One of the things we love most about Tokyo is just how diverse the city is. In Shimokitazawa is thrift shopping, Akihabara is an otaku’s dream, Yanaka feels like returning to old Edo…and Ginza is all about luxury, shopping, and gourmet food.
If you’re looking for the ultimate day of indulgence in Tokyo, then Ginza is it. From entertainment to spas and world-class department stores, you can find it all in this area that also happens to be perfectly centrally located.
In this Ginza area guide, we’re bringing you our travel agency insider knowledge on the best things to do, areas to shop in, restaurants to eat at, and places to stay. If you were thinking of skipping Ginza on your next Tokyo trip, then think again.
Planning Your Tokyo Trip
Crafting the perfect Tokyo itinerary is a huge task. Fitting in every must-visit neighbourhood, reserving the right restaurants, and hitting all the big sites…it’s a lot. So, here are a few key tips to get you started:
- Start by setting a clear budget
- Look into what needs booking in advance
- Accept that you can’t do it all and prioritise the things you’re most excited about
- Stay near a well-connected station for easy transportation
- Leave time for just exploring – that’s when the best memories are usually made
Want help putting together the perfect Tokyo itinerary? Check out out Japan trip planning guide, or explore our Tokyo city tours to let an expert guide plan your trip for you.
What Makes Ginza Special
Ginza began as a silver coin mint in the early Edo period, with its name coming from 銀 (gin), meaning silver. During the Meiji era, the area was developed into one of Tokyo’s first modern commercial districts, and by the 20th century, it had become a symbol of Western influence, sophistication, and cutting-edge style. It’s also the namesake and central point of the Ginza Line.
Today, the glitzy streets are lined with department stores, exclusive restaurants, and refined establishments. You also don’t have to be interested in luxury to enjoy Ginza either. There are many other amazing attractions beyond designer shopping and Michelin meals, such as the famous 12-story Uniqlo or traditional kabuki theatre, Kabukiza.
Best Things to Do in Ginza
Ginza Chuo Dori
Ginza’s main high street, Ginza Chuo Dori is dotted with fabulous high-end options like Louis Vuitton, or budget-friendly extravagance in the form of Uniqlo’s flagship store. On weekends, the street is closed to traffic, becoming a pedestrian paradise where you can walk, take photos, and even dine al fresco-style in the middle of the street.
Art Aquarium
At Art Aquarium, huge fish tanks are transformed into moving and mesmerising art installations. Located on the 8th floor of the Mitsukoshi Ginza department store, the exhibits are designed to evoke the Edo period’s goldfish appreciation culture, presenting the creatures as living art.
Address: 1F Mitsukoshi Ginza Terrace, Ginza, Tokyo, 104-8212
Opening Times: 10 am to 7 pm
Entry Cost: ¥2,700 for same-day admission
Sanrio World Ginza
Sanrio World Ginza is the franchise’s flagship store where you’ll find the largest selection of Sanrio products in Japan (including limited edition releases). There are themed boutiques, photo ops, and even entire Hello Kitty-designated areas.
Address: 2F Nishiginza Department Store, Ginza, Tokyo, 104-0061
Opening Times: 11 am to 8 pm
Uniqlo Flagship Store
One of Tokyo’s must-visit spots is Uniqlo’s flagship store with a staggering 12 stories of shopping. Among the regular racks are limited edition local Ginza collabs, a personalisation station, and even a cafe on the 12th floor.
Address: Ginza Komatsu, 6-9-5, Ginza, Tokyo, 104-0061
Opening Times: 11 am to 9 pm
Kabukiza
Kabukiza first opened its doors in 1889 and has been sharing traditional Kabuki performances ever since. The historic theatre gives its audiences a taste of culture, history, and tradition, even offering English translation headphones to non-Japanese speakers.
Address: Kabuki Tower, 4-12-15, Ginza, Tokyo, 104-0061
Best Shopping Areas in Ginza
Ginza Six
One of the newest iconic shopping areas, Ginza Six features over 240 high-end boutiques, restaurants, and a rooftop garden. Opened in 2017, it blends contemporary and traditional design, making it a chic destination for fashion and culture enthusiasts.
Address: 6-10-1, Ginza, Tokyo, 104-0061
Opening Times: 10:30 am to 8:30 pm
Ginza Mitsukoshi
A historic landmark, Ginza Mitsukoshi is Japan’s oldest department store, dating back to 1673. In front is the iconic bronze lion, marking the entrance to 15 floors of fashion, cosmetics, gourmet food, and luxury goods.
Address: 4-16-16, Ginza, Tokyo, 104-8212
Opening Times: 10 am to 8 pm
Matsuya Ginza
From its opening 100 years ago, Matsuya Ginza has held a place in Tokyo’s fashion retail scene. The department store is known for its innovative boutiques and collaborations with renowned designers like Issey Miyake and Yohji Yamamoto.
Address: 3-6-1, Ginza, Tokyo, 104-8130
Opening Times: 11 am to 8 pm (7:30 pm on Sundays)
Tokyu Plaza Ginza
Tokyu Plaza Ginza is a striking shopping complex known for its Edo kiriko–inspired glass exteriors. There’s a beautiful rooftop garden, and inside is a gorgeous Kiriko lounge perfect for relaxing, working, or taking the weight off after a day of shopping.
Address: 5-2-1, Ginza, Tokyo, 104-0062
Opening Times: 11 am to 9 pm
Grand Seiko Flagship Boutique Ginza
The Grand Seiko Flagship Boutique Ginza, located inside the iconic Wako building, is the brand’s premier global store. It features one of the world’s most comprehensive selections of Grand Seiko and limited-edition watches, as well as a repair station and second-floor lounge for events and watch demonstrations.
Address: Ginza Waco, 4-5-11, Ginza, Tokyo, 104-0061
Opening Times: 11 am to 7 pm
Ginza Art Galleries and Experiences
Ginza Graphic Gallery
Ginza Graphic Gallery (GGG) is all about contemporary Japanese graphic design. Posters, prints, and magazine covers all feature, with around eight different exhibitions every year. The best part? Admission is completely free!
Address: 1F GNP Ginza Building, 7-7-2, Ginza, Tokyo, 104-0061
Opening Times: Mon-Sat 11 am to 7 pm
Akio Nagasawa Gallery
Akio Nagasawa Gallery specialises in showcasing works by renowned Japanese artists like Daido Moriyama and Issei Suda. The gallery strives to explore art history and the personal history of artists, with two other locations across Tokyo.
Address: 6F Ginsho Building, 4-9-5, Ginza, Tokyo, 104-0061
Opening Times: Tues-Sat 11 am to 7 pm
Gallery Koyanagi
Gallery Koyanagi is a leading contemporary art space in Ginza, which exhibits prominent international and Japanese artists. In 2016, it expanded into a second exhibition space designed by the distinguished photographer and architect Hiroshi Sugimoto.
Address: 9F Ginza Koyanagi Building, 1-7-5 Ginza, Tokyo, 104-0061
Opening Times: Tues-Sat 12 pm to 7 pm
Best Ginza Restaurants
Sushi Ginza Onodera Sohonten (Omakase Sushi)
An elegant, high-end omakase experience featuring premium seafood from Hokkaido and Toyosu Market. The multi-course meals are crafted with precision and served at a refined counter with English-friendly service.
Address: 2F Sunlit Ginza Building, 5-14-14, Ginza, Tokyo, 104-0061
Opening Times: Lunch service is 11 am to 12:45 pm, dinner service is 5 pm to 10:15 pm
Kaitenzushi Nemuro Hanamaru Ginza (Conveyor Belt Sushi)
A lively and popular kaitenzushi (conveyor belt sushi) restaurant known for its top-quality sushi at accessible prices. Ingredients are flown in daily from Hokkaido, making it a favourite for both locals and visitors, so much so that you’ll need to arrive very early (before 5 pm) to get a ticket for dinner service.
Address: 10F Tokyu Plaza Ginza, 5-2-1, Ginza, Tokyo, 194-0061
Opening Times: 11 am to 11 pm
Ginza Shinohara (Kaiseki)
A two-Michelin-star kaiseki restaurant offering seasonal dishes with exceptional presentation and hospitality. The intimate setting and culinary artistry showcase the elegance of traditional Japanese fine dining.
Address: 2-8-17, Ginza, Tokyo, 104-0061
Opening Times: Mon-Sat, 12 pm to 3 pm then 5 pm to 11:30 pm
The Apollo (Greek/Mediterranean)
A contemporary Greek restaurant located atop Tokyu Plaza Ginza. It serves bold, shareable dishes like saganaki cheese and slow-cooked lamb in a sleek, modern space with city views.
Address: 11F Tokyu Plaza Ginza, 5-2-1, Ginza, Tokyo, 104-0061
Opening Times: 11 am to 11 pm
Rengatei (Western-Japanese Fusion)
Established in 1895, this historic restaurant is credited by many as the birthplace of omurice. The nostalgic interior and classic menu make it a beloved institution for Western-influenced Japanese comfort food.
Address: 3-5-16, Ginza, Tokyo, 104-0061
Opening Times: Mon-Sat 11:15 am to 2 pm, then 5:30 pm to 8 pm
Katsukani Ryori Ginza Kitafuku (Crab)
A luxury dining experience centred on Hokkaido king crab that is prepared tableside in private tatami rooms. The service is highly attentive, and the crab is presented in multiple traditional styles.
Address: 3F Ginza 745, 7-4-5, Ginza, Tokyo, 104-0061
Opening Times: 5 pm to 11:30 pm
Ginza Cobau (Yakiniku)
An upscale yakiniku restaurant offering premium wagyu beef and sukiyaki courses. Its elegant, minimalist setting and curated menus make it ideal for a refined Japanese barbecue experience.
Address: 4F Kirarito Ginza, 1-8-19, Ginza, Tokyo, 104-0061
Opening Times: 9 am to 10:30 pm
The Cellar Ginza (Modern Japanese & Wine)
A stylish hidden gem pairing seasonal Japanese small plates with a curated wine list. The cosy, upscale environment makes it well-suited for quiet dinners, solo dining, or relaxed evenings with friends.
Address: 1F ZeroPointGinza, 6-2-1, Ginza, Tokyo, 104-0061
Opening Times: Tues-Sun 11 am to 7 pm
Tempura Abe Honten (Tempura)
The main location for this quiet, traditional restaurant known for its light, expertly fried tempura. It is tucked away on a side street, offering an intimate and authentic atmosphere with well-balanced set menus.
Address: B1F Subaru Building, 4-3-7, Ginza, Tokyo, 104-0061
Opening Times:
Best Bars in Ginza
Bar High Five
A legendary spot in Ginza’s cocktail scene, helmed by master bartender Hidetsugu Ueno. The bar has no menu; instead, bartenders create custom, complex, balanced cocktails to your exact taste.
Address: 1F Efflore Ginza 5, 5-4-15, Ginza, Tokyo, 104-0061
Opening Times: Mon-Sat 5 pm to 11:30 pm
Bar Orchard Ginza
Creative cocktails centred around fresh seasonal fruit. You pick a fruit from the giant bar bowl, and bartenders craft a bespoke drink that’s playful, artistic, and visually delightful.
Address: 7F Sanraku Building, 6-5-16, Ginza, Tokyo, 104-0061
Opening Times: Mon-Sat 6 pm to 12 am
Mixology Salon
A sleek bar offering tasting-menu style cocktails made from tea-infused spirits like hojicha-bourbon and soba-rum. Minimalist and experimental, it’s perfect for adventurous drinkers who want something unique.
Address: 13F Ginza Six, 6-10-1, Ginza, Tokyo, 104-0061
Opening Times: 1 pm to 11 pm
Best Ginza Hotels
Mitsui Garden Hotel Ginza Premier (4 star)
A sleek, modern hotel with stylish rooms and panoramic views of Tokyo’s skyline. Conveniently located near Ginza’s shopping and dining hubs, it offers excellent amenities including a rooftop bar and fitness centre.
Address:
Hotel Gracery Ginza (3 star)
Comfortable and contemporary, Hotel Gracery offers well-appointed rooms with modern conveniences at a reasonable price. Its central location makes it easy to explore Ginza’s attractions and nearby subway stations.
Address: 1F Ginza Matsui Building, 8-13-1, Ginza, Tokyo, 104-0061
The Royal Park Canvas Ginza 8 (3 star)
A trendy lifestyle hotel featuring artistic design and thoughtful facilities. Its proximity to Ginza’s key spots and cosy communal spaces make it popular with younger travellers and business visitors alike.
Address: The Royal Park Canvas Ginza 8, 8-9-4, Ginza, Tokyo, 104-0061
Hyatt Centric Ginza Tokyo (5 star)
A modern luxury hotel with sophisticated design, premium amenities, and excellent dining options. Its central location in Ginza ensures easy access to shopping, theatres, and nightlife.
Address: 6-6-7, Ginza, Tokyo, 104-0061
Hotel Sunroute Ginza (2 star)
A well-located budget hotel offering clean, simple rooms and essential amenities. It’s perfect for travellers who want to stay right in the heart of Ginza without spending too much.
Address: 1-15-11, Ginza, Tokyo, 104-0061
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