A complete guide to Ginza that even beginners can enjoy!

introduction

Overview and History of Ginza

Ginza is a high-end shopping area that represents Japan and is located in Chuo Ward, Tokyo. During the Edo period, there was a silver coin mint here, which is where the area got its name. In modern times, Western-style buildings and the latest commercial facilities have lined up, and it has now become a major shopping area that is visited by many tourists from both within and outside Japan.

Why is Ginza a popular tourist destination?

Ginza attracts many tourists with its sophisticated streetscape, high-end brand shops, delicious food, and historical cultural facilities. It is also a place where the latest trends gather, and you can enjoy not only shopping and dining, but also art and entertainment.

This article aims to convey the charms of Ginza in an easy-to-understand way for first-time visitors and first-time tourists. It provides detailed information on how to get there, what to see, and how to enjoy the area, and is written to serve as a guide for readers to enjoy Ginza to the fullest.

1. Access to Ginza

How to get to Ginza from Tokyo Station

How to use the train

It is convenient to get to Ginza from Tokyo Station by taking the Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line. It is only two stops from Tokyo Station to Ginza Station, and takes about three minutes. You can also take the JR Yamanote Line or Keihin Tohoku Line to Yurakucho Station, and then walk from there.

How to use buses and taxis

There are few buses from Tokyo Station to Ginza, but you can also use the Toei Bus. By taxi, it takes about 10 minutes to get there, depending on traffic conditions, but it is a relatively smooth journey.

Access from the airport

You can get to Ginza from Narita Airport or Haneda Airport by train or limousine bus. From Narita Airport, take the Narita Express to Tokyo Station, then take the Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line to Ginza. From Haneda Airport, take the Tokyo Monorail to Hamamatsucho Station, then take the JR Yamanote Line to Yurakucho Station.

2. What to see in Ginza

Ginza 4th Street intersection

Ginza 4-Chome intersection is the center of Ginza and is a popular tourist spot. Famous commercial facilities such as Ginza Wako and Mitsukoshi are lined up around the intersection, and at night the neon lights shine brightly.

Ginza Wako

Ginza Wako is a specialty store for luxury watches and jewelry located at the Ginza 4-Chome intersection. The historic building was completed in 1932 and is a popular symbol of Ginza. The clock tower inside the building plays a melody every hour on the hour and is a popular spot for tourists.

Ginza Six

Ginza Six is ​​attracting attention as a new landmark in Ginza. It opened in 2017 and houses about 240 shops and restaurants. In the basement, there is a facility related to the Kabukiza Theater, making it an attractive spot where tradition and modernity come together.

Kabukiza Theatre

Kabukiza is Japan’s leading Kabuki theater located in Ginza. It opened in 1899, and the current building was renovated in 2013. You can enjoy traditional Kabuki performances, and English earphone guides are available so that even beginners can easily enjoy the performance.

3. How to enjoy Ginza

Shopping spots in Ginza

Luxury brand shop

Ginza is known as an area where many luxury brand shops gather, with top brand stores such as Chanel, Louis Vuitton, and Gucci lined up, allowing you to purchase the latest fashion items.

Department stores and shopping malls

Ginza has many department stores and shopping malls, such as Mitsukoshi, Matsuya, and Ginza Six. These facilities stock a wide range of products, including fashion, cosmetics, and interior goods, so you can enjoy shopping all day long.

Gourmet spots in Ginza

Fine dining

Ginza is also an area where many high-end restaurants gather. Many of the restaurants are listed in the Michelin Guide, making it the perfect place to visit on a special occasion. You can enjoy a variety of cuisines, including Japanese, French, and Italian.

Sushi restaurant

Ginza is home to many first-class sushi restaurants. In particular, there are many restaurants that serve Edomae sushi, where you can enjoy fresh ingredients and the skill of the chef. Famous restaurants such as Ginza Kyubey and Sushidokoro Ginza are also popular with tourists.

Cafe and sweets shop

Ginza is also home to many stylish cafes and sweets shops. In particular, it is home to many famous Japanese and Western confectionery shops, making it the perfect place for tea time. There are also many famous shops, such as Shiseido Parlour and Quil Fait Bon.

4. Recommended spots around Ginza

Tsukiji Market

Tsukiji Market is within walking distance of Ginza, where you can enjoy fresh seafood and sushi. At Tsukiji Outer Market, you can enjoy a variety of ingredients and dishes, so it is also recommended to go on a food tour.

Yurakucho

Yurakucho is an area located just a short distance from Ginza, and is home to many shopping facilities and restaurants. The areas around the Transportation Center and the International Forum are particularly popular tourist spots.

Hibiya Park

Hibiya Park is an urban park located about a 10-minute walk from Ginza. It is a lush green space that will make you forget the hustle and bustle of the city, where you can enjoy a stroll or a picnic. In addition, flowers bloom in every season, so you can enjoy a different view every time you visit.

Tokyo Station

Tokyo Station is one train stop away from Ginza. It features a historic red brick station building and is a popular tourist spot. The surrounding area is home to the high-rise buildings and shopping malls of the Marunouchi area, where you can enjoy shopping and gourmet food.

5. Practical Information

Useful information for tourists

Free Wi-Fi spots

Ginza has many free Wi-Fi spots aimed at tourists. You can connect to the internet for free at major commercial facilities and cafes.

Coin locker location

There are many coin lockers at Ginza Station and major commercial facilities. You can leave your large luggage there and enjoy sightseeing empty-handed.

Souvenir shops and recommended items

Ginza also has a wide variety of souvenir shops. Japanese and Western sweets, as well as traditional crafts, are especially popular and make great gifts for friends and family. Many of the items are only available in Ginza, so be sure to check them out.

Important points to keep in mind for safe enjoyment

Ginza is a bustling area with many tourists. To enjoy it safely, be sure to take care of your valuables and avoid getting lost. Also, when moving around at night, it is safer to choose areas that are well-lit and crowded.

summary

Summary of Ginza’s Charm

Ginza is a tourist destination that attracts many visitors with its diverse charms. It has high-end brand shops, delicious food, and historical culture.

The facilities are integrated, allowing you to enjoy a sophisticated atmosphere.

Advice for beginners and points to note when visiting

If you are visiting Ginza for the first time, start by visiting the main tourist spots. If you make a list of the places and shops you want to visit in advance, you can sightsee efficiently. Also, since the level of congestion varies depending on the time of day, consider visiting early in the morning or on a weekday.

Recommended spots for your next trip to Tokyo

After enjoying Ginza, why not visit the surrounding tourist spots such as Tsukiji Market, Yurakucho, and Hibiya Park? Your next trip to Tokyo is sure to be an unforgettable experience.

great-trip編集部

writer

Hello, I'm a new member of "great-trip" and I'm looking forward to meeting you! Welcome to "great-trip"! great-trip" is a website designed to introduce tourist attractions in Japan. This site will help you with your next trip by providing detailed information on various tourist attractions in Japan. The site provides easy-to-understand and friendly content so that even those new to planning a trip can find the information they are looking for with ease. great-trip" is operated with the hope of conveying the wonders of Japan's sightseeing spots to as many people as possible. We hope that visitors to our site will find travel enjoyable and appealing, and that we can help them find their next travel destination. As your travel plans progress, discover new aspects of Japan and create wonderful memories. Let's go on a great trip to Japan together! Discover your next travel destination with "great-trip". We look forward to seeing you soon!