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Ginza, undoubtedly, is one of the most famous downtown Tokyo districts in Chuo Ward and is also the central point of Chuo City. The area is famous just simply as Ginza, Japan, virtually.
There are several famous areas here. However, the two most famous attractions in this area are Tokyo Station and Imperial Palace.
Ginza is the most famous district in Tokyo, and it is often called the “central business district” of the capital. This upscale shopping district in the eastern part of Tokyo has many fancy department stores, luxury hotels, and restaurants.
The area has a large concentration of high-end business centers, making it one of the most expensive in Tokyo.
Currently, the area is luxurious, and the land is expensive because all the national and international famous brands have their stores here.
The truth is that only craftsmen used to live there before.
What’s Ginza:
About 400 years ago, Edo feudal government established the Ginza Yakusho, known as Ginza Bureau. Later, the government also found currency.
Ginza means silver, and Za means guild.
The Japanese government transferred its silver mint to this area in 1612. From that time, it started to become prosperous.
So, the word Ginza came from silver and guild, no doubt.
In short, Ginza means A Prosperous City, a Bussiness Center, and Heart of the Country. But, It became familiar to people simply as Ginza.
This area is always highly crowded. Thousands of people visit the area every day for different purposes.
If you want a place to indulge yourself or look for some fantastic clothes, Ginza is the best place to go in Tokyo. While you can find cheaper clothes shops elsewhere in Japan and even outside Tokyo, they won’t come close to what you will find here.
People from all walks of life – salarymen on their way home from work, parents taking their kids to buy school uniforms, fashionistas looking for exclusive designer labels, and wealthy tourists are looking for designer items at affordable prices.
If you don’t mind a bit of the hustle and bustle as well as expensive things, then this is your spot!
How to access Ginza?
Accessing the central Tokyo district, Ginza, is easy.
It’s the top downtown Tokyo district. So, most JR and Tokyo Metro subway Lines are connected to the area, including Yamanote Line.
Straightly, you can access it from Roppongi Hills, Shibuya Station, and Tokyo Tower.
What to know before visiting Ginza?
● It has a lot of tourists on the weekends and holidays
● The area is very crowded, so expect it to be busy at all times
● It is not very easy to park your car because parking spaces are limited
● It is easy to get lost in the maze of streets
● You will find many luxury goods here
Where to eat?
If you want a great place to eat, you should go to one of the many restaurants along the Ginza shopping district.
However, if you have a plan for something more substantial than light food, it is time for a good old Japanese meal at one of the many nearby places, such as
- The APPOLO
- Ginza Ukai Tei
- Kyubey (Sushi Restaurant)
- Paradise Dynasty
Four recommended Places:
#1)Tokuda Saketen Restaurant:
Tokuda Saketen Restaurant is in the B1 of TOKYO KOTSU KAIKAN.
TOKYO KOTSU KAIKAN is the Tokyo Residential Passport office near Big Camera. The exact location is just between GINZA |NZ, and ITOCiA.
It’s actually a bar. But the restaurant has several great menus, including delicious sushi.
You can find most of the famous prefectural Ambassodar stores and restaurants there. You’ll feel like you’re in real Japan and choose any restaurant you like.
Besides, all the B1 floor is full of urban Japanese touch with prefectural stores and goods, which feel like a metropolitan area.
Of course, you can’t imagine the urban area in Tokyo. But the B1 floor will make you feel it.
Most of the restaurants are open at 11:300 Japan Standard Time.
Besides, you can see train tracks from the second floor. So the rooftop is like a Bullet Train observation deck.
#2) Ginza Yurakucho Sanchoku Yokocho:
If you feel like eating somewhere, look more local, and check out Ginza Yurakucho Sanchoku Yokocho, located near the main rail line. The street has a nice decoration with Japanese lanterns. See (Google Map)
These restaurants specialize in all types of Japanese food items, including yakitori.
It’s a nice place where most foreigners want to enjoy authentic Japanese food. Restaurants are on both sides, and a small pathway in the middle.
There are 11 restaurants together here. Only the decorated restaurant street doesn’t look great, but the food items are wonderfully delicious.
If you’re interested in history, don’t forget to see Taimei Elementary’s old-school opened at this site in June 1878.
#3) Ginza Corridor Gai:
Ginza Corridor Gai is only a few metres away from Ginza Corridor Gai. You can see several cars parked on the road near the restaurants. (Google Map)
The area looks like Kyoto.
It has several famous restaurants, bars, and cafes. In short, the street is a hub of Japanese authentic-looking pubs.
On the other hand, there are many international brand restaurants, too, including Thai, Vietnamese, South Korean, France, Italian, etc. So, visitors can choose different countries’ food items.
#4)AUX BACCHANALES:
AUX BACCHANALES in Ginza is a great place to enjoy delicious wine. The shop is open every day at 11:00 Japan Standard Time and is always crowded with customers.
There are many types of wines to find the perfect one for your taste. You can also order food here if you want to eat while enjoying your wine.
Besides, it’s also a perfect place for snacks.
Young people keep coming every day in the late afternoon. So, take your seat before getting full.
However, the whole area even looks more vivid at night. So, people love nightlife here to see the beautiful light.
Unbelievable!
Ginza is the core of Tokyo. However, some of the parts look like authentic rural Japanese rural villages.
However, I also like HIBIYA OKUROJI. It’s a new venue like Ginza Corridor Gai.
The venue under the railway is about 1 km long.
Best Shopping?
Some of the famous shopping malls in Ginza, Japan:
- Tokyo Plaza Ginza
- GINZA |NZ
- Ginza |nz 2
- Apple Store
- GINZA SIX
- Honkyo MENS
- LUMINE
- Nishi Ginza Department Store
- Ginza Wako
- Big Camera
- Ginza Mitsukoshi
- Ginza Matsuya
- Ginza Place
- UNIQLO Ginza
- Hakuhinkan
However, I recommend visiting some of the malls –
Tokyu Plaza:
Tokyu Plaza is a twelve-story building that is a significant landmark in Ginza. It is a place for some of Tokyo’s most prestigious shops and restaurants. So, the plaza became a popular destination for international and local tourists.
The building is also known for its impressive architecture, which features a glass facade and a rooftop garden.
In addition, it is a popular shopping destination in Ginza and worth visiting for anyone interested in Japanese culture.
Tokyu Plaza is one of the most famous shopping malls in the area, located on Harumi Dori Avenue. The Imperial Hibiya Moat is only 3 minutes on foot from the mall.
Of course, many shopping malls are around it, such as LUMINE, Fujiya, Wako, etc. Besides, one of the most famous spots between Imperial Palace and Tokyo Plaza is Konica Planetaria Tokyo.
Tokyu Plaza is unique. It has a museum, aquariums, a rooftop garden, luxury shopping stores, and famous restaurants.
The aquarium is pretty impressive, with many fish cages and plants.
The restaurants on the 10 and 11 floors are unbelievably good. People can eat and enjoy downtown Ginza through the clear glass windows.
The area nearby the Skyscrapers of Tokyu Plaza looks like Halloween City Shibuya. But, of course, the Ginza area is more commercial than Shibuya.
Wako Tower:
The Wako Tower is one of the most famous landmarks in Ginza. It’s a beautiful Art Deco building that was constructed in 1932. The tower is home to the Wako Department Store, a popular shopping spot in Ginza.
Besides, this tower is the perfect place to enjoy panoramic cityscape views.
If you’re visiting Ginza, check out the Wako Clock Tower. It’s a must-see attraction in this vibrant district.
Ginza Six & OIOI:
Ginza Six is a new shopping mall in the heart of Ginza with everything you could want, from high-end brands to trendy restaurants. It’s the perfect choice to spend a day or evening shopping and dining.
There are six floors of retail space to find everything from clothes and accessories to cosmetics and home goods. Besides, there are plenty of restaurants to choose from, including French, Italian, and Japanese cuisine.
On the other hand, Marui offers a great range of high-end brands, including Louis Vuitton and Prada. There’s a wide variety of restaurants, including Japanese and French eateries.
If you’re looking for something more unique than the average shopping mall, check out Marui(OIOI). It has an interesting mix of traditional and modern retailers, making it one of the most exciting places in Tokyo to explore.
Ginza Marui is one of the most popular shopping malls in Tokyo. It offers an incredible range of high-end brands and restaurants from Japanese and French cuisine.
In addition to its excellent retail offerings, Marui is also home to exciting attractions such as the Wako Clock Tower, which provides panoramic cityscape views from its top floor.
Tokyo Place:
Tokyo Place is one of the most famous malls in Tokyo, located in front of Wako Tower. You can see SONY and NISSAN signboards in the picture.
It’s a great place to go Shopping, eating out, and see the sights. Numerous things to do in Ginza, and it’s one of the most popular tourist destinations in Tokyo.
Ginza Tokyo Place is worth checking out if you want a great place to spend your time. You won’t be disappointed!
Big Camera:
Ginza is also home to a large camera store, which is excellent for anyone looking for digital equipment or supplies.
The store has everything from digital cameras to film and darkroom equipment. So you can find photography-related high-quality goods.
Not only does the area have a large camera store, but it’s also home to several other photography-related businesses.
So Ginza has you covered if you’re looking for new equipment, supplies, or a place to develop your photos.
Uniqlo store:
If you’re looking for some Japanese fashion clothes to wear, head to the Ginza Uniqlo store.
Uniqlo is a Japanese clothing company that offers high-quality, affordable clothes for men, women, and kids. You can find Uniqlo stores in major cities worldwide, so if you’re ever in one, check it out.
Where to enjoy local drama?
You can see restaurants and big shopping malls in Tokyo anywhere, but you can’t enjoy local theatres like Ginza.
So, to experience it you have to go to Kabuki Theatre. Many surprises are waiting there.
#Kabuki Theatre:
If you wish to see something about culture to do in Ginza, why not check out Kabuki Theatre?
Kabuki is an original traditional form of Japanese theater that has been around for centuries. Therefore, experiencing Kabuki drama is a great way to experience Japanese culture and tradition.
Tickets are a bit expensive. But it’s definitely worth it if you’re interested in Kabuki. The theater is in front of Ginza Place shopping mall, so it’s easy to get there from the Kabuki Theatre.
The most interesting part of the Kabuki-za is Kobikicho Square on the 2nd Basement floor.
It’s amazing. You can find all photos of Kabuki actors.
Besides, there are ticket counters, coffee shops, sweet shops, and other souvenir shops.
It’s completely free to visit.
At the same time, you can go up to the fifth floor to see Photo Gallery and take nice photos.
Nearby famous places:
The two most famous places outside the crowded Ginza downtown Tokyo are Tsukiji Market and Hamarikyu Gardens.
Tsukiji is famous for fish, and Hamarikyu is renowned for its nature. Both these spots are only 10 minutes walk on foot from Kabuki Theatre.
#a) Tsukiji Market:
If you want a unique food experience, you’ll want to visit Tsukiji Market. This is Japan’s second largest seafood market, and it’s a real treat for seafood lovers. Here, you can find everything related to seafood, from fresh sushi to tuna steak.
Get there early if you want to catch the best deals. The market is open from 5:00 am to 2:00 pm.
#b) Hamarikyu Gardens:
The Hamarikyu Garden is just next to Tsukiji Market.
It is a beautiful place to relax and take in the Tokyo cityscape. The gardens open at 9:00 and close at 17:00.
The garden has several hundred different kinds of plants, including Japanese maples that bloom in shades of red, green, white, and pink during early springtime when the cherry blossom trees are in full bloom.
You can also find ponds with lotus flowers, goldfish, and a peacock enclosure. There are also several shaded pathways to explore and a tea pavilion with views of the cityscape.
If the Tokyo weather is good, you can see mount Fuji from there. Mount Fuji looks interesting.
If you’re not feeling up for walking around after soaking in all of Hamarikyu Gardens‘ beauty, you can walk or take the train to Ginza. It’s only a 10-minute walk on foot.
Where to stay in Tokyo?
There are several hotels in the Ginza district. If you prefer quiet and nice places, there are plenty of hotels in nearby areas.
You can also find some small inns near the most popular places to stay in Tokyo, like Ueno and Asakusa.
However, my recommendation is Asakusa. You’ll get many things to do in Asakusa.
If you have a lot of time but don’t want to be too far from Ginza, consider staying at the Marunouchi Park Hotel, which is a little bit further away from the central part of Ginza but still close enough that you can walk to it.
Otherwise, if you want to concentrate on Shopping, stay at one of the many hotels near Ginza or Japan’s major train stations, like Shinjuku station.
Conclusion:
In short, it’s impossible to answer what to do in Ginza, Japan.
Ginza is undoubted one of the most popular tourist destinations in Tokyo. You can do many things in this vibrant district, from Shopping and dining to visiting the Imperial Palace and other attractions.
Overall, you see you find similar scenes in Ginza Corridor Gai, like Shinjuku’s golden Gai district in Kabukicho or Omoide Yokocho.
However, Shinjuku’s Omoide Yokocho narrow alley in the West Exit of Shinjuku Station, is famous for street photography. Ginza Corridor Gai is even more beautiful.
This comprehensive guide will guide you through all the best things to do in Ginza, including where to eat and shop, what attractions to visit, and more. So read on to discover all there is to know about this exciting district in the heart of Tokyo!
Additional information:
This downtown district has huge entertainment facilities, game centers, and nightclubs. The area is also famous for movie theatres, Karaoke, and anime.
If you are fond of Karaoke and anime, be in the area.
Most roads and malls are decorated with fantasy illuminations during the Cherry Blossom or Christmas. So, if you visit Tokyo during Christmas, never miss visiting the area to see the illuminations.
Some people even compare it with Tokyo Disneyland’s illuminations.
So, it’s better to visit Ginza, Japan, to experience Tokyo.
Google Questions:
Where is Ginza?
Ginza is the center of Tokyo’s 23 Wards, located in Chuo City, north of Shinbashi, south of Yaesu and Kyobashi, west of Tsukiji, east of Yurakucho, and Uchisaiwaicho.
How is Ginza at night?
Ginza is lit up with LED and neon lights at night, making it one of the most vibrant districts in Tokyo.
Which is the busiest Ginza street?
There is no one busiest Ginza street, as the district is home to a variety of shops and restaurants. However, Nakamachi and Chuo Dori are among the most popular streets for shoppers.
Why is Toko Ginza District famous?
Tokyo’s Ginza is well known for its high concentration of luxury brands and accessory stores. It also has a number of world-renowned restaurants, cafes, and nightclubs.
What is Ginza Japan known for?
Ginza is well known in Japan for its luxury shopping. It’s home to some of Tokyo’s most famous high-end stores, like Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus.
What kind of food is Ginza?
Ginza is known for its artisan cocktails and light bites. There are a few places to get good Japanese food, but if you’re looking for something more substantial, it’s time to head over to Ginza Corridor Gai.
Quora questions:
Where is the Ginza shopping district?
The Ginza shopping district is located in the heart of Tokyo, just a few minutes’ walk from Tokyo central Station. The area is also near Shinjuku and Shinagawa by train.
Where can I eat at Ginza Tokyo?
There are numerous good restaurants in the Ginza area, but if you’re looking for something more casual, it’s worth checking out Ginza Corridor Gai.
How far from Akihabara?
Akihabara is about a 15-minutes from Ginza by Train(Ginza Line)
How far from Ikebukuro?
Ikebukuro is about 23-minutes from Ginza by Train(Marunouchi Line)
What’s the famous shrine in Ginza?
The famous temple is the Takashimaya Ginza Sannen Taisha. However, it’s not a shrine but a Buddhist temple.
Some people say it’s Kabuki Inari Shrine, located at Kabuki Theatre.