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Ginza Glamour: Exploring Tokyo's Premier Luxury District
A trip to the Tokyo Ginza district is the best way to see what glamorous and affluent shopping in Japan looks like. This upscale area provides some of the most expensive accommodation, shopping, dining, and entertainment experiences in the country. Read our Ginza travel guide to learn the best things to see, do, and eat in this luxurious district.
Introduction to Ginza
Ginza is a popular district located in Chūō, Tokyo. It’s famous for high-end shopping, fine dining, and luxury entertainment. The real estate market in Ginza is also one of the most expensive in the country. Hence, only the rich and affluent live in the area. It also serves as a domestic and foreign tourist destination, thanks to its many luxury boutiques, department stores, theaters, galleries, restaurants, and nightclubs.
Most shops in the Tokyo Ginza area cater to the constant influx of customers by opening every day, including holidays. On weekends and holidays, which is when Ginza sees its biggest crowds, automobile traffic is banned on its main street, Chuo Dori. Hence, people have to stroll up and down this street on foot, turning it into a pedestrian zone. The close-off starts from 12:00 to 18:00 in April–September and 12:00 to 17:00 in October–March.
Famous stations near Ginza’s main attractions are Higashi-Ginza Station (Toei Asakusa Line), Tokyo Station (M Marunouchi Line), and Yurakucho Station (Yamanote, Keihin-Tohoku, and Yurakucho Subway Lines).
The History of Ginza
Ginza wasn’t always the vibrant shopping district we know today. Before the 16th century, it was nothing but a swampy area. This area was landfilled some years before the start of the Edo period (1603–1868). In 1612, a silver-coin mint was established on the land, and this facility served as the inspiration for the district’s name, “Ginza,” which means “silver mint.” The mint operated until 1800.
Ginza is located in what used to be called the Kyobashi ward, a part of Shitamachi, which was the downtown area of Edo (the old name for Tokyo). Most of the district burned down during the 1872 fire outbreak in Tokyo. The Japanese government decided to rebuild Ginza in a new, modernized model by erecting fire-proof brickhouses and expanding the streets. It became a symbol of Japan’s dedication to civil enlightenment.
As the decades passed, Ginza underwent a gradual transformation. Soon, it became famous for housing many western-style shops. Today, Ginza is Tokyo’s premier luxury shopping district.
Luxury Shopping in Ginza
Ginza is a global shopping destination thanks to the many luxury boutiques and department stores in the district.
Top Ginza Luxury Boutiques
The following are the top international fashion brands and exclusive Japanese designers that have stores in Ginza, Tokyo.
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Dior: This French luxury fashion house has several stores in Ginza. They sell scents and fashion items for both men and women. Stop by if you’re a fan of upmarket French fashion.
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Chanel: There are multiple stores in Ginza that sell high-end, luxury Chanel-branded goods. Chanel offers classical fashion styles and timeless bag, suit, and dress designs.
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Tasaki: This upmarket brand is arguably the most famous Japanese designer of luxury jewelry, especially pearls. If you'd rather buy jewelry made using Japanese craftsmanship, Tasaki is the store to visit.
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Louis Vuitton: This global fashion brand has one of the best luxury fashion boutiques in Japan. Their stores are ideal for getting luxury travel items and leather goods.
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Grand Seiko: The Grand Seiko store offers modern watchmaking made with Japanese-style designs. They sell a wide range of elegant timepieces in their largest flagship boutique in Japan.
The Best Ginza Department Stores
Ginza is also home to a number of shops and stores that sell everyday items, from groceries to electronics. The following are its popular commercial complexes:
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Mitsukoshi: The Ginza branch of Japan’s oldest department store chain is a popular stop for tourists and weekend shoppers. This 12-story building offers a wide variety of housewares, designer clothes, and cosmetics. It also contains several eateries.
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Ginza SIX: This Ginza store is the district’s largest shopping complex. Since opening in 2017, it has been a favorite among local and foreign shoppers, thanks to its “six-star” retail experience. It also features a scenic rooftop garden that offers views of Tokyo Tower.
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Matsuya: There are Matsuya stores in Ginza and Asakusa, with the former being the company’s headquarters. The massive Ginza Matsuya building is home to hundreds of brands in the fashion, cosmetic, and houseware industries, including international labels like Dior, Balenciaga, Fendi, Chanel, and Gucci.
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UNIQLO (Ginza Branch): This is the largest store of the most popular Japanese clothing brand in Japan. It has 12 stories filled with different men’s and women’s casual wear and accessories.
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Ginza Wako: This department store retailer is famous for its symbolic Clock Tower located at the heart of Ginza. The store sells dishware, bags, jewelry, and watches. There’s a popular art gallery on the sixth floor known as Wako Hall.
Cultural Attractions in Ginza
Ginza has been a beacon of sophistication and luxury in Japanese culture for centuries. However, you can enjoy more traditional experiences by visiting popular landmarks in the area. The highlight of these cultural attractions is the Kabuki-za Theater, the center of traditional Kabuki art performances in Tokyo. Kabuki is a classical form of Japanese drama that started in the 17th century. It features exciting tales on topics such as war and love. A visit to the Kabuki-za Theater offers sites of symbolic masked actors in elegant kimonos dancing to the music of taiko drums and other instruments. Read our article about Kabuki for more information on this traditional dance drama.
If you would like to explore contemporary art, the Ginza Graphic Gallery should be your first stop. Explore the different colors and textures of the graphic designs on display. It includes a library on the second floor of the building. This library contains a wide range of books, catalogs, magazines, and other colorful publications.
We would like to recommend a few other cultural attractions in the district. Visit the Seiko Museum to learn about the history of clocks and their relationship to Ginza. You can also learn about timepiece manufacturer Seiko and their history. The Police Museum is another awesome destination. It features old displays of Japanese police uniforms and other equipment.
Ginza’s Culinary Scene
Ginza has a global reputation as a culinary paradise. Foodies from all over the world visit the district to explore its diverse and exquisite dining options, which range from Michelin-starred restaurants to hidden sushi bars.
Most of the Michelin-starred eateries serve traditional multi-course meals known as kaiseki. These meals are prepared using only seasonal ingredients and preparation techniques that maximize flavors. Some of the best restaurants in Ginza to enjoy exquisite kaiseki are Ginkuma Saryo, Ginza Ibuki, and KATSURA. The district is also famous for eateries that only use quality Wagyu beef on their menus, such as the Oreno Yakiniku restaurant and the Ushigoro shop.
If you’re in the mood for traditional-style Ginza sushi, we recommend that you try the offerings at Ginza Kyubey. Sushi is also served at some Michelin-starred restaurants, including the famous Sawada. You can continue your culinary journey with izakayas and yakitori (skewered chicken) shops like Yakitori Tsukiya and Takechan, where people eat grilled meats while drinking beer, sake, and other alcoholic beverages.
Art and Design in Ginza
The Ginza Graphic Gallery is not the only place to see art and design in the district. For exhibitions made by contemporary Japanese artists, we recommend Shiseido Gallery and Yoseido Gallery. Galerie Nichido is more suited for lovers of Western-style oil paintings. The Art Aquarium Museum (Ginza) offers one of the most unique experiences. It features aquatic life, colorful sculptures, and illuminated fish tanks. If you’d like to try your hands on art, there’s a nearby design studio called Artbar Ginza that offers sessions for locals and foreigners, including those with no painting experience.
From April to May every year, Ginza SIX hosts an annual art event that showcases various sculptures, paintings, and other artworks. This will give you the perfect opportunity to shop for goods while you enjoy the work of promising talents.
Walking Tours and Hidden Gems
Most of the popular Ginza attractions are within walking distance of each other. You can spend the day on foot window shopping, exploring famous sites, and finding hidden gems in the district. If you walk away from Chuo Dori, you’ll find smaller streets with exciting spots, such as Ito-ya, a stationery store offering upscale writing instruments and office supplies. Adults and kids will enjoy a visit to Hakuhinkan Toy Park, where you’ll find all kinds of games and toys. End your trip with shopping and dining at Tokyu Plaza (Ginza) or a visit to the nearby Tokyo Bay.
Nightlife in Ginza: From Jazz Bars to High-End Clubs
When you’re not spending your evening at the Kabukiza Theater, you can drop by any of the other nighttime attractions in the area. Corridor-Gai is famous for its many bars and restaurants. If you’re looking for a more relaxing experience, head over to Konparu-yu bathhouse or drink fine cocktails at Lupin. Lovers of all-night live music patronize Ginza Kento’s and Ginza Music Bar. For upscale nightclubs, we recommend Bar High Five, Tír na nÓg, and Club Legend.
Conclusion:
Ginza represents the fusion of tradition and modernity in Tokyo. It’s a must-visit for anyone looking to experience the essence of Japanese luxury and culture in one location. Next time you’re in Tokyo, don’t hesitate to shop at Ginza.
We’ve provided the most convenient way to explore Japanese culture through traditional treats. Get a Bokksu Snack Box Subscription and we’ll send you a box of sweets and snacks from local businesses in Japan every month.
Also, in Bokksu Boutique we just released the Deluxe Ginza Gift Box, an exquisite collection inspired by the elegance of Tokyo’s Ginza district. Featuring artisan ceramics and indulgent treats, this box invites you to experience the art of refined relaxation. Perfect for those who appreciate the finer things, it transforms everyday moments into luxurious rituals. Don't miss the other Holiday Boxes as well.
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