Ginza 銀座

Ginza is the district people picture when they think of elegant Tokyo. Its main street, Chuo-dori, runs straight for about a kilometre between department stores and the flagship shops of Japanese and international brands.

You do not need to spend money to enjoy it. The window displays, the architecture and the back streets, one block either side of the main road, are the real attraction.

What to see

1. 01

   Ginza 4-chome crossing

   The heart of the district. The curved stone building with the clock tower on the corner has marked this crossing since 1932 and is the usual meeting point.

2. 02

   Pedestrian paradise

   On weekend and public holiday afternoons, Chuo-dori is normally closed to cars and people walk down the middle of the street. Times change with the season.

3. 03

   Kabuki-za

   The home of kabuki theatre, a few minutes east of the crossing. Even without a ticket, the façade and the basement shops are worth the detour. Check the theatre's website for single-act seats.

4. 04

   Department store food halls

   The basement floors of the big stores sell beautifully packed sweets, tea and lunch boxes. In the last hour before closing, fresh food is often discounted.

5. 05

   Stationery and craft shops

   Ginza has multi-floor stationery shops and specialists in incense, chopsticks and washi paper. They are good places for small, well-made souvenirs.

Good to know

• Most shops open between 10:00 and 11:00. Mornings are quiet and good for photographs.
• Carry your passport if you plan to shop tax-free. Japan changed its tax-free procedure in late 2026, so ask the shop how it works.
• Tsukiji Outer Market is about fifteen minutes on foot to the south-east and is best before noon.