Ginza
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Why go
- Sushi at Sukiyabashi Jirō, which held three Michelin stars until the Michelin Guide dropped it in 2019.
- Ginza Six, the shopping centre on the former Matsuzakaya site, open since 2017.
- The Takarazuka theatre, an all-female venue and one of the district's theatres.
- The largest Zara store in the world, in a district with many international fashion and luxury brands.
Opening hours
Today11:30 – 14:00, 18:00 – 21:30Show all
Don't miss
- Chūō-dōriGinza's main street, where international fashion and luxury labels run branches. Closed to cars on weekends from midday.Runs through the district, crossing Harumi-dōri and Matsuya-dōri. On the map
- Wako clock-tower buildingBuilt in 1894 by Kintarō Hattori, founder of Seiko, with a clock tower. It houses the Wako department store.At the crossing of Chūō-dōri and Harumi-dōri. On the map
- San'ai buildingA cylindrical building with many illuminated signs, in a district known for them. The Nissan Gallery is at the same crossing.At the same crossing as the Wako building. On the map
- Kabuki-za theatreA kabuki theatre and a cultural venue in the district.Lies between Ginza and Tsukiji. On the map
- Apple Store GinzaApple's first store outside the US, where staff give expert advice on Apple products.At the corner of Chūō-dōri and Matsuya-dōri. On the map
Photo spots
- Chūō-dōri from Harumi-dōriShoot down the central street from the crossing with Harumi-dōri, where the Wako and Mitsukoshi stores stand.Crossing of Chūō-dōri and Harumi-dōri On the map
Tips for your visit
- Start on Chūō-dōri, the central street, where many international fashion and luxury brands have branches.
- The car-free time on Chūō-dōri is called Hokoten, short for Hokōsha Tengoku.
- Street performers often play music or do magic tricks during the car-free hours.
- Takumi sells crafts and souvenirs, and Ito-ya sells stationery, both among the shops in the district.
- Seibu has a food department, well-known clothing brands, video games and a bookshop.
- Cosmetics are sold at the House of Shiseido, and Yamaha sells musical instruments, including Bösendorfer.
- The largest Zara store in the world is also located in the district.
Best time to visit
- Weekends from midday, when Chūō-dōri is closed to cars and becomes a pedestrian zone.
Interesting facts3
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1880
Isabella Bird judged in 1880 that it looked less Oriental than Chicago's outskirts.
Ginza - Wikipedia -
Across Japan, Ginza has become a generic word for shopping streets, and many other places share the name.
Ginza - Wikipedia -
Abercrombie & Fitch's first Asian store is in the district, among Prada and Louis Vuitton shops.
Ginza - Wikipedia
Shorts
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The Ultimate Japan Guide To 10 Best Things To Do In GinzaGrace
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Shopping In Tokyo (Ginza Edition)Mark Boutilier
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3 MUST VISIT Restaurants in GinzaExplorin with Laurin
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Don’t miss these 5 things to do & eat im Ginza TokyoHungry Pursuit
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Pau Cubarsi x Ginza EditCat
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Top 7 Things to Do in Ginza, TokyoWG JAPAN 🎉 Ultimate Travel Guide!
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Found a chocolate lover’s dream in the heart of Ginza, Tokyo!JAPAN FOOD MAP
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Top 5 Things to-do in Ginza!J Discovery
History
Ginza was once part of old Kyōbashi ward, which with Nihonbashi and Kanda formed the core of Shitamachi. Its name, 'seat of silver', comes from the office that oversaw minting silver coins. After the 1872 fire, the street was rebuilt as a Western-style shopping promenade, modelled on Paris and London. It was widened from 12.6 to 27 metres and became the first promenade for strolling in Japan. Its start was slow because of high prices for the new buildings, but it grew into an entertainment district. Most of the European-style buildings are gone, but some older ones remain.
- 1602Edo becomes the capital. The swampy area is drained and draws merchants.
- 1612The district is built.
- Meiji eraThe district becomes fashionable, with modern company headquarters and European-style restaurants beside old shops.
- 1872A fire destroys the area. Josiah Conder and Thomas J. Waters rebuild it.
- 1873A Western-style shopping promenade of brick buildings is completed.
Show all
- Between the warsSpending idle hours in the district becomes a popular custom.
- After the warGinza overtakes Asakusa as the top entertainment district in Tokyo.
- 1980sThe district is the most expensive shopping district in the world.
Accessibility
- Remote sign language interpreting Free, available any time, no booking needed.
- In-person interpreting Free, arranged for sessions and events, booked in advance.
Sources: Ginza - Wikipedia · Tokyo/Ginza - Wikivoyage (buy) · お近くのApple Store - 銀座 - Apple（日本） · Ginza - Wikipedia · Ginza - Wikipedia · checked 19 Oct 2026
Questions and answers
Where is Ginza in Tokyo?
Ginza is a district of Tokyo in Chūō ward. It lies south of Yaesu and Kyōbashi, west of Tsukiji and north of Shinbashi.
How do I get to Ginza from Tokyo Station?
Tokyo Station lies just north of Ginza. Ginza Station is served by the Hibiya, Ginza and Marunouchi lines of Tokyo Metro, and Ginza, Yūrakuchō and Hibiya stations are linked by underground passages.
What is Ginza known for?
Ginza is a main shopping and entertainment district with restaurants, theatres and luxury boutiques. Many international fashion and luxury brands have branches on Chūō-dōri, the central street.
Are there upscale hotels in Ginza?
Yes. Upscale hotels include the Hyatt Centric Ginza, the Ginza Grand and the Marriott Tokyo Ginza Hotel.
Is sign language interpreting available in Ginza?
Yes. Free remote sign language interpreting is available any time with no booking needed. Free in-person interpreting is arranged for sessions and events, booked in advance.
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