Ginza Ittoku: A Hidden Sanctuary of Japanese Tradition and Opulence

Where Ancient Craftsmanship Meets Modern Luxury

When it comes to discovering Japan’s most exclusive luxuries, few places can rival the refinement and mystique of Ginza Ittoku. Tucked away in the heart of Tokyo’s Ginza district, this private, members-only salon has quickly earned a reputation among celebrities, business moguls, prominent politicians, and VIPs from around the world.

From its painstakingly detailed interiors that echo Japan’s Azuchi–Momoyama period splendor, to its unrivaled dedication to preserving centuries-old craftsmanship, Ginza Ittoku offers a uniquely immersive journey into Japanese tradition and artistry—one that can only be experienced through membership or personal invitation.

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What Is Ginza Ittoku?

Overview

Opened in 2015, Ginza Ittoku (銀座一徳) is a high-end, members-only salon frequented by notable figures across politics, business, sports, art, and entertainment. Within just a few years of opening, it started attracting many distinguished guests from Japan and abroad.

The salon embodies the concept of “inheriting and protecting Japan’s tradition and technique,” weaving together the grandeur of the past with the comfort and luxury of the present.

Concept and History

Ginza Ittoku’s roots are grounded in the ambition to bring an all-Japanese aesthetic into Tokyo’s most cosmopolitan district. While Ginza is renowned for its dazzling chandeliers and grand pianos, the founders of Ginza Ittoku saw an opportunity to create something unlike any other: an intimate space that feels like stepping into the pages of Kyoto’s imperial history—complete with national treasures and art so rare it’s never been publicly displayed.

The salon’s construction alone took 1 year and 4 months, while the overall design concept and planning spanned over eight years.

Popularity Among Influential Figures

This commitment to authenticity and the use of prized Japanese craftsmanship has drawn luminaries from every corner of the globe. Musicians, actors, world-class athletes, leading politicians, and top-tier business leaders flock to Ginza Ittoku for both its exclusivity and its transformative ambiance.

With its strict membership system and face-recognition entry protocols, you can rest assured that your privacy and security remain paramount.

Facilities and Interior Design

A 300-Million-Yen Masterpiece

The sumptuously appointed interior of Ginza Ittoku cost a staggering 300 million yen to create. Every inch of the 27-tsubo (approximately 89-square-meter) space reflects Japanese artisanship at its finest—filled with exquisite gold leaf fusuma (sliding doors), painstakingly reproduced ceiling murals from Kyoto’s historic Nijo Castle, and a lustrous lacquer floor crafted by the same expert team who renovated Kinkaku-ji (the Golden Pavilion).

Azuchi–Momoyama Grandeur

Ginza Ittoku resurrects the luxurious spirit of the Azuchi–Momoyama period (late 16th century). The walls shimmer with gold foil restored by national treasure restorers; the regal ambiance evokes the feeling of being inside an exclusive art gallery.

The salon’s lead designer, Noriaki Mukasa (向笠 謹明), is an award-winning figure in the realm of Japanese spatial design, further ensuring that every detail resonates with authenticity and splendor.

Magnificent Rooms: The “Tenjoubito no Ma” and the “Houou no Ma”

Tenjoubito no Ma (殿上人の間): Decorated with reproductions of important cultural property, such as the “Bamboo Grove with Tigers” and “Pine & Hawk” motifs from Nijo Castle, this room features a dramatic fold-up coffered ceiling and a floor made of genuine black lacquer—perfectly reflecting the spectacular fusuma paintings above.

Houou no Ma (鳳凰の間): Dominated by the commanding presence of the “Kiri-Take-Houou-zu” (Paulownia, Bamboo, and Phoenix) fusuma paintings, this room houses an imposing suit of samurai armor crafted by masters from Kagoshima and a rare, custom-made imperial throne by Morishige (furniture purveyor to the Japanese Imperial Household).

Entrance, Nio Guardians, and Edo Kiriko

Upon arrival, guests are greeted by towering Nio statues, carved from 400-year-old Kiso cypress. These guardian figures, believed to ward off evil spirits and negative energy, are a testament to the salon’s dedication to spiritual as well as aesthetic authenticity.

Inside, the ceiling glistens with radiant Edo Kiriko glass, meticulously hand-cut and polished to create dazzling geometric patterns—yet another symbol of Japan’s enduring artisanal legacy.

Imperial-Grade Furniture

Throughout the salon, every piece of furniture—chairs, sofas, tables—comes from Morishige, the royal purveyor for the Japanese Imperial Household. The plush, durable upholstery, the subtle sheen of lacquer finishes, and the refined silhouettes all combine to offer the epitome of comfort and sophistication.

The Food and Drinks at Ginza Ittoku

Celebrating Japanese Culinary Heritage

Ginza Ittoku’s devotion to protecting and promoting Japanese culture extends to its dining philosophy. From locally sourced, completely additive-free dishes to the careful selection of organic produce, the menu is designed to delight the palate while showcasing the best of Japan’s culinary tradition.

Signature “Otooshi” Selections

Beef & Chicken Steaks: Using only antibiotic-free, stress-free livestock, these grilled delicacies are prepared with carefully chosen natural seasonings.
Fresh Vegetable Sticks: Served with three types of dips—no trans fats, no genetic modifications, and no artificial additives. Each dip is crafted from time-honored recipes, including miso produced by traditional methods unchanged for a century.

Exquisite Beverage Collection

Ginza Ittoku boasts an impressive array of all-Japanese liquors—ranging from rare sake (specially curated for the salon) to premium whiskies, gins, vodkas, and brandies. Wine and sparkling wine from grapes grown in Japan’s four-season climate also feature prominently, introducing guests to the depth of Japanese terroir.

For non-drinkers, there is the Royal Blue Tea, a non-alcoholic luxury tea bottled like fine wine. Brewed with handpicked tea leaves via a special, non-heated extraction process, it represents yet another pinnacle of Japanese taste and innovation.

How Can You Visit Ginza Ittoku?

Exclusive Membership and Invitation

True to its concept of offering a refined sanctuary to the world’s elite, Ginza Ittoku maintains a strict members-only system. Entry is authorized through facial recognition, ensuring utmost privacy and security. Its address and phone number are not publicly disclosed, and aspiring visitors may only enter by accompaniment from a current member.

The Allure of the Undisclosed Location

This cloak of confidentiality has only added to Ginza Ittoku’s appeal among those seeking an extraordinary, truly exclusive experience. Whether you are an aficionado of Japanese art or simply intrigued by an unmatched sense of luxury, visiting Ginza Ittoku promises a once-in-a-lifetime immersion in tradition and craftsmanship rarely seen in modern Japan.

Getting Membership & Making Reservations

How to Apply for Membership

Ginza Ittoku operates on a strict membership policy, and all prospective guests (not just a single representative) must undergo an identity verification process before they can visit.

  1. Complete the Identity Verification Form
    You will be asked to provide personal information, including:
    • Name
    • Email Address
    • Phone Number
    • Company Name
    • Job Title
    • LinkedIn Profile URL
    • Upload of Passport Photo Page
    • Selfie Holding Your Open Passport (photo page visible)
  2. Await Membership Approval
    After you submit the required information, your application will be reviewed (this screening process may take a few days). Only those who pass this review can proceed to make a reservation at Ginza Ittoku.

<<Go to the Identity Verification Form>>

How to Make Reservations

Once you pass the membership screening, Ginza Ittoku will send you a reservation form via email. You can then select the date and time of your visit and complete payment.

Reservation Plans
Ginza Ittoku offers three primary plans:

  1. Plan A | GINZA ITTOKU (Up to 4 people)

    • Drink Menu: Unlimited whiskey and shochu
    • Food Menu: Light (additive-free) snacks + Souvenir (valued at approx. 3,000 yen)
    • Price: 330,000 yen
  2. Plan B | GINZA ITTOKU (Up to 7 people)

    • Drink Menu: Unlimited whiskey and shochu, plus Japanese champagne or wine
    • Food Menu: Light (additive-free) snacks + Souvenir (valued at approx. 3,000 yen)
    • Price: 550,000 yen
  3. Plan C | GINZA ITTOKU (Up to 12 people)

    • VIP Room Exclusive Use
    • Drink Menu: Unlimited whiskey, shochu, and sake, with Japanese champagne or wine included
    • Food Menu: Light (additive-free) snacks + Souvenir (valued at approx. 3,000 yen)
    • Price: 1,100,000 yen

*Additional Options: Optional add-ons are available upon request.

Available Timeslots

  • 17:00~
  • 19:00~
  • 21:00~

Reservation Lead Time

  • Standard: At least 1 week in advance.
  • With Optional Add-ons: 1 to 2 months in advance, depending on requirements.

Each reservation lasts for 90 minutes (one set). Once the date, time, and plan are confirmed, simply complete the payment to finalize your booking. Guests can then look forward to an exclusive, unforgettable experience at Ginza Ittoku.

<<Go to the Identity Verification Form>>

A Final Word

Ginza Ittoku stands as a testament to the seamless harmony of past and present—a masterpiece of architecture, art, and hospitality that preserves centuries of Japanese tradition in the heart of Tokyo’s most cosmopolitan district.

It is a place where the ancient guardians stand watch by the door, where gold leaf walls reflect the soft glow of Edo Kiriko chandeliers, and where the world’s dignitaries toast with the finest Japanese spirits.

For those fortunate enough to step inside, Ginza Ittoku is not just a salon, but a rare cultural gem—an ode to the splendor, heritage, and hospitality that define Japan’s most illustrious traditions.


I hope this article provided the information you were looking for! For more things to do in Ginza, be sure to check the following articles!

Written by

Born and raised in Costa Rica, I started living in Tokyo from college. I love traveling within Japan & around the world. Since I wasn’t born in Japan, I know the cultural impact that you can get when visiting Japan for the first time and what you might be worried about before your trip. And I’ve lived long enough to somewhat understand the nuances of the Japanese culture that make this country such an attractive place to visit. Hopefully I can provide to you both the information you’re looking for and the information you didn’t know you needed to know.