Ginza in Chuo Ward, Tokyo, is an area adorned with numerous high-end and sophisticated shops and gourmet restaurants. Originally, during the Edo period, "Ginza" referred to the government mint that produced silver coins for the shogunate. When Tokugawa Ieyasu established the "Ginza Foundry" in the present-day Ginza 2-chome, this area became known as Ginza.

Over time, Ginza evolved into its present state, with significant commercial growth along Ginza Street, starting from Nihonbashi, where Mitsui Echigoya was located. Flourishing maritime commerce further contributed to the area's development.

Ginza spans from 1-chome to 8-chome, with the iconic 4-chome intersection featuring the clock tower of the Wako Main Building as its focal point. This vibrant district houses a variety of commercial facilities, department stores, luxury boutiques, specialty shops, and restaurants. Notably, on weekends, Ginza Street becomes a pedestrian paradise, allowing visitors to leisurely enjoy their shopping experience.

In Ginza, you'll find plenty of venues where you can experience traditional Japanese performing arts and contemporary art, such as Kabuki-za, Shiseido Gallery, and Ginza Maison Hermès Forum. The abundance of these facilities allows visitors to immerse themselves in the world of art and culture, adding to the allure of Ginza.

Over time, the image of Ginza as a sophisticated haven for adults has gradually evolved. In the late 2000s, a wave of fast-fashion stores like Uniqlo, H&M, FOREVER 21 (which closed in 2013 following the closure of Matsuzakaya Ginza), and ZARA started making their mark in the district. This attracted trend-conscious young people to explore the area, and the influx of inbound tourists also became noticeable.

Among these fast-fashion retailers, H&M, known for its trendy clothing, first landed in Ginza at the Ginza Chuo-dori in 2008 but closed its doors in 2018. However, in May 2023, H&M made a comeback in Ginza with the reopening of "H&M Ginza Namiki-dori Store" in Ginza 2-chome.

In recent years, Ginza has undergone a remarkable transformation with further redevelopment, evolving into a hub where cutting-edge fashion and culture thrive. The emergence of various complex facilities and buildings such as GINZA SIX, Tokyu Plaza Ginza, GINZA PLACE, and Ginza Sony Park has breathed new life into the district, infusing it with a fresh sense of vibrancy.

According to the "Survey Results of Overseas Tourists' Behavior by Country/Region in 2019 and 2020," it was revealed that after Shinjuku-Shin Okubo, Ginza is the second most popular destination for foreign tourists visiting Tokyo. Additionally, when asked about their "most satisfying place," Ginza ranks first among the choices for foreign tourists.

When visiting Ginza, the most common activities reported were "shopping for daily necessities, cosmetics, groceries, and confectionery" (31.8%) and "shopping for clothing and fashion accessories" (28.2%), which significantly surpassed the percentage for "enjoying Japanese cuisine" (14.7%). This indicates that Ginza is strongly associated with the image of being a "shopping haven" even for foreign tourists.

The trend of Chinese tourists engaging in "explosive buying" and purchasing large quantities of goods in Ginza has remained fresh in memory. However, in recent times, the number of duty-free shops has increased, making the shopping environment more convenient and accessible for foreign visitors.

Ginza offers an array of shopping delights for both fashion and everyday items. One of its attractions lies in the encounter with traditional Japanese crafts and specialty stores. And since you've made the journey, why not indulge in Japan's gourmet and tourist spots as well?

Here, we'll introduce recommended spots along five areas. These unique neighborhoods each offer a distinct personality, catering to diverse tastes and interests. Whether you're a culture enthusiast, a fashion connoisseur, or a gourmet explorer, Ginza promises an unforgettable journey through its iconic districts.

At the intersection of Harumi-dori and Sotobori-dori stands the Sukiya-bashi Intersection. As part of Ginza's redevelopment, Ginza Sony Park and Tokyu Plaza Ginza have breathed new life into the area. Nearby, you'll find the renowned Sukiya-bashi Park, famous for its clock tower created by artist Taro Okamoto, which underwent renewal in 2016. It has become a cherished urban oasis.

Additionally, just a 5-minute walk from Sukiya-bashi is the Ginza Corridor Street, where the complex commercial facility GRANBELL SQUARE is set to open in September 2023. Preceding that, in April 2023, the SPA & SAUNA Corridor no Yu and the GINZA HOTEL by GRANBELL have already opened their doors.

Look forward to the upcoming autumn of 2023 when the discount supermarket OK Ginza Store is scheduled to open at Marronnier Gate Ginza 2. With the continuous openings of new-genre facilities like spa saunas and discount supermarkets, the Sukiya-bashi area is definitely worth your attention.

Recommended Stores

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At the heart of Ginza lies the Ginza 4-chome Intersection, where Harumi-dori and the main street, Ginza-dori, intersect. This area is adorned with several iconic landmarks of Ginza, including the prestigious Wako Main Building, Sanai Dream Center (scheduled for demolition in 2023, new building completion in 2027), and Ginza Mitsukoshi. Additionally, the redevelopment brought Ginza Place, which opened in 2016, making this area a gathering place for numerous representative facilities and shops of Ginza.

In May 2022, the permanent exhibition Art Aquarium Museum GINZA, featuring mesmerizing goldfish art, opened on the 8th floor of Tokyo's Ginza Mitsukoshi New Building.

Furthermore, in March 2023, four new stores debuted in the first-floor area of the commercial facility EXITMELSA at GINZA SWEETS MARCH. And in spring 2023, at GINZA SIX, twelve stores, including the fragrance and beauty-focused Hermès in Color and the premium athletic wear brand Lululemon from Vancouver, opened and underwent renovations.

Recommended Stores

Heading northeast along the Chuo-dori from Ginza 4-chome Intersection and intersecting with Matsuya-dori, you'll find Ginza 3-chome Intersection. This area serves as a shopping hub, home to establishments like Matsuya Ginza and Apple Store Ginza (temporarily relocated to 8-chome near Shimbashi in August 2022 for renovation).

Near 2-chome, you'll come across foreign luxury boutiques such as Louis Vuitton and CHANEL, while in 2016, the commercial facility Okura House became a new landmark. It houses flagship stores like Cartier and renowned spots like bills, famous for serving the "world's best breakfast."

Recommended Stores

At Ginza 1-chome Intersection, the Tokyo Metro Yurakucho Line passes through. This area is home to specialty stores like Ginza Itoya, a stationery shop, and high-end stores such as Harry Winston and Tiffany Ginza Main Store. Being close to Yurakucho Station, it's recommended to take a stroll while shopping.

Recommended Stores

Directly connected to Higashi-Ginza Station, the Kabukiza Theatre is a dedicated venue for the traditional Japanese performing art of kabuki. It's a popular tourist spot, attracting visitors from both within Japan and abroad. In 2013, it underwent a renewal as the high-rise building Kabukiza Tower, transforming into a complex facility where visitors can enjoy kabuki more intimately. The tower houses kabuki merchandise shops, Japanese restaurants, galleries, and more.

Recommended Stores

In the surrounding area, you'll also find longstanding restaurants said to be frequented by kabuki actors. It's highly recommended to stop by for lunch or dinner after watching a kabuki performance.

Ginza Station, the heart of Ginza, is served by three Tokyo Metro lines: Ginza Line, Yurakucho Line, and Hibiya Line. Additionally, it is conveniently located near Toei Asakusa Line Higashi-Ginza Station, JR Yurakucho Station, and JR Shimbashi Station, all within walking distance to Ginza.

There are multiple bus stops as well, including routes from Tokyo Station Marunouchi South Exit. Moreover, limousine buses operate from Haneda Airport and Narita Airport, making it easily accessible for tourists from both within and outside the country.

Ginza offers not only shopping but also a variety of attractions, including gourmet and arts, making it an ideal area for tourists who want to enjoy an upscale Tokyo.

Moreover, in recent years, redevelopment has brought many new highlights. Even if you have visited in the past, we recommend you come and experience the new and unique side of Ginza.

Please note that the information in this article has been updated in June 2023 from its original state in October 2019.