The central Tokyo district of Ginza is an art and shopping mecca, home to galleries as well as flagship stores for hundreds of lifestyle brands. The district dates to the Edo period (1603-1867), but visitors who flock to discover Ginza today will find a neighbourhood filled with modernity – from shopping complexes to its state-of-the-art automobile showrooms.
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Discover Ginza | Main landmarks and attractions
Ginza Place: The facade of this stunning building was created with 5,315 aluminum panels inspired by the lattice design of Japanese basket weaving. The first two floors of the building are Nissan’s flagship showroom, Nissan Crossing. In addition to showcasing cars, it also features a 360-degree VR simulator that lets users test drive a GT-R supercar.
Canon Gallery Ginza: The art space houses an impressive collection of photographs and other visual works from both novice and professional photographers. It is one of seven similar spaces from around the country, all of which are funded by camera manufacturer Canon.
Ginza Graphic Gallery: This extensive art gallery exhibits rows of design pieces by renowned designers and illustrators. Ginza Graphic Gallery is conveniently located within a 5-minute walking distance of Ginza Station. Admission is free.
Kabukiza Theater: Enjoy a performance of traditional Japanese theatrical art, Kabuki, here at the Kabukiza Theater. The theatre can be accessed from Higashi-Ginza Station on the Asakusa Line.
Tokyo Gallery: First opened in 1950, this contemporary art gallery has hosted the works of dozens of internationally renowned Japanese artists. Tokyo Gallery has recently started to showcase artworks and experimental pieces by lesser-known Chinese and Western artists. Tokyo Gallery is located within a 5-minute walk of Ginza Station.
Hama Rikyu Gardens: This large park was used to serve lords and imperial households during the Edo Period. Since opening to the public in 1946, the garden has become a favourite spot to view cherry blossoms, from late February to early March, and the fall hues, from late October to mid-November. Hama Rikyu Gardens is located within minutes of central Ginza, near Shiodome Station (Yurikamome Monorail Oedo Line).
Tsukiji Honganji Temple: This Buddhist temple is located just outside of the district, a short subway ride to Tsukiji. Housed inside the temple is a café, bookstore, and information center. The temple is located within a 2-minute walking distance from Tsukiji Station (Hibiya Line).
Discover Ginza | Great places to shop
Ginza Six: Ginza’s newest shopping mall, Ginza Six, caters to the affluent. Luxury brands and flagship stores ae what you’ll find at this shopping mall. Ginza Six also features entire floors dedicated to restaurants and a large bookshop, Tsutaya, which is famous for its rooftop garden.
Wako: This luxury department store, owned by watchmaker Seiko, sells accessories for women and men, as well as housewares from domestic and international brands. Stop by the tea salon on the second floor of the store for a meal, and be sure to check out the art gallery on the sixth floor.
Ginza Mitsukoshi: With a dedicated duty-free store and language concierge service, Ginza Mitsukoshi, is popular with tourists. Shop everything from designer clothing to branded housewares at this centrally-located department store.
UNIQLO Ginza: The popular department store is spread over 12 floors and offers the widest range of UNIQLO clothing and accessories in the world. The store is located on Ginza Komatsu East within a 5-minute walk from Ginza Station.
MUJI Yurakucho: MUJI Yurakucho is the largest branch of the popular MUJI chain of stores. You’ll find fashion, cosmetic and stationery at this store, with more than 7,000 products imported from 27 countries. MUJI Yurakucho is located within a 10-minute walking distance of Yurakucho Station (Yurakucho Line).
Discover Ginza | Best places to eat
Daiwa Sushi: Daiwa Sushi is located nearby Tsukiji district, but the sushi here is worth the short subway ride to Tsukijishijo Station (Toei Subway Oedo Line). be sure to call ahead to reserve a table, as the restaurant is often fully booked.
Ginza Sony Park: On the basement level of this pop-up “vertical park”, you’ll find a range of eateries serving local fare, along with a café designed by world-famous confectioner Toraya. Ginza Sony Park is directly connected to Ginza Station.
Bacana Ginza: This Brazilian restaurant is an all-you-can-eat churrasco (Brazilian barbecue), music and live entertainment. It also hosts Samba shows every night from Tuesdays to Sundays. Bacana Ginza is located within a 7-minute walk from Ginza Station.
Bulgari Tokyo: Enjoy fine Italian dining at this 4-star Michelin rated restaurant, located inside the 10-story Bulgari Tower. The restaurant features floor-to-ceiling windows that provide breathtaking views of the city, while you have your meal. Bulgari Ginza Tower is located within a short walking distance from Ginza Station.
Yoshitake: Head to Yoshitake for an intimate VIP dining experience, located on the third floor of the Suzuryu Building. The restaurant has only seven seats and has a 3-star Michelin rating. Not only does it serve the city’s finest sushi, Yoshitake also offers traditional Japanese delicacies like abalone liver and shirako.
Nair’s: Nair’s is an Indian restaurant, popular for its Murungi Lunch – a delicious meal consisting of chicken curry, mashed potatoes and boiled cabbage. Nair’s is situated within a 1-minute walking distance of Toei Subway’s Higashi-Ginza Station (Asakusa Line).
Discover Ginza | Best nightlife spots
Ginza 300 Bar: This elegant bar is tucked away among the high-end department stores and is known for serving the “Most Authentic Mojito in Japan”.
Star Bar Ginza: Expertly prepared cocktails and delicious late-night bites at this cosy bar are just what you need after a long day. Star Bar Ginza is owned by famous bartender Hisashi Kishi.
The Iron Fairies: This bar is famous for its whimsical décor and extensive wine list and is one of several bars across Asia that were designed by renowned artist Ashley Sutton.
The original article was published on 3 February 2020. Last updated by Discoverist Team on 1 December 2022.
