Yes, every major department store (Ginza Six, Mitsukoshi, Matsuya, Wako) has clean, free public restrooms. Many are on upper floors. Restaurants and cafes also allow patron use. Department store facilities are exceptionally clean with changing tables and heated seats.
What should I not miss in Ginza?
Don't miss photographing the iconic Wako clock tower at Ginza 4-chome crossing, experiencing Pedestrian Paradise on weekends, visiting Ginza Six's rooftop garden with free city views, browsing luxury flagship architecture along Chuo-dori, and exploring department store basement food halls for unique Japanese products.
Is Ginza close to other tourist attractions?
Yes, Ginza is excellently located. Tsukiji Outer Market is 10 minutes walk, Imperial Palace East Gardens 15 minutes away. Tokyo Station is one stop by metro (5 minutes). Yurakucho's izakaya district is adjacent. Hamarikyu Gardens is 15 minutes walk, offering green space contrast.
Are there luggage storage options in Ginza?
Yes, coin lockers are available at Ginza Station and Yurakucho Station (300-700 yen depending on size). Major department stores like Ginza Six and Mitsukoshi offer temporary storage for shoppers. Hotels near Ginza often hold luggage for guests even after checkout.
Can I visit Ginza on a rainy day?
Absolutely! Ginza is perfect for rain. Most attractions are indoor shopping, galleries, and restaurants. Department stores connect via underground passages. Covered arcades protect you between buildings. Rain actually enhances night photography of illuminated storefronts reflecting on wet pavement.
Which department store should I visit first?
Start with Ginza Six for contemporary luxury, art installations, and excellent rooftop garden. Mitsukoshi offers traditional department store elegance with premium goods. Wako is must-see for the iconic clock tower but smaller inside. Matsuya has excellent cosmetics floors and variety.
Is there a dress code for Ginza?
No strict dress code for shopping, but smart casual is appropriate given the upscale atmosphere. High-end restaurants may require business casual or better, especially for dinner. You won't be denied entry for casual wear, but locals typically dress well when visiting Ginza.
Where can I eat affordably in Ginza?
Department store basement food halls offer takeaway meals and standing counters for 500-1,500 yen. Upper floor chain restaurants like Yoshinoya, Matsuya, and Coco Curry have locations with lunch sets under 1,000 yen. Yurakucho railway arches have affordable izakayas. Convenience stores are abundant.
What time does Pedestrian Paradise happen?
Chuo-dori becomes Pedestrian Paradise (Hokosha Tengoku) on Saturdays and Sundays from 12:00-18:00 (April-September) or 12:00-17:00 (October-March). The exact blocks that close vary by season. Check weather - heavy rain may cancel it. This is the best time to experience Ginza's atmosphere.
Can I see Kabuki theater without spending hours?
Yes! Kabukiza Theatre offers single-act tickets (hitomaku-mi) for 1,000-2,000 yen, letting you watch one act (about 60-90 minutes) without committing to a full 4-hour performance. English audio guides available. Purchase tickets at the theater; advance booking not required for single acts.
Are credit cards widely accepted in Ginza?
Yes, credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, JCB, Amex) are widely accepted at department stores, luxury boutiques, and most restaurants. Some smaller traditional shops and cafes may be cash-only. Always carry 5,000-10,000 yen cash as backup. IC cards work at convenience stores.
Is Ginza worth visiting if I'm not shopping?
Absolutely! Ginza offers architectural sightseeing with flagship store buildings by world-renowned architects, art galleries, traditional Kabuki theater, excellent people-watching, unique Pedestrian Paradise atmosphere, and proximity to Tsukiji. The district itself represents Japanese modernization history and sophisticated urban culture.
How do I experience Ginza like a local?
Visit during weekday evenings when office workers browse after work. Explore side streets and alleys for hidden restaurants and bars rather than just main avenues. Try department store depachika food halls. Have coffee at kissaten (traditional cafes). Walk toward Yurakucho's railway arches for authentic yakitori.
Are there any hidden gems in Ginza?
Explore Ginza Six's free rooftop garden with city views. Visit traditional galleries in converted buildings on side streets. Check out Corridor Street (Corridor Gai) behind main avenue for intimate bars. Discover Sony Park underground space for installations and events. Browse stationary shops like Itoya's 12-story building.
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Harajuku / Takeshita Street
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Imperial Palace East Gardens
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Jindaiji Temple
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