Tokyo Places to Visit | Things to Do in Ginza
Ginza is an upscale shopping and entertainment district in Tokyo. Ginza (銀座) means silver place, which was named after a silver-coin mint established in the area a few hundred years ago. As the neighborhood is one of the most expensive places in Tokyo, the name can’t be more fitting today. It is the playground for Tokyo’s rich and the famous. But the energy and livelihood in Ginza day and night make this area on top of Tokyo’s must-see list for everyone.
Whatever is on your Tokyo bucket list, Ginza ticks every box. Watch a kabuki play at Japan’s most symbolic Kabukiza theater: Cultural experience (check). Shop ’til you drop at Japanese mega department stores and shopping malls: Japan souvenirs (check). Appreciate contemporary arts at the Hermes Tokyo flagship store then indulge yourself with gourmet desserts at Dior Cafe: Rub your shoulder with Japanese high class (check). Looking for the best sushi in Tokyo? Tsukiji jogai is at the stone throw away from Ginza (check). And the list goes on with so many things to do in Ginza.
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This post is part of Tokyo Places to Visit Series. Also, read other Tokyo posts:
- Things to Do in Asakusa
- How to Rent a Kimono in Tokyo
- Things to Do in Omotesando & Aoyama
- Where to Stay in Tokyo First Time
What to Do in Ginza
Kabukiza Theater
Kabukiza Theater (Kibikicho Plaza) is an office building and performing art center, where Kabuki (traditional Japanese drama) is played almost every day. (Unfortunately, it was temporarily closed on the day I visited!)
A Kabuki performance consists of several acts (plays and dances) and lasts up to four hours. However, travelers with cultural curiosity can purchase a 30-minute Single Act ticket to see how it’s like without committing a half day. This ticket can only be bought on the day of at the theater. The ticket price varies depending on the show (¥600-2,000). Also, keep in mind that all Kabuki plays are in Japanese. Although the pamphlet offers an English synopsis, non-Japanese speakers might want to rent earphone guides or line-by-line translating guide (¥500+¥1,000 refundable deposit) to enjoy the cultural experience fully.
Even if you are not interested in watching the Kabuki performance, it’s worth to visit inside the Kabuki Theater Ginza. Here you will find Kabuki souvenir shops, snacks and restaurants. They are located on the underground mall at the Higashi-Ginza station or throughout the floors inside the Kibikicho Plaza.
Location: Right off the Higashi-Ginza station Exit 3, or 5-min walk from the Ginza Station Exit A7. (Kabukiza Theater Location) | Opening Hours: 10:30 am – 8:30 pm | Click here to check Kabuki schedule.
Maison Hermès Ginza | Le Forum
For a more contemporary cultural experience, visit Le Forum by Hermès Tokyo. As I mentioned in my earlier post, I was intrigued by the connection of the luxury brands and contemporary arts. Although I had to miss the Espace Louis Vuitton Tokyo, I was determined to visit this gallery by Maison Hermès Ginza. Similarly to the Espace, Le Forum hosts art exhibits by the French and Japanese artists around the world.
After the Oprah Winfrey incident in Maison Hermès Zurich, I was a bit intimidated to walk into this flagship store. However, Japanese employees here were extremely polite and welcoming. After briskly browsing through gorgeous Hermès scarves and watches, I took the elevator at the back of the store to go up to the 8th floor.
At the time of my visit, the exhibit titled Les Mains sans sommeil was in display, featuring works by a group of artists who participated in the Artists’ Residencies program at various Hermès workshops in France. These artists collaborated with Hermès artisans to turn raw materials – silk, leather, silver and crystal – into a piece of art. I enjoyed the craftsmanship and creativity exhibited in solitude as the gallery was empty. What contrast to the busy streets outside!
Location: Maison Hermes Ginza 8F, 5-min walk from the Ginza Station. (Hermes Tokyo – Ginza Location) | Opening Hours: 11a-8pm | Admission: Free
Ginza Sony Park
Right next to the Maison Hermès Ginza is the Ginza Sony Park. Although a small garden featuring humongous Japanese bonsai trees catches the eyes in the middle of Ginza district with few parks, the “Garden of Ginza” is more exciting than greenery in the urban jungle.
The Ginza Sony Park project converted the former Sony Square into a public space and vertical park. Sony is collaborating with partners to bring many pop-ups and concept stores from a to-go beer bar, coffee shop and Japanese confectionery shop, and host public events.
What interested me the most was the satellite studio of TOKYO FM parked on the ground. I say “parked” because the studio is a truck! When I first noticed a parked tin truck, I assumed it to be a food truck. It took me by surprise when I found out it was a live radio show booth.
Ginza Sony Park will stay open until 2020 when the new Sony Building is scheduled to be built. So visit this experimental space while it is open to the public!
Location: Sony Building Tokyo in the Sukiyabashi intersection (Ginza Sony Park Location) | Opening Hours: 5 a.m. – 12:30 a.m.
Ginza Architecture
Did you know Ginza once was burned down to the ground? From the Ginza Great Fire in 1872 to the Great Kanto Earthquake in 1923 to the air bombings in 1945, the area has drastically changed its landscape throughout history and evolved into what you see today.
Because of this unique history of the neighborhood, taking the Ginza architecture tour by a historian or professional guide would be a meaningful and worthwhile experience to have a better understanding of what you see. Enjoy the beautiful windows on the Mikimoto building (photo above) and learn about the restoration of the unique Nakajin Capsule Tower. You don’t need to be an architect to appreciate the old and new buildings in the streets of Ginza!
Pro Tip: Chuo Dori Street
Ginza is pedestrian-friendly (on weekends)! Ginza Chuo-Dori (“central avenue”) is the main street through the shopping district, lined with department stores like Wako and Mitsukoshi. This area always gets jam-packed with locals, tourists and traffic. Chuo Dori street is closed to automobile traffic on Saturdays and Sundays between 12 p.m. and 5 p.m. So visit Ginza on weekends when the main road becomes a pedestrian runway.
Ginza Shops
Ginza Department Stores
Since Ginza is best known for its shopping scene, there should be some time earmarked for obligatory shopping when visiting the Ginza shopping district. While Ginza offers luxury brand shopping like Omotesando, in my opinion, it is the best place in Tokyo for shopping at department stores.
Wako Ginza
You can’t miss this landmark of Ginza. Wako Ginza is a classic Seiko clock building. The famous clock tower plays chimes 45 seconds before the hour and rings the bell on the hour. Wako opened its door as a watch and jewelry specialty shop and expanded to a department store with women’s and men’s clothing.
Location: Ginza Station Exit B1. (Wako Ginza Location) | Opening Hours: 10:30 am – 7 pm
Mitsukoshi Ginza
Mitsukoshi Ginza is a mega department store with 80+ years of history. You will find everything you can imagine to buy at a department store, ranging from women/men/children’s apparel, cosmetics, accessories, house decorations, etc. Notably, this department store stands out with its gourmet food selections on the basement grocery. If you are shopping for wagashi (Japanese confectionery), this place is a must.
Pro Tip: Mitsukoshi Ginza offers a hands-free shopping experience, meaning you can shop all you want and ask the purchased items to be sent to a designated location inside the department store to be picked up later. They even deliver to a limited number of hotels in Tokyo, so ask if you are eligible for free hotel delivery.
Location: Ginza Station Exit A6 (Mitsukoshi Ginza Location) | Opening Hours: 10:30 am – 8 pm
Tokyu Plaza Ginza
Tokyu Plaza is one of Ginza’s largest commercial complexes and new additions to the area. Located in the Sukiyabashi Crossing, Tokyu Plaza boasts the architectural beauty that resembles Edo Kiriko glass – traditional Japanese craftwork. The plaza houses Lotte Duty Free Ginza, as well as many other retailers and restaurants. The KIRIKO TERRACE on the rooftop is a hidden gem, where shoppers can get desserts or sip coffee with a view.
Location: Ginza Station Exit B1 (Tokyu Plaza Ginza Location) | Opening Hours: 11 am – 9 pm
Ginza Six
Opened in 2017, Ginza Six is a new addition to the Ginza shopping district. It is the largest commercial facility in the area, designed by the renowned architect Yoshio Taniguchi, who created the New York Museum of Modern Art. Besides the fashion brands, this department store features popular stores around Japan. For example, a famous matcha desserts shop from Kyoto, Tsujiri, opened its only store in Tokyo at Ginza Six.
Also, the Tourist Service Center is on the first floor at Ginza Six. Visitors can stop by to receive tourist information, currency exchange and luggage services.
Location: 5-min walk from the Ginza Station Exit A3 (Ginza Six Location) | Opening Hours: 10:30 am – 8:30 pm
Pro Tip for Department Shopping in Japan
1. Duty-Free Shopping: Each department store has a designated tax-free counter for the tourist’s convenience. So be sure to bring your passport and remember to visit the counter before leaving the building.
2. Free Lockers: Ask for coin lockers or luggage service. You can store your belongings while you shop. Some coin lockers return the coin once you take belongs out.
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