Matsuya Ginza

Matsuya Ginza is a well-known, long-established department store. It started business in 1869 as a textile and fabric shop. Later, it established the first full-scale department store in Tokyo where it has served many generations. Matsuya Ginza consists of the main building and Matsuya Ginza Marronnier Dori. The main building has a glass-panel facade some 120 meters high — the largest in Japan. The panels light up before sunset, a symbol of nighttime Ginza. In the central hall, an atrium rises 25 meters to the 7th floor. An escalator was installed next to the atrium in 1956; called the Sky Ribbon, this was the greatest escalator in Asia at the time. In addition to sales of clothing, general goods and groceries, Matsuya Ginza also provides services including foreign-currency exchange and overseas shipping at a duty-free counter, storage of purchased items, and fitting/powder rooms. There is even a rooftop shrine for Ryukoufudoson (one of kings in Buddhism), believed to bring good fortune in the fashion business. The store is directly connected to Exit A12 of Ginza Station on the Tokyo Metro.