Ginza

Tokyo’s Timeless Elegance and Modern Sophistication

Built on the site of the former silver coin mint of the Edo period, Ginza embodies Tokyo’s blend of history, refinement, and modern allure. This district, long synonymous with luxury and grace, is home to Japan’s original department stores known for impeccable service and attention to detail. Yet beyond the glitz, Ginza’s backstreets reveal intimate boutiques, hidden cafés, and bistros where the charm of old Tokyo meets the pulse of new trends. Constantly evolving, Ginza remains a place where timeless elegance and contemporary energy coexist in perfect balance.

Getting There

Ginza Station is served by the Tokyo Metro Ginza, Marunouchi, and Hibiya Lines. Nearby are Ginza-itchome Station on the Yurakucho Line and Higashi-Ginza Station on the Hibiya and Toei Asakusa Lines. The area is a five-minute walk from JR Yurakucho Station and about a 15-minute walk from Tokyo Station.

From Major Hubs:
• Haneda Airport – 35 minutes by limousine bus / 50 minutes by train
• Narita Airport – 2 hours by limousine bus / 1 hour 35 minutes by train
• Shinjuku Station – 16 minutes via the Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line
• Tokyo Station – 3 minutes via the Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line

A Shopper’s Paradise

Ginza’s retail landscape has evolved in recent years, blending heritage with innovation. Landmark destinations such as Ginza Six and Tokyu Plaza Ginza now join the classic department stores, offering a curated mix of high-end fashion and fine dining. The area continues to attract major investments, with new developments like Ginza Place redefining luxury shopping. Even the iconic Sony Building is undergoing a major renewal, set to reopen with fresh vitality. Be sure to visit time-honored favorites like Ginza Mitsukoshi, Matsuya Ginza, and Wako, where tradition meets sophistication.

Savor Michelin-Star Dining and Edo-Style Sushi

Ginza is Tokyo’s culinary jewel — a haven for food connoisseurs. The district’s Edo-style sushi restaurants, crafted with precision and seasonal ingredients, are world-renowned. Many Michelin-starred establishments require reservations well in advance due to their exclusive counter seating. From refined ramen at Hachigo to casual yet delicious street stalls serving traditional bowls, Ginza offers flavors for every palate. Western cuisine also shines here — try Makiyaki Ginza Onodera, where dishes are grilled over wood fire using French techniques. Don’t leave without sampling wagashi, exquisite traditional Japanese sweets, from one of Ginza’s storied confectioners.

Art and Elegance, from Kabuki to Contemporary Design

Long celebrated as a cultural hub, Ginza is where art, luxury, and performance converge. The historic Kabukiza Theatre, a landmark of Japanese performing arts, continues to enchant audiences with its timeless beauty and artistry. Contemporary art thrives at venues like the Shiseido Gallery and Maison de Hermès Le Forum, known for their elegant and thought-provoking exhibitions. Meanwhile, Creation Gallery G8 and Ginza Graphic Gallery spotlight the work of young designers and illustrators, highlighting Japan’s rich visual culture. Ginza is not just a shopping district — it’s a living gallery where creativity breathes through every street.

Weekend Strolls on the Ginza Boulevard

On weekends and national holidays, Ginza’s main avenue transforms into a pedestrian paradise — cars are banned, and the street comes alive with leisurely shoppers and café-goers. From April to September, the boulevard closes to traffic from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM (and until 5:00 PM from October to March). Enjoy a relaxed afternoon people-watching from an outdoor café or simply take in the refined atmosphere of Tokyo’s most iconic street, free from the weekday hustle.