Ginza District Tokyo: Shopping, Hotels, and Things to Do

Tokyo's Ginza District: High-end Brands and Affordable Shopping

Ginza, Tokyo's premier shopping district, offers a diverse experience, blending luxury brands with accessible options. Its elegant streets are lined with high-end boutiques, including flagship stores of global icons like Chanel, Gucci, and Louis Vuitton, as well as unique local shops.

Beyond fashion, Ginza is a culinary destination with gourmet dining and a variety of hotels to suit any budget, making it an ideal base for exploring Tokyo.

While known for its upscale image, Ginza also caters to budget-conscious visitors with specialty stores and casual eateries, ensuring a memorable experience for all.

Ginza Shopping District: Location and Tips for Avoiding Crowds

Ginza's Chuo-Dori Street. Photo by Pixta

Ginza is located in the Chuo ward, the center of Tokyo, and can be easily reached from major transportation hubs like Tokyo Station and Shinjuku.

The main shopping area in Ginza is centered along Chuo-Dori Street, which becomes a pedestrian-only zone on weekends, ideal for leisurely browsing of luxury stores.

Ginza Station may see high foot traffic on weekdays during the morning and the lunchtime rush between 12 PM and 2 PM, driven by office workers; however, the shops shouldn't be too busy during this time. Weekends see the most activity in the afternoon, with locals and tourists shopping, especially in the evenings.

For the best shopping experience in Ginza, we recommend visiting during weekday daytime hours to avoid crowds.

The Best Shops and Department Stores in Ginza

Ginza Mitsukoshi. Photo by Pixta

Ginza offers diverse shopping experiences with several standout venues. With over 80 years of history, Ginza Mitsukoshi is a landmark department store that offers an extensive selection, ranging from high-fashion apparel for men and women to exquisite jewelry and regional specialties from across Japan.

Matsuya Ginza is another well-established department store, renowned for its gourmet food offerings.

Tokyu Plaza Ginza impresses with its striking architecture and lively atmosphere, featuring trendy fashion and lifestyle brands, and a rooftop terrace with city views.

GINZA SIX. Photo by Pixta

GINZA SIX blends fashion, entertainment, Japanese culture, and world-class art. You can explore gourmet cuisine from across Japan and indulge in a multi-sensory luxury experience.

Ginza Place combines shopping and dining, showcasing Japanese craftsmanship and innovative displays. Ginza Wako, a landmark with its iconic clock tower, offers luxury jewelry, watches, and fashion.

Specialty shops like Kit-Kat Chocolatory Ginza and Onitsuka Tiger Ginza add unique flavors and stylish athletic wear, respectively, enriching Ginza's comprehensive shopping scene. For details, check our Ginza shopping guide linked below.

Recommended Shops for High-end Shopping

Ginza is a premier destination for luxury shopping. Iconic brands like Chanel and Dior draw enthusiasts with elegant storefronts and exclusive collections.

GINZA SIX is the best choice for luxury shopping as it is home to flagship stores for Gucci, Balenciaga, and SAINT LAURENT. Legendary names such as Louis Vuitton, Hermès, TASAKI, Bvlgari, Grand Seiko, and Tiffany & Co. offer luxurious jewelry, watches, leather goods, and apparel. For a unique touch, Vivienne Westwood's avant-garde designs add a captivating twist.

Affordable Shopping in Ginza

Ginza offers budget-friendly options alongside its luxury appeal. For affordable fashion, UNIQLO, Muji, ZARA, and H&M provide stylish choices.

Don Quijote Ginza Main Store is a great choice for discounted products that make excellent souvenirs from Japan, including cosmetics, sweets, and brand items.

What Fashion Brands Can You Find in Ginza?

Ginza is a shopper's paradise, offering a vast array of fashion brands for every taste. Luxury giants like Fendi, Valentino, Bvlgari, and Tiffany & Co. showcase exquisite craftsmanship and timeless elegance. Chic options include Jill Stuart and JIMMY CHOO, while Burberry blends classic and modern styles.

For innovative designs, explore Alexander McQueen and Issey Miyake's bold, artistic pieces. Contemporary favorites like Miu Miu and Loewe offer unique wardrobe additions.

Budget-conscious shoppers can find stylish items at Uniqlo and GU. With this diverse range, Ginza is a must-visit for fashion lovers, from high-end luxury to trendy casual wear.

Types of Shops and Products You Can Buy in Ginza

Ginza blends luxury with cultural depth. High-end boutiques from brands like Chanel, Gucci, and Louis Vuitton attract fashion enthusiasts. Department stores such as Mitsukoshi and Matsuya offer diverse goods, from apparel and gourmet foods to electronics.

For beauty, Shiseido and SK-II showcase Japanese and international cosmetics. Traditional crafts, like those at Kyukyodo, highlight Japan's artistic heritage with beautiful paper products. Tech enthusiasts can explore the latest gadgets at Yamada Denki and BicCamera.

Restaurants and Delicious Food in Ginza

Ginza is a culinary haven with diverse dining experiences. From Michelin-starred restaurants with stunning views to affordable eateries offering flavorful meals, it caters to all tastes. We introduce some dining options below.

High-End Restaurants in Ginza

Ginza offers elegant dining with stunning views and exquisite cuisine. CADRAN features seasonal dishes like tagliolini with black truffle and charcoal-grilled Wagyu beef, overlooking the Wako Ginza clock tower.

USHIGORO Ginza Namiki Street offers premium grilled Japanese beef in a stylish setting with an extensive drink menu.

Ginza Ukai-Tei provides a captivating teppanyaki experience, with skilled chefs preparing seasonal dishes tableside.

Each restaurant showcases Ginza's exceptional dining and elegant atmosphere.

Affordable Dining in Ginza

Ginza offers affordable dining alongside its luxury reputation.

Enjoy Belgian waffles at the dessert restaurant Manneken, or sukiyaki and shabu-shabu with beef slices or crab at Ginza Rangetsu.

Renga-Tei, a local favorite, serves Japanese-style Western cuisine like tonkatsu (pork cutlet) and omuraisu. Ginza Hachigou, a Michelin-starred restaurant, offers affordable and flavorful Chinese-style soba.

Unique Cafes and Food in Ginza

Ginza's charm extends beyond restaurants to its unique cafés. Cafe Paulista, opened in 1911, is one of the first establishments in Japan to offer Brazilian coffee. It is now famous for its elegant atmosphere and exquite desserts.

Shiseido Parlour Salon de Café, established in 1902, offers refined pastries and their famous strawberry shortcake.

Henri Charpentier, located within Ginza Matsuya, delights with decadent desserts like Crêpes Suzette and Napoleon pie in a Persian-inspired setting.

Tricolore is a junkissa (Japanese coffee shop) with a retro, Taisho-era interior famous for its signature Antique Blend Coffee served with creamy éclairs.

These cafés provide exceptional culinary experiences in Ginza's artistic and luxurious atmosphere.

Recommended Hotels in Ginza: Luxury and Budget Options

Below, we introduce three luxurious hotels in Ginza that offer exceptional service and high-end amenities, ideal for travelers seeking elegance. We also feature three budget-friendly hotels, allowing you to experience Ginza without overspending.

Luxury Hotels in Ginza

Stay at the Imperial Hotel Tokyo to enjoy the utmost luxury and experience a piece of Tokyo's history. This hotel was one of the first Western hotels in Japan, built in 1890. Enjoy elegantly decorated rooms with modern amenities, an indoor pool, a fitness center, and eight restaurants. Its central location offers easy access to the Imperial Palace, Ginza, and the Tsukiji Market.

Hyatt Centric Ginza Tokyo. Picture courtesy of Booking.com

Hyatt Centric Ginza Tokyo offers world-class service in the heart of Tokyo. Indulge in luxury and convenience at this centrally located hotel, just a short walk from the iconic Kabukiza theatre.

GINZA HOTEL by GRANBELL is another excellent choice. Standing out through its stylish architecture, this 4-star hotel is loved for its terrace restaurant, bar, spa, and wellness center.

Affordable Hotels in Ginza

Tokyu Stay Ginza. Picture courtesy of Booking.com

Tokyu Stay Ginza offers modern, spacious rooms. Conveniently located a 3-minute walk from Ginza Station (Exit A7), it provides easy access to the city. JR Tokyo Station and Tokyo International Forum are a 15-minute walk away, while the Imperial Palace is a 14-minute drive from this hotel.

MUJI HOTEL GINZA is a stylish lodging with an original design and beautiful yet functional rooms. Guests have a variety of dining options, with a restaurant serving local cuisine for lunch and a coffee shop for casual fare. Breakfast choices range from American and buffet styles to Asian selections. The hotel also caters to families with a child-friendly buffet.

Hotel Sunroute Ginza offers convenient access, being located just a 4-minute walk from Ginza Itchome Subway Station and a 15-minute walk from JR Tokyo Station and Tsukiji Fish Market. Guests can enjoy a daily Japanese and Western-style buffet breakfast at the on-site restaurant, Villazza Due, which also features Italian-style lunch and dinner options.

How to Get to Ginza

From Tokyo Station to Ginza

From Tokyo Station, the quickest option is the Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line, a 5-minute ride with two stops.

Alternatively, the JR Yamanote Line to Yurakucho Station takes 5 minutes, followed by a short walk. A 15-minute walk along Chuo-Dori Street offers a scenic route. Taxis take 5-10 minutes, depending on traffic.

From Shibuya to Ginza

From Shibuya Station, take the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line for direct access to Ginza. The ride takes about 15 minutes.

From Shinjuku to Ginza

From Shinjuku Station, take the Tokyo Metro Marunouchi toward Ikebukuro. You'll reach Ginza in about 15 minutes.

Things to Do in Tokyo's Ginza District

Ginza offers a diverse range of experiences, from romantic outings and hands-on workshops to stunning architectural photography. With its rich culinary scene, cultural attractions, and vibrant atmosphere, Ginza invites exploration and discovery.

Luxurious Places and Activities

Ginza's sophisticated side includes Michelin-starred restaurants like Ginza Kojyu and Kitaohji Ginza Honten, which serve exquisite Japanese cuisine. For afternoon tea, luxury hotel lounges at the Imperial Hotel or The Peninsula Tokyo provide elegant settings.

Art enthusiasts can explore galleries like the Ginza Graphic Gallery, featuring contemporary and traditional Japanese art. For relaxation, WASPA offers high-quality rejuvenating treatments in an interior infused with Japanese aesthetics.

Ginza's nightlife shines at cocktail bars like High Five, which is known for its expertly crafted drinks and intimate atmosphere.

Affordable Workshops and Activities in Ginza

Kabukiza Theater. Photo by Pixta

Ginza isn't just for luxury travelers. Budget-friendly options abound, including the Kabukiza Gallery, which has free admission and showcases exhibits related to traditional Kabuki theater.

Free art galleries like Shiseido Gallery and Gallery Koyanagi showcase contemporary art. The Seiko Museum Ginza provides free interactive exhibits on Japan's watchmaking history.

Romantic Spots in Ginza

Ginza is a great destination for romantic dates in Tokyo. Couples can escape to the Konica Minolta Planetaria TOKYO, where celestial visuals create an intimate and awe-inspiring atmosphere.

The Art Aquarium Museum, located within Ginza Mitsukoshi, provides a unique backdrop for conversation, blending art and mesmerizing aquatic displays.

For a truly special occasion, the Ginza Sky Lounge, a high-end establishment with refined desserts and stunning skyline views, is perfect for sunset drinks or a romantic dinner.

Photogenic Spots in Ginza

Ginza is a photographer's paradise, renowned for its visually stunning architecture and intricate details. Luxury boutiques like Chanel, Fendi, and Louis Vuitton showcase striking facades ideal for detailed shots.

The iconic Wako Clock Tower, especially beautiful at night, is a must-capture landmark. GINZA SIX offers a rooftop garden with panoramic skyline views, while the Tokyo International Forum's dramatic glass and steel structure provides dynamic compositions.

The bustling Chuo-Dori Street, with its elegant architecture, and the historic Kabukiza Theatre, offering a traditional contrast, ensure endless photographic possibilities throughout Ginza.

For other unique things to do in Ginza, check our article linked below.

High-Quality and Luxurious Souvenirs

Ginza is the best place to find luxurious souvenirs that highlight Japan's exceptional craftsmanship.

IMAMI Ginza is renowned for its premium liquor and elegant glassware, providing sophisticated gifts and stylish additions to any home bar. Ginza Seiyudo, a leading Japanese sword specialty store, features beautifully crafted katana and traditional swords, celebrating samurai heritage.

Chopstick enthusiasts will appreciate Ginza Natsuno, offering over 3,000 designs and personalized engraving services. These unique shops offer memorable keepsakes that embody Japanese culture.

Beautiful Yet Inexpensive Souvenirs

Ginza also offers beautiful, budget-friendly souvenirs that embody Japanese culture. Fujiya Ginzaten, established in 1922, provides elegant kimonos and obi sashes, perfect for special occasions or unique decor.

Tokyo Kyukodo Ginza Main Store, with its Imperial Palace history, features affordable traditional stationery and crafts, including handmade paper and furoshiki.

Shoyeido offers high-quality incense, with traditional and modern scents, bringing Japanese tranquility home.

Finally, Ginza Itoya, a well-established and iconic stationery shop, showcases stylish and affordable notebooks, pens, and paper goods, celebrating Japan's stationery culture.

Budget Tips in Ginza

To experience Ginza on a budget, it would be wise to set a daily spending limit of 5,000 yen to 10,000 yen. Enjoy affordable meals at casual eateries, sushi counters, and cafes, where lunch sets and bento boxes typically range from 1,000 yen to 3,000 yen.

For shopping, watch for sales at department stores like Matsuya and Mitsukoshi, and explore independent boutiques for unique, budget-friendly finds. Take advantage of free attractions like the GINZA SIX rooftop garden and free art gallery exhibitions.

Simply walking through Ginza's architecturally rich streets provides a cost-free and enjoyable experience.

Shopping in Ginza Compared to Other Places in Tokyo

Ginza's luxury shopping experience stands in stark contrast to other Tokyo districts.

Shibuya and Harajuku cater to youth trends, with Shibuya's vibrant street fashion and Harajuku's eclectic style. Akihabara specializes in electronics and otaku culture, while Omotesando offers a chic, designer-brand experience. Each district contributes a unique flavor to Tokyo's diverse retail scene.

Which is Better for Shopping, Ginza or Shibuya?

Ginza and Shibuya offer distinct shopping experiences. Ginza provides luxury and elegance, featuring high-end boutiques and department stores like Mitsukoshi, ideal for exclusive items.

Shibuya offers trendy, youthful fashion in a vibrant, casual atmosphere, exemplified by Shibuya 109. Your choice depends on your personal style and preferences.

Ginza’s History

Ginza was originally a fishing village, and its transformation started in the 17th century when the Tokugawa shogunate moved Edo's silver mint here, hence its name.

During the Meiji era (1868-1912), Ginza was modernized with Western-style buildings. After the 1923 earthquake, reconstruction solidified Ginza as a commercial center. Post-WWII, it became a luxury retail destination. Today, Ginza blends upscale shopping, fine dining, and cultural heritage.

We hope you'll enjoy exploring this exciting area in Tokyo, taking advantage of its excellent shopping and dining options.

Main image by Pixta