Tradition and innovation in the elegant centre of Tokyo

Ginza, synonymous with understated elegance, is an area steeped in history dating back to the Edo period (1603-1868), when a silver coin mint was built here.

Today, many of Tokyo's historic department stores can be found along the main street, which, along with top-quality products, offer equally popular customer service.

Numerous boutiques and often small but excellent establishments can also be found along the side streets.

Ginza, however, does not sleep on the laurels of its tradition, but continues to renew itself by conveying up-to-date culture, enthusiasm and the ageless charm of Tokyo.

Tips

• Shopping and dining in new department stores and malls

• Modern art galleries and the Kabukiza theatre where you can watch kabuki performances

• At weekends, the main street becomes a pedestrian zone

• Visit Ginza Six shopping mall

The splendour of art in every shade.

Widely recognised as a sophisticated area, Ginza has been enlivened by a dynamic artistic life for centuries. In the great Kabukiza theater, for example, Kabuki shows are held all year round and the attached gallery and shop offers many ideas to learn more about this typically Japanese theatrical form.

As for the exhibitions, Shiseido Gallery and Maison Hermès host works by various artists while Creation Gallery G8 and Ginza Graphic Gallery organize exhibitions focused on creativity, both by young artists and great masters, with an emphasis on graphics.

Weekend strolls

From April to September (12 noon to 6 p.m.) and from October to March (12 noon to 5 p.m.), the main street of Ginza becomes a pedestrian zone at weekends and on national holidays, making it possible to forget the busy everyday traffic and allowing one to stroll leisurely window shopping or sit at outdoor tables sheltered by umbrellas.

Shopping time

In Ginza, the landscape of historic department stores has been significantly revamped in recent years, thanks to Tokyu Plaza Ginza and Ginza Six, the majestic building that, to the delight of international clientele, houses the most famous names in fashion and catering.

Made possible by large local investments, the continuous development of the area can also be seen in Ginza Place and the renovation of the Sony Building (under reconstruction until 2024), one of Ginza's pillars.

Visit Ginza's historical department stores such as Ginza Mitsukoshi, Ginza Matsuya and Wako.

How to get there

• The nearest station is Ginza (Tokyo Metro Ginza, Marunouchi, Hibiya lines). Also nearby are Ginza-Itchome (Yurakucho line) and Higashi-Ginza (Hibiya Toei Asakusa lines) stations. Ginza is also a 5-minute walk from JR Yurakucho Station or a 15-minute walk from Tokyo Station.

• From Haneda Airport: by bus (35 minutes) or by train (50 minutes).

• From Narita Airport: by bus (2 hours) or train (95 minutes).

• From Shinjuku: Tokyo Metro Marunouchi line to Ginza (16 minutes).

• From Tokyo: Tokyo Metro Marunouchi line to Ginza (3 minutes).