Ginza, a bustling downtown area in Japan lined with many luxury brands, department stores, high-end restaurants and other establishments, is a popular spot not only for Japanese people but also for foreigners who want to experience life like a Japanese person. Here, we will introduce the charms of Ginza as well as some recommended spots for strolling around the area.

Overview of Ginza

Ginza faces JR Yurakucho Station and Tokyo Metro Ginza Line Ginza Station in Chuo Ward, Tokyo, and has become famous as a glamorous shopping district and tourist destination visited by many domestic and international tourists. However, from the 17th to 19th centuries (mid-Edo period), Ginza flourished as a "town of artisans." However, as a result of a major fire in 1872 that destroyed the area, new shops began to open along with the area today. After the war, large commercial facilities opened, and Ginza developed into the glamorous town it is today.

Pedestrian

In Ginzan, every Saturday, Sunday, and public holiday from 12:00 to 18:00 (until 17:00 from October to March), vehicles are prohibited from entering Ginza's main street, Chuo-dori, turning it into a pedestrian paradise where pedestrians can walk freely.

Pedestrian paradise is said to have started in New York in the 1960s and 1970s, and has since been held on a large scale in Japan. At the time, it was held experimentally for 12 days on Heiwa-dori in Asahikawa. Now it is called Ginza "Hokoten" and has become a lively event. Be sure to visit Ginza's pedestrian paradise and enjoy a leisurely stroll and shopping.

Things to do in Ginza

Enjoy shopping to your heart's content

Ginza is home to many flagship stores of luxury brands, and offers a wide selection of products and limited edition items when shopping. There are also many stylish exhibits, so you can enjoy just window shopping.

Enjoy the food

Ginza is home to many high-end restaurants and traditional Japanese restaurants, but there are also many long-established establishments that retain a retro atmosphere. Why not enjoy some gourmet food in Ginza, home to many long-loved shops? We especially recommend Western restaurants that serve Western cuisine with a Japanese twist.

Enjoy traditional Japanese performing arts

In Ginza, where the Kabukiza Theater is located, you can casually watch traditional Japanese performing arts. Performances are held almost every day, so why not just drop in and take a look? We also recommend going to the theater in a kimono, so you can experience the old Japanese traditions.

Recommended shopping spots in Ginza

GINZA SIX

GINZA SIX, a large commercial facility that opened in 2017, has one of the largest floors in Ginza where you can enjoy shopping and dining. The exhibition space is spacious, and each and every product feels like an exquisite masterpiece. It's the perfect spot for those who want to find truly great items.

There is also a Tourist Service Center with foreign currency exchange, a duty-free counter, a courier service, baggage storage, and staff who can speak multiple languages, providing a wide range of detailed services for foreign tourists.

Tokyu Plaza Ginza

The impressive exterior of Tokyu Plaza Ginza was designed with Edo Kiriko, one of Japan's traditional crafts, as its motif. You can enjoy cutting-edge fashion brands, Japanese cuisine, and cuisine from around the world in a stylish space.

There are spots where you can relax and enjoy a meal while overlooking Ginza, such as the rooftop KIRIKO TERRACE and the 6th floor KIRIKO LOUNGE, so it's a great place to stop by for a break.

Ginza Wako

"Ginza Wako" is a spot that is often featured when introducing Ginza. It has a clock tower that continues to tell visitors to Ginza the correct time. Why not take a look at this symbol of Ginza?

The store is stocked with high-quality products designed by Wako, such as watches, accessories, and handbags. You can also enjoy high-quality gourmet food and souvenirs.

Why not try going around Ginza in a kimono?

Ginza is a town where old Japanese traditions and new things are fused together. Many foreign tourists visit Japan to experience "Japaneseness," so they are very happy when they can experience something that is Japanese.

So why not try strolling around Ginza wearing a kimono, a traditional Japanese costume? You'll find "Kimono Rental VASARA Ginza 3-chome Store" in Ginza 3-chome. There are staff who can assist foreigners, and they have a wide selection of kimonos and yukatas as well as formal wear such as Homongi. Once you rent, you can enjoy it freely until 17:30 (※The deadline for returning rental kimonos is 17:30), so you might want to come and get dressed after enjoying a meal.

Kimono Rental VASARA Ginza 3-chome Store Information

Also, an event called "Yukata Ginza Stroll" is held in August. Don't miss it as you can enjoy the Japanese summer atmosphere while wearing a yukata.

Yukata Ginza Stroll Official Homepage http://yukata.ginza.jp