1. Over a Century of Heritage and Trust
Ginza is home to legendary establishments like Ginza Kikunoya (founded 1890) and Ginza Sembikiya (founded 1894), which have been serving customers since the Meiji era. The authenticity and prestige behind these historic brands make them ideal for meaningful gifts that show respect and thoughtfulness.

2. Department Store Food Halls Drive the Latest Trends
The basement food halls (known as "depachika") at historic department stores like Ginza Mitsukoshi and Matsuya Ginza represent the cutting edge of Japan's sweets scene. Top-tier brands compete to offer exclusive items and seasonal specialties you won't find anywhere else.

3. Unbeatable Convenience Around Ginza Station
Major shopping destinations are concentrated within walking distance, many stores offer tax-free shopping, and extended evening hours make it easy to pick up souvenirs between sightseeing activities or after dinner.

The confections crafted by Ginza's historic shops are more than just sweets—they're cultural artifacts that embody Japanese history, artisan craftsmanship, and the spirit of hospitality.

Established in 1902, Shiseido Parlour is a Ginza icon. Their signature "Hanatsubaki Biscuits" come in several versions, but the Biscuit "Hanatsubaki" Special in an elegant black tin are exclusive to the Ginza Main Store Shop. This premium presentation makes them perfect for formal gift-giving.

The shop also offers the Special Cheesecake, a Ginza Main Store exclusive that's been described as "more than a dessert—it's a sophisticated indulgence for adults." Made with rich Danish cream cheese, this cheesecake is limited to just 15 per day with no reservations or delivery available, making the purchase itself a special experience.

The signature product of Ginza West, a Western confectionery shop founded in 1947, is the Leaf Pie. This masterpiece is made by carefully folding a butter and flour dough 256 times and shaping each piece by hand into a delicate leaf form. The crispy, light texture and the sweet crunch of the sugar sprinkled on top create an exquisite balance.

This refined taste is enjoyed by all ages, and the individual packaging makes it convenient for distribution. This traditional flavor, maintained by a Ginza institution, is perfect for souvenirs for the workplace or as a gift for someone important.

Ginza Kikunoya, founded in 1890, boasts a history of about 130 years. The Fukiyose, conceived by the second-generation owner, is like a jewel box, filled with colorful and beautiful wagashi (Japanese confections) in a tin.

It is easy to carry, can be stored at room temperature, and allows you to enjoy various flavors like wasanbon (refined Japanese sugar), matcha (green tea), plum, and black bean. The splendor upon opening the tin makes it ideal for a special gift.

Ginza Sembikiya, founded in 1894, is synonymous with high-end fruit parlors. While maintaining the credibility of a luxury fruit specialist, they also offer individually packaged baked goods and room-temperature stable jellies at an accessible price.

The Ginza Jelly is characterized by its authentic flavor, which utilizes the fresh, juicy taste of the fruit pulp. Packed with high-quality fruit, you can enjoy the burst of fruit flavor the moment it touches your palate. It is the ideal choice for a gift that balances quality with the convenience of easy distribution.

For gifts to loved ones or a treat for yourself, seek out the distinct "only-available-here" quality that Ginza offers.

Wako Annex, the annex of Ginza's landmark Wako, established the Cake & Chocolate Shop in 1988 as a pioneer of Japanese chocolate shops. Its concept is to offer "authentic chocolates favored by adult men" through atelier-made production.

The sophisticated lineup, embodying the prestige and quality of the Wako brand, includes specialty items like the smooth, high-quality truffle chocolate, Truffe Nature.

This is a rich and moist, exquisite pound cake with the rare distinction of being limited to 20 cakes per day. It is so soft that a fork slides right through. Combining butter with traditional Japanese ingredients, it is the perfect unique gift.

It comes in three flavors—black bean (kuromame), Japanese chestnut (waguri), and matcha. Each uses Japanese ingredients lavishly, offering a flavor that feels distinctly Japanese despite being a Western-style confection. Early arrival is recommended to secure a purchase.

Reliable brands headquartered in Ginza or unique items originating from Ginza, all at accessible prices. These are ideal for casual souvenirs for friends or colleagues.

This is the main store of a Western confectioner founded in 1948, proudly bearing the name "Ginza". The renewed Ginza Sweets baked gift set features more formal and refined packaging.

It includes a variety of textures and flavors—centered on the Butter Madeleine, which won a Monde Selection Gold Award, along with financiers and cookies. Individually packaged for easy sharing and affordably priced, it's a highly satisfying choice for a "Ginza souvenir".

This unique sweet is a flat-baked baumkuchen (layered cake) decorated with cuts and a panda pattern. Its charm lies in the experience—customers can punch out the panda shape before eating.

It's a Western confection with a long shelf life (approx. 63 days), but the added "playfulness" of the katanuki (cutting out) makes it perfect as a gift for families with small children or for those who like to share on social media.

A wonderful souvenir can be ruined if problems arise during transportation. Here are practical tips to maximize your souvenir shopping in Ginza.

Most department stores and large shops in Ginza offer tax-free shopping.

Condition: Purchase of ¥5,000 or more (excluding tax) at the same store (or facility).
Required: Presentation of your passport (original) is mandatory.
Location: At facilities like GINZA SIX, Ginza Mitsukoshi, and Matsuya Ginza, you can consolidate purchases from different stores in the building for processing at the "Tax-Free Counter".

Important: Japan's Tax-Free System is Changing from 2026
Currently, you can "purchase at the tax-free price on the spot". However, from 2026, the system is scheduled to change to a "refund at the airport upon departure" method (Refund Method). For the latest rules and detailed procedures, please check the following explanatory article:

Ginza has a selection of sweets to meet every need: the flavors of historic shops over 100 years old, premium sweets for special occasions, and affordable gifts from Ginza-based brands.

Use the guide introduced in this article to find the perfect item for your trip. May your Ginza souvenirs be a gift to a loved one, along with your wonderful memories.

After finding your luxury gifts in Ginza, check out the wider Tokyo area for classics and hidden gems! This guide covers department stores, station complexes, and discount shops across the city.

*Prices include tax. Prices and products are current as of December 2025. They may be subject to change upon visit, so please check the official website of each store for the latest information. Please also refer to the National Tax Agency website for details on the tax-free system.