Ginza, One of the Top Tourist Destinations in Tokyo which Integrates Traditional and Modern Sightseeing Spots

Ginza is one of the top tourist destinations in Tokyo. There are world-class Japanese brand flagship stores, luxury department stores, and miscellaneous merchandise stores from all across the globe. There is also a hall where you can enjoy traditional performing arts like Kabuki. In contrast, there are galleries that exhibit cutting-edge art, and Ginza is an attractive city that integrates tradition and modernity.

About Ginza

Ginza is a city located on the east side of Tokyo. Shopping facilities and restaurants are spread across the intersection of Ginza Street extending from northeast to southwest, and Harumi-dori Street extending from northwest to southeast.

Furthermore, Ginza is roughly divided into the 1-chome to 8-chome areas. Ginza 1-chome leads up to Tokyo Station, and 8-chome leads up to Shinbashi Station and Shiodome Station.

Recommended Shopping Spots in Ginza

Ginza has lots of shopping spots like shopping centers, department stores, luxury brand stores, and miscellaneous goods stores. Here, we will introduce some recommended shopping spots.

Ginza Six

GINZA SIX is a shopping complex in Ginza 6-chome. Inside the complex are top brand stores, Japanese restaurants, and fashion brand cafés.

The “GINZA GRAND FOOD HALL” on the 6th floor is particularly recommended. There are seven famous restaurants, including ones serving Japanese food such as sushi, tempura, and yakitori all in a large hall measuring 1092 square meters.

Also, drop by GINZA SIX Garden between shopping, the largest roof garden in Ginza. The huge garden, measuring about 4,000 square metres, is a precious spot where you can feel nature even while in the city.

Additionally, there are plenty of services for foreigners visiting Japan. The tourist service centre on the 1st floor provides tourist information, tax exemption procedures, foreign currency exchange, and luggage storage. Also, there is a convenience store that stocks souvenirs.

Spot information

• Spot name：GINZA SIX
• Street address: 6-10-1 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo. 104-0061
  
• Access: About 2 minutes walk from Tokyo Metro Ginza station exit A3
  
• Wi-Fi：Available
• Language: English, Chinese（simplified）, Chinese（traditional） , Korean
  
• Credit cards: VISA, MasterCard, JCB, AMERICAN EXPRESS, Diners Club International

Ginza UNIQLO

The UNIQLO Ginza store is the world's largest Uniqlo global flagship store. All of the 1st to 12th floors of the building belong to UNIQLO.

They always have the latest and seasonal items, and there are floors dedicated to UT, a collaboration with characters from around the world. UT is the name of UNIQLO's T-shirt brand.

There are also special events like fashion trend proposals and collaboration projects with magazines and anime.

In addition, it provides an easy environment for foreigners to do shopping. The cash registers on all floors are tax-free and have staff from over 20 countries. (As of November 2018)

Spot information

• Spot name: UNIQLO Ginza
  
• Street address: 6-9-5 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo. 104-0061
  
• Access: About 4 minutes on foot from Tokyo Metro Ginza exit A2
  
• Wi-Fi: Unavailable
• Language: English, Chinese（simplified）, Korean etc
  
• Credit cards: VISA, Master Card, JCB, Diners Club International

Tokyu Plaza Ginza

Tokyu Plaza Ginza is a shopping centre that attracts attention as a landmark of Ginza. The exterior is a beautiful design inspired by Tokyo's traditional craft, “Edo Kiriko”.

There are not only famous brands of fashion and cosmetics, but selected brands are also lined up. Furthermore, on the 8th and 9th floors, there is an airport city style duty-free shop called “Lotte Duty Free Tokyo Ginza Store”.

In addition, there is a Ginza Tourist Information Centre on the first floor. They provide tourist information in the Ginza area, as well as various maps and multilingual brochures. Brochures are mainly available in English, and some are provided in Chinese (Traditional and Simplified), Korean, Italian, German, French, and Spanish.

Spot information

• Spot name: Tokyu Plaza Ginza
  
• Street address: 5-2-1 Ginza, Chuo-ku. Tokyo. 104-0061
  
• Access: 1 minute walk from Tokyo Metro Ginza station exit C2 or C3
  
• Wi-Fi: Available (G Free)
• Language: English
• Credit cards: VISA, MasterCard, JCB, American Express, Diners Club International, UnionPay

Ginza Department Stores

Ginza not only has shopping centers but also many department stores. At department stores, you can get first-class fashion brands and miscellaneous goods, as well as the best food and desserts from Japan and abroad in the basement food section.

The famous stores are Ginza Mitsukoshi and Wako. There is also Matsuya Ginza. Ginza Mitsukoshi and Matsuya Ginza provide Ginza area tourist pamphlets in foreign languages.

Miscellaneous Goods Shops in Ginza such as Ginza Loft and Tokyu Hands

There are lots of large miscellaneous goods shops in Ginza. Everything they stock is made in Japan such as interior goods, food, and tools used by professionals.

The Ginza Loft and Tokyu Hands Ginza stores stock a wide range of goods. For example, cosmetics, stationery, clothing and tableware are lined up in the store. The price range of the products starts from several hundred yen, so the reasonable cost is one appealing characteristic.

There are also stationery and Japanese goods specialty stores. The stationery shop “Ginza Itoya” and the Japanese paper goods shop “Ginza Kyūkyodō” are particularly recommended.

Where is the Shopping Hotspots to Visit in Ginza?

Recommended Sightseeing Spots in Ginza

If you come to Ginza, stay not only for shopping but also for the sightseeing spots. Here we will introduce attractive spots like traditional Japanese performing arts, shops and galleries.

Ginza Kabuki Theatre

Ginza Kabuki Theatre specializes in the traditional Japanese drama “Kabuki”. A Japanese style exterior such as the roof made using tiles is also a characteristic

Kabuki performances are performed twice a day, with different performances in the day and night. Reservations are required to see each act. The price varies from 4,000 - 20,000 yen depending on the seat type.

Also, if you wish to watch easily, we recommend getting a day ticket so that you can see only one act, and get a one-act seat.The first act seats are sold on a first-come, first-served basis, and are released approximately 30 minutes to 1 hour before the act begins. They are cheap, 500-2,000 yen. (Information accurate as of November 2019)

It should be noted that you can borrow an English support guide with any seat.

Spot information

• Spot name: Ginza Kabuki Theatre
  
• Street address: 4-12-15 Ginza, Chuo-ku. Tokyo. 104-0061
  
• Access: 5 minute walk from Tokyo Metro Ginza station A6 exit
  
• Wi-Fi: Unavailable
• Language: English
• Ticket Purchase: At acceptance, Online
• Credit cards: VISA, Master Card, JCB / No credit cards accepted (when buying day tickets)
  

Ginza Graphic Gallery

Ginza Graphic Gallery is a gallery that specializes in graphic design located in Ginza 7-chome. They regularly make the works of artists from Japan and abroad publicly available and exhibit them for free.

Moreover, there are lectures and talk events by artists, where you can meet them and learn about graphic design.

Spot information

• Spot name: Ginza Graphic Gallery
  
• Street address: DNP Ginza Building 1F 7-7-2 Ginza, Chuo-ku. Tokyo. 104-0061
  
• Access: 5 minutes on foot from Tokyo Metro Ginza station A1 exit
  
• Wi-Fi: Unavailable
• Language: English

Ginza Chuo Dori Street

Ginza Chuo Dori Street is the main street of Ginza. It is a busy shopping and dining area during the day, but it has a different face at night. The lights of each shop facing the street color the city and the dazzling sight spreads out before you.

Particularly, the winter illumination is fascinating. Monuments are all around, such as high-end brand stores and streets, and the entire city transforms into a photogenic spot.

Spot information

• Spot name: Ginza Chuo Dori Street
  
• Street address: Ginza, Chuo-ku. Tokyo. 104-0061
  
• Access: Right by the Tokyo Metro Ginza station
  
• Wi-Fi: Available
• Language: English
• Credit cards: VISA, MasterCard, JCB, American Express, Diners Club International (depending on the shop)
  

Sightseeing areas and spots around Ginza

If you come to Ginza, check out the surrounding areas too. Ginza is adjacent to multiple areas which are all accessible on foot.

In this section we will introduce the features and recommended spots in the areas around Ginza.

Around Tokyo Station

Tokyo Station is about a 15 minute walk from Ginza Station. It is a vast terminal station, and the station building is also attractive as a sightseeing spot.

There are lots of Japanese restaurants such as ramen, sukiyaki, sushi and soba, as well as Japanese souvenir shops and clothing stores in the JR station precincts and underground shopping mall. Particularly, “Tokyo Station Ichibangai” and “GRANSTA MARUNOUCHI” have always been popular facilities.

In addition, there are spots around Tokyo Station such as “Wadakura Fountain Park” where monuments like fountains and waterfalls have been placed, and “Mitsubishi Ichigokan Museum” which mainly stores and displays Western art.

Hibiya

Hibiya is a town that can be reached in about 10 minutes on foot from Ginza Station. There are plenty of shopping and sightseeing spots in Hibiya. For example, Hibiya Chanter and Tokyo Midtown Hibiya are recommended for shopping and dining.

A famous sightseeing spot is the Imperial Palace garden. You can see historical remains such as a bridge and a yagura. Other attractive facilities include the Tokyo Takarazuka Theatre, where you can enjoy opera performed only by women, and Hibiya Park, the first modern Western style park in Japan.

A Day Trip to the Elegant Imperial Palace in the Heart of Tokyo

Yurakucho

Yurakucho is the next town over from Ginza and is accessible in about 5 minutes on foot. In an area abundant with shopping facilities, there are more casual shops here than in than Ginza.

For example, “ITOCIA” is a shopping center that offers shops for fashion and miscellaneous goods, entertainment facilities such as films and pachinko. Additionally, there is “LUMINE Yurakucho”, which mainly deals with fashion, “BIC CAMERA” that has lots of home appliances, and “Tokyo Kotsu Kaikan”, where lots of Japanese product shops and restaurants from all over Japan are gathered.

7 Must see Spots in Yurakucho, Next to Ginza!

Tsukiji

Tsukiji is an area on the south side of Ginza, about a 15 minute walk from Ginza.

The most popular spot is the Tsukiji Outer Market. Lots of seafood and processed food can be purchased, and sushi and donburi are available to eat. In the past, it prospered as one of the leading fish markets in Tokyo where visitors could watch the auctions and professional traders.

In addition, the “Tsukiji Honganji temple”, which is modeled on the ancient Indian Buddhist style, is also recommended.

Tsukiji, A Japanese Food Heaven

Shinbashi

Shinbashi is about a 10 minute walk from Ginza. It is Tokyo's leading office district and has lots of buildings around the station.

In addition, there are lots of places to eat and drink in Shinbashi. Particularly, there are reasonably priced places such as pubs and set meal restaurants.

Shiodome

Shiodome can be accessed in about 15 minutes on foot from Ginza. It is an office district like Shinbashi, but it also has shopping centers and sightseeing spots.

Shopping centers include Caretta Shiodome, Pedi Shiodome and Shiodome Sio-site. All of the facilities are packed with clothing stores, miscellaneous goods stores and restaurants.

Other famous spots include the historic park “Hamarikyu Onshien” that has been around since the 17th century and the “Dentsu Shiki Theatre”. At the Dentsu Shiki Theatre, the world's largest opera group performing plays can be enjoyed.

How to have a Wonderful Day in Shiodome?
Hamarikyu Garden: A Must-See Spot near Hamamatsucho Station, accessible directly from Haneda Airport

Ginza Food and Restaurants

Ginza is a gourmet town. There is a wide choice of sushi restaurants that use high-quality fresh ingredients, as well as popular local dishes such as ramen, izakaya food and yakitori. International dishes such as curry can also be enjoyed.

Here, we will introduce some of the genres and restaurants that you want to focus on.

• sushi
• Japanese food
• ramen
• steak and meat
• Izakaya food
• breakfast / lunch
• cafe / desserts 

Ginza Sushi Restaurants

There are lots of sushi restaurants in Ginza. Most of the restaurants are small counter-type ones. There are also high-end stores such as famous restaurants that have won Michelin stars and restaurants that many celebrities visit.

Due to this, the cost should be considered to be around 5,000 - 8,000 yen for lunch and at least around 10,000 yen per person at night. The average price at night is around 30,000 yen. (Information accurate as of November 2019)

A comparatively cheaper shop is Kyubey Ginza. Although they are more expensive, “Ginza Onodera”, “Ginza Iwa” and “Sukiyabashi Jiro” are also recommended.

Japanese restaurants in Ginza

There are many Japanese restaurants such as ones that serve kaiseki dishes, tempura, and tonkatsu in Ginza. For example, “Ginza Bairin” is recommended for tonkatsu, and “Tempurayama no Ginza” is recommended for tempura.

Furthermore, for kaiseki dishes, go to the famous Michelin starred restaurants like Ginza Okuda and Ibuki, and Ginza Koju.

The budget for tonkatsu, tempura is around 3,000 yen and kaiseki dishes cost around 10,000 yen or more at noon and at least 20,000 yen at night. (As of November 2019)

Ginza Izakaya

If you wish to eat Japanese food easily, it’s best to go to Izakaya. In izakaya, you can eat skewered cutlet, shabu-shabu, grilled fish, as well as drink the local sake such as Japanese sake. The price ranges from several hundred yen to 1,000 yen when ordering each dish. (As of November 2019)

Furthermore, Ginza izakayas are concentrated around the Tokyo Metro “Ginza Station” or Tokyo Metro “Ginza 1-Chome Station”.

Ginza Ramen Restaurants

There are a lot of ramen shops in Ginza, but they are especially concentrated in front of Sukiya Street, Mihara Street and Higashi Ginza Station. They are not so expensive compared to other restaurants in Ginza, and you can eat there for around 850-2,000 yen. (Information accurate as of November 2019)

“Ginza Kagari Main Branch” and “Mugi Olive Olive Ginza Store” which were selected by Michelin Bib Gourmand, are the recommended stores. Moreover, “Ramen Takahashi Ginza store” and “Ginza Kazami” are also recommended.

Ginza Grill Steak Restaurants

If you wish to eat steak and meat dishes in Ginza, head for a teppanyaki or steak restaurant. For example, you can eat course meals with meat at a teppanyaki restaurant.

The price range is around 5,000 -15,000 yen for the daytime course and around 20,000 yen at night. (As of November 2019)

The recommended Teppanyaki and steak restaurants are “Ginza Ukai-tei” and “DONS de la NATURE”, which have won stars in the Michelin guide. In addition, you can eat at “Gyuan” and “Bifuteki Kawamura Tokyo Ginza branch” for a reasonable price.

Ginza Breakfast and Lunch

There are lots of restaurants in Ginza, not only places where you can have dinner but also places to have breakfast and lunch.

For example, if you want to have breakfast in Ginza, go to a hotel or coffee shop. If you go to a hotel, you can eat a buffet of Japanese and Western foods or set menu such as set dishes. In addition, they open at 6:30 in the morning, which can be very useful for some people.

At coffee shops, you can eat Western dishes such as bread and waffles. The price range is around 2,000-3,000 yen at hotels and around 500-1,500 yen at coffee shops. (As of November 2019)

In contrast, it’s best to get lunch from a coffee shop, izakaya, teppanyaki or sushi restaurant etc. For example, Western food choices such as bread and pasta can be enjoyed at a coffee shop, and at high-end restaurants such as teppanyaki and sushi restaurants, dishes with smaller portions than dinner can be eaten. 

High-end restaurants are especially recommended as lunch is less crowded than dinner and the prices are reasonable.

The price range is around 500-2,500 yen at coffee shops and around 1,500-6,000 yen at high-end restaurants. (As of November 2019)

Ginza Cafes / Desserts

Ginza's cafe and dessert spots range from world-class patisserie shops to famous Western and Japanese dessert stores. However, if you wish to try Japanese-style taste, we recommend Japanese desserts.

Japanese desserts refer to dorayaki and other desserts made with anmitsu, sticky rice cake, and matcha (green tea).

If you wish to eat these Japanese desserts, we recommend the Kanoko main branch (Japanese cafe), the Nakamura Tokichi Honten, and Toraya Karyō. The price range is about 1,500-3,000 yen. (As of November 2019)

A Historical Ginza Restaurant

There are some historical restaurants in Ginza. For example, Ginza Lion is a beer hall that was built in the 1930s. It is the oldest beer hall in Japan. Ginza Kimuraya is a 150 year old bakery that is famous for making Anpan popular in Japan.

Discover 10 Restaurants in Tokyo’s Famous Shopping District Ginza

Hotels in Ginza, Tokyo

Hotels in Ginza are concentrated between Tokyo Metro Ginza Station and Higashi Ginza Station on the Toei Shinjuku Line. Hotel types vary from capsule hotels to economy hotels to full-service hotels.

The price range varies from hotel to hotel. Capsule hotels and economy hotels cost around 3,000 yen per night for a standard room. For a full-service hotel, the standard room rate is a slightly more expensive at around 40,000 yen per night. (Information accurate as of November 2019)

7 Useful Hotels around Ginza Station

Hotels around Ginza

There are also lots of hotels in the area surrounding Ginza. Unlike hotels in the Ginza area, there are four-star and five-star hotels. For example, "Imperial Hotel" and "The Peninsula Tokyo" in Hibiya, "Conrad Tokyo" in Shiodome, and "Four Seasons Hotel Marunouchi" in Tokyo Station.

The cost is high at around 60,000 yen per night for a standard room, but it is possible to relax in a spacious room with a Japanese style interior. (As of November 2019)

How to get to the Major Stations in Tokyo from Ginza

Ginza is one of the major tourist destinations in Tokyo. There are other places in Tokyo that we recommend for sightseeing.
Here, we will introduce the access methods and access times from Ginza to other major stations in Tokyo.

How to get to Ginza Station

If you are heading to Ginza from Haneda Airport, first head to JR Hamamatsucho Station. From JR Hamamatsucho Station, take the Yamanote Line or Keihin Tohoku Line and transfer at JR Shinbashi Station, which is one station over. From Shinbashi Station, use the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line to reach Ginza Station in around 2 minutes.

Spot information

• Spot name: Tokyo Metro Ginza Station
  
• Street address: 4-1-2 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104-0061
  
• Access: Haneda Airport → [Tokyo Monorail] about 13 minutes → JR Hamamatsucho Station [Yamanote Line / Keihin Tohoku Line] about 3 minutes → JR Shimbashi Station → [Tokyo Metro Ginza Line] about 2 minutes → Tokyo Metro Ginza Station
  
• Wi-Fi: Available (G Free)
• Language: English, Chinese (simplified), Chinese (traditional), Korean, Thai, French, Spanish
  
• Credit cards: Available (Tokyo Subway Ticket only)