Things to Do in Ginza｜Top Tourist Attractions

Ginza is renowned as one of Japan’s top shopping areas, offering everything from long-established department stores to luxury boutiques. It’s also a popular destination for international tourists, as it offers the chance to experience Japanese cuisine, kabuki theater, and other cultural experiences.

In this article, we’ll introduce the top things to do in Ginza and its iconic tourist spots. Ginza is easily accessible from major airports and stations, making it a must-visit area during any trip to Tokyo. Be sure to refer to this guide when planning your visit to Ginza.

Ginza is one of Japan’s most prestigious shopping areas, blending tradition with cutting-edge trends. From budget-friendly fashion stores to long-established shops and high-end boutiques, the area offers a variety of shopping options. In addition, you can enjoy dining, art, and theater in Ginza.

The name “Ginza” comes from the Japanese word for silver, “gin.” During the Edo period, a silver coin mint was located here, which gave the area its name. Since the Meiji era, Ginza has developed by adapting to the trends of the times.

With several train stations, Ginza is well connected and easily accessible from major stations and airports in Tokyo. From Tokyo Station, you can reach Ginza Station in about two minutes via the Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line. From Shinagawa Station, take the JR Keihin-Tohoku Line and get off at Yurakucho Station, then walk about five minutes to Ginza.

For international travelers, the Airport Bus Tokyo Narita offers direct service to Ginza from Narita Airport. From Haneda Airport, the Keikyu Express Line takes you directly to Higashi-Ginza Station in about 30 minutes.

5 Things You Must Do When You Visit Shinjuku | Must-See Attractions

Ginza is a popular destination for tourists of all ages. There’s something for everyone, from shopping and dining to cultural experiences.

Below are three recommended activities that highlight the charm of Ginza.

Ginza Street is the main boulevard of Ginza. Alongside renowned Japanese department stores and international luxury brands, there are also many affordable shops and traditional stores to explore.

On weekdays, Ginza Street sees heavy traffic, but on weekends and holidays, it becomes a pedestrian paradise, with the road open to foot traffic. From April to September, this pedestrian zone lasts from noon until 6:00 PM, and from October to March, until 5:00 PM.

Even if you don’t shop or dine, simply walking down Ginza Street will give you a taste of Ginza’s atmosphere.

Kabuki, a traditional Japanese performing art with a history spanning over 400 years, is recognized as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. Kabuki-za, a theater dedicated to kabuki, is located in Ginza, making it easy to catch a performance while sightseeing or shopping.

For those interested in only watching part of a performance, Kabuki-za offers single-act tickets. Additionally,English subtitle guides are available for rent, allowing non-Japanese speakers to enjoy the performance.

After the show, be sure to visit the theater’s gift shop,where you can purchase kabuki-themed items like accessories, stationery, and traditional Japanese sweets.

Ginza is home to many gourmet spots where you can enjoy authentic Japanese cuisine. One popular destination for tourists is Kaiten Sushi Nemuro Hanamaru Ginza. This restaurant is always bustling with people who want to enjoy sushi, one of Japan’s most iconic dishes, in the heart of Ginza.

Nemuro Hanamaru is known for offering reasonably priced sushi made with fresh ingredients delivered directly from Nemuro in Hokkaido. Sushi plates come in six different price ranges, with the price determined by the color of the plate.

Since the restaurant is quite popular, it’s a good idea to allow some extra time for waiting to be seated.

Ueno’s Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots and Cherry Blossom Festival

Ginza boasts numerous must-visit tourist attractions, as well as many nearby spots that can be reached on foot.

Here, we highlight five of the most iconic spots in the area.

Ginza Mitsukoshi is a long-established department store in Ginza. Its lion statues in front of the main entrance are iconic symbols of the store. The spacious sales floors span from the basement to the 12th floor and house top domestic and international fashion brands, cosmetics, restaurants, and cafés.

Be sure to check out the food sections on the second and third basement floors, where you’ll find a vibrant selection of Japanese and Western sweets, bento boxes, breads, sake, tea, and much more.For those craving a gourmet dining experience, head to the 11th and 12th floors, which are home to various restaurants serving cuisine from around the world.

GINZA SIX is a massive multi-purpose commercial complex located in Ginza 6-chome. With over 240 domestic and international brand stores and offices, you can find everything from souvenirs to luxury fashion goods here.

The GINZA SIX Garden on the rooftop is a 4,000-square-meter garden offering panoramic views of Tokyo Tower and Tokyo Skytree. The Tourist Service Center on the first floor provides various services such as tourist information, currency exchange, ticket sales, and tax-free shopping assistance.

For those interested in traditional Japanese performing arts, the Kanze Noh Theater located inside GINZA SIX is a must-visit for Noh performances.

The Tsukiji Outer Market is a popular tourist spot within walking distance from Ginza. With around 460 stores,including eateries and food shops, the market is bustling with professional chefs buying ingredients and tourists enjoying fresh food and shopping.

In the market, you can find a variety of products such as fresh seafood, produce, nori (seaweed), and kombu (kelp). There are also many restaurants where you can enjoy sushi, ramen, or Kobe beef after shopping.

For those wanting to experience the market at its liveliest, it’s best to visit in the morning. However, please note that before 9:00 AM, vendors prioritize business with professionals, so it’s important to be mindful of the workers.

Shinbashi Enbujo Theater, first opened in 1925, is a historical theater in Ginza. The current building was renovated in 1982 and features a traditional Japanese design. The theater hosts a wide variety of performances throughout the year, including kabuki, dance, and modern plays.

One popular annual event is the Azuma Odori performance, held every May, where the famous geishas of Ginza’s Shinbashi district showcase their dance. For four days, Shinbashi Enbujo transforms into a grand teahouse, offering a rare glimpse into the exclusive world of geishas.

During intermissions, you can enjoy original bento boxes and soba at the theater’s dining area or buy souvenirs from its shops.

The Idemitsu Museum of Arts, located on the 9th floor of the Imperial Theater Building in Marunouchi, specializes in Asian antique artworks such as paintings, ceramics, and crafts. Founded in 1966 by Idemitsu Sazo, the museum displays pieces from his private collection accumulated over many years.

The museum holds six exhibitions annually, showcasing selected works from its collection of around 10,000 pieces. Many of these exhibitions feature national treasures and important cultural properties, making it a rare opportunity to see these precious works up close.

The museum shop offers a range of items, including reproductions of artworks and stationery inspired by the collection.

Top 10 Cities to Visit in Japan: Their Charm and Attractions for Tourists

Ginza is one of Japan’s top shopping districts, easily accessible from major train stations and airports. In addition to its luxury boutiques and department stores, Ginza also offers a range of experiences, such as enjoying Japanese cuisine or watching a kabuki performance at the Kabuki-za.

One of Ginza’s iconic spots is Ginza Mitsukoshi, a long-established department store recognized by its iconic lion statues at the entrance. Other notable attractions include the Shinbashi Enbujo Theater and the Idemitsu Museum of Arts. Be sure to check out these key spots during your visit to Ginza!

*This article is based on information available as of September 2024.