Ginza is one of the most exclusive districts in Tokyo, and even in all of Japan.
Some people even dare to compare it to iconic places like New York’s Fifth Avenue or Hong Kong’s Causeway Bay.
These comparisons go beyond its luxurious appearance—they also reflect the vibrant atmosphere that characterizes Ginza. The stores and restaurants in this area are of the highest quality, offering everything from clothing and shoes to exclusive jewelry.
Come and discover this fantastic place with us. It’s a must-see destination in Tokyo.
Ginza: The Architecture Hub
One of the distinguishing features of Tokyo’s Ginza district is its architecture, which is celebrated for its post-modern and avant-garde style on a global scale.
The area is filled with enormous illuminated signs, high-definition screens serving as interactive advertisements, and storefronts that are truly one-of-a-kind.
This environment makes Ginza a mesmerizing area that’s impossible to ignore.
The buildings in this part of Tokyo are constantly being updated as they strive to remain innovative and cutting-edge.
Many of the structures here are the work of renowned architects from Japan and around the world.
For those looking to elevate their Ginza experience, we recommend the Tokyo Tower entry ticket. From there, you can enjoy panoramic views of this luxurious district and plan your next stop in this fashion and technology hub.
What to See in Ginza?
There is plenty to see in Ginza, but what attracts most visitors are the impressive buildings known for their top-tier architecture.
Whether they’re shopping centers, restaurants, or simply office buildings, admiring the architecture in Ginza is truly captivating.
It’s often said that every 10 years, buildings are torn down to make way for newer, more modern structures.
Ginza is also a commercial hotspot, as it is one of the most popular shopping districts in Japan, featuring stores from the world’s most prestigious brands across various industries.
If you’re looking for fashion, art, technology, or just want to enjoy the sights, Ginza has it all. You’ll be amazed by everything the area has to offer.
Now, enjoy this fascinating video that gives you a glimpse of what the streets of this district are like:
Chuo Dori Street
Chuo Dori Street is one of the main commercial arteries in the Ginza area.
Lined with a wide variety of stores open daily, it’s one of the busiest spots for tourists and many locals alike.
From Monday to Friday, the street operates like any other. However, on weekends, it’s closed to vehicles, transforming into a pedestrian zone.
This makes Chuo Dori a true attraction for tourists, as the closed street allows for a leisurely stroll. It’s as if the entire area turns into a massive open-air mall.
Pedestrian hours on Chuo Dori are from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM. From April to September, it remains closed until 6:00 PM.
Ginza Haccho Shrines
In the past, Ginza was primarily known for its shrines. Today, although it’s popular for many other attractions, these shrines are still carefully maintained and open to visitors.
There are a total of nine shrines scattered throughout the streets surrounding Ginza, all connected by the main street.
Regardless of your religious beliefs, visiting an authentic Japanese shrine is an unforgettable experience.
Tokyu Plaza Ginza
Tokyu Plaza Ginza is a renovated shopping complex filled with a variety of unique establishments.
The commercial center features restaurants, shops, small museums selling replicas of historical artifacts, and a spacious parking area—all located at the intersection of Ginza and Sukiyabashi.
The exterior is flawless, designed in the style of Kiriko cut glass, a traditional craft that’s becoming a distinctive mark of Ginza.
Sony Building
Sony, one of the world’s most renowned Japanese companies, has an impressive building in Ginza known simply as the Sony Building.
This building has been a tech symbol in the area for years, and inside, you can find all of Sony’s products and applications.
The building also features an exhibition hall showcasing the company’s innovations throughout its history, recent technological achievements, and current projects.
Maison Hermès
Piano, a renowned construction firm, assembled a team of architects to build the Hermès store in Tokyo, located in the Ginza area.
The firm aimed to create an artistic and avant-garde design that would blend with this upscale district while also standing out—and they succeeded.
The concept was for the building to emit light from within, inspired by traditional Japanese paper lanterns.
To achieve this effect, they used 13,000 clear glass blocks arranged in a specific way, creating a mesmerizing effect that attracts visitors to the store.
Taking a photo of its iconic facade is a must for any visitor.
Ginza Wako
The Wako Building is one of those landmarks you simply can’t ignore.
The Wako Building boasts a huge clock that has kept precise time since its construction and a design that exemplifies the perfect blend of traditional Western style with the modern flair of contemporary Ginza.
Construction of this landmark began in 1932, at the intersection of Chuo and Harumi Dori, Ginza’s two most important and bustling avenues.
Kabuki-Za Theater
The Kabuki-Za Theater was built and inaugurated in 1889 as one of Ginza’s most ambitious projects of its time. Its facade is striking, and the interior is even more impressive.
Since its opening, the theater has hosted a wide range of performances, not only Kabuki plays. Despite facing both prosperous and challenging periods, it has never closed its doors.
Today, thanks to the area’s growing interest in fashion and heritage, the theater has returned to its roots, presenting traditional Kabuki performances that last between 3 and 5 hours.
Apple Store
One of the world’s most impressive Apple Stores is located in Ginza. This store is one of Apple’s premier locations, rivaling those in the U.S. and Europe in terms of grandeur.
The Apple Store in Ginza features an eye-catching exterior and an inspiring interior. If you’re in the area, it’s worth stopping by to take a look.
While Apple Stores may seem similar worldwide, this one stands out with unique design elements that set it apart.
For Apple enthusiasts, the store offers everything imaginable in terms of Apple products.
This location has become known for hosting major product launch events and promoting Apple’s most successful items.
After a day of exploring Ginza’s incredible stores and architecture, there’s no better way to unwind than with a visit to the teamLab Planets TOKYO: Digital Art Museum. This immersive experience blends art and technology, capturing Tokyo’s innovative spirit.
Ginza Architecture Tour
Ginza’s architecture is so unique and captivating that the best way to fully appreciate and learn about it is through a guided tour.
The tour begins with a visit to Tsukiji Hongwan-ji Temple, a building designed in a distinctly ecclesiastical style both inside and out.
The next stop is the Kabuki Theater. Other key sites on the tour include the Nicolas G. Hayek Center, Tokyu Plaza Ginza, Mikimoto Ginza 2, Maison Hermès, and the Okuno Building.
The tour concludes with a visit to the Ginza Wako and its iconic clock.
If desired, you can continue exploring nearby streets at no additional cost. This tour costs €62 per person and lasts approximately 3 hours.