18 Best Things to Do in Ginza
From Tsukiji Market to Ginza Shopping Street, What to Do in Ginza Tokyo
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Are you planning to visit Ginza soon? Ginza is Tokyo‘s most upscale and glamorous district, offering great experiences of shopping, culture, tradition and culinary. Let’s get to know the area with our comprehensive guide to Ginza, covering the best things to do in Ginza area, Tokyo!
*Please note that this article contains affiliate links.
-What is Ginza Famous For?
Ginza (銀座) is the most upmarket and sophisticated district of Tokyo, being home to many high-end department stores, luxury brand boutiques, art and craft shops, galleries and top-rated restaurants. It’s a perfect district for shopping and dining, centered with the Chuo Dori Shopping Street that turns a pedestrian paradise on weekends.
Visitors can also explore excellent culinary experiences in Ginza as numbers of top-notch restaurants gather in this neighbourhood, including Michelin-starred establishments and Tokyo’s finest Sushi restaurants. The world-famous Sukiyabashi Jiro, a sushi restaurant by the sushi legend Jiro Ono, is also situated in Ginza area.
Although Ginza is known for being a chic and swanky neighbourhood, you can also find unique points of interests related to culture and tradition such as Kabukiza Theater, Tsukiji Market and Yurakucho. Ginza is where old traditions and modernity coexist harmoniously together.
For an overview of what Ginza is, check out our All‑in‑One Guide to Ginza.
Where is Ginza and How to Get There?
Ginza is nestled in Tokyo’s Chūō Ward, right in the heart of Japan’s capital. Renowned as an upscale shopping and dining district, it’s perfectly positioned near major hubs such as Tokyo Station, making it incredibly accessible from both local neighborhoods and international gateways.
From Haneda Airport:
- Keikyu Line to Higashi-Ginza: Board a Keikyu Line train directly from Haneda. The ride takes about 20–25 minutes, and the fare is roughly ¥510. (Suica/PASMO cards are accepted for convenience.)
- Tokyo Monorail + JR Transfer: Alternatively, take the Tokyo Monorail from Haneda to Hamamatsuchō (≈25 minutes for about ¥690) and then transfer to a JR line or Tokyo Metro for a short ride to Ginza.
From Narita Airport:
- Narita Express (N’EX): Enjoy a direct journey from Narita Airport to Tokyo Station in around 53 minutes. The one-way fare for an ordinary (economy) seat is about ¥3,020.
- Keisei Skyliner: For a faster alternative, the Keisei Skyliner departs Narita to Nippori in just 36 minutes (fare ≈¥1,520). From Nippori, transfer to the JR Yamanote or Tokyo Metro Ginza Line to reach Ginza in another 15–20 minutes.
Within Tokyo:
Ginza is easily reached via the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line, Hibiya Line or Marunouchi Line, which directly connects it to key areas like Shibuya, Asakusa, Ikebukuro or Akihabara. Fares on the Metro typically go around ¥200 for short journeys.
The following is the list of unmissable things in Ginza.
Best Things to Do in Ginza
Iconic Landmarks & Attractions in Ginza
1. Ginza Wako
Ginza Wako is a long-established department store situated in the heart of the Ginza shopping street. It was established in 1881, and has a history of over 140 years with the current building built in 1932. The store offers a range of upscale products including watches, jewellery, interior goods, porcelain, tableware, confectionery and fashion items. Wako is under the Japanese clock maker SEIKO group, and the clock tower of the building is the most famous symbol of Ginza district.
2. Kabukiza
Kabuki is one of the most recognisable Japanese traditions. Kabukiza is a complex building to represent Kabuki to the world. It consists of Kabuki theatre, gallery, shops and restaurants.
More info ▶ KABUKIZA: Traditional Kabuki Theatre in Tokyo
3. Admire the Architecture
Ginza is home to numbers of cool and unique buildings designed by renowned architects such as Ginza Wako, Ginza Six, and Ginza Place. If you appreciate architecture and art, you will enjoy looking at those fascinating buildings and visiting some of art galleries in Ginza.
If you’re into architecture, check our related article:
Food & Shopping in Ginza
4. Shop at the Ginza High-Street
The Ginza’s high-street “Ginza Chuo Dori (銀座中央通り)” is lined up with numerous shops including department stores, high-end brand boutiques, restaurants, cafes and galleries. It’s Tokyo’s most luxury and sophisticated shopping district, and it’s also known for having the most pricey land price in Japan (over 30 million yen per 1 square meter). On weekends, the street is closed to vehicles and become a pedestrian only zone where people can safely walk and shop freely.
More info ▶ Ginza Shopping Guide: 15 Best Shops in Ginza
5. UNIQLO GINZA
UNIQLO is a popular Japanese fashion brand, known for producing high-quality, minimalistic and affordable clothes. While being a casual, fast-fashion retailer, UNIQLO is now one of the most famous and visited stores in this upmarket shopping district. UNIQLO’s biggest flagship store in the country “UNIQLO GINZA” is located in the Ginza Chuo Dori high street. The 12-story building offers a massive range of UNIQLO clothing items for women, men, children and babies.
More info ▶ 5 Must-Buy Items at UNIQLO GINZA
6. Ginza Six
Opened in 2017, GINZA SIX is a relatively new department store in Ginza, featuring a cool and edgy building. The store was built on the former location of Matsuzakaya, which opened in Ginza in 1924 as the first department store in Japan then closed in 2013 after nearly 90 years. The name Ginza Six is after the building address in Ginza 6-chome as well as the desire to provide an exceptional “six-star” shopping experience. GINZA SIX has over 200 stores inside including luxury fashion brands such as Fendi, Kenzo, Alexander McQueen, YSL and Vivienne Westwood. It also consists of restaurants, cafes, a banquet hall, a Noh theater, office space and a rooftop garden.
For more information about department stores in Ginza and Tokyo, please check following links!
▶ Best Department Stores in Tokyo
7. Luxury Brand Outlets
If you seek to shop luxury brand items in Tokyo, Ginza is a right place to be as it’s often described as the Champs-Élysées of East. The district is home to numbers of high-end brands’ outlets, including top fashion brands like Channel, Hermes, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Prada and Dior, and Jewellers like BVLGARI, Cartier, Tiffany & Co. and Tasaki.
▶ Best Luxury Brand Shops in Ginza
8. Ginza Itoya
Japanese stationery goods are highly regarded for its quality and design. The massive stationary store, Ginza Itoya located right off the high street of Ginza, offers a wide selection of stationery spread across 12 floors, including pens, pencils, papers, postcards, office supplies and art tools.
More info ▶ Ginza itoya : the Best Stationery Store in Tokyo
9. Don Quijote Ginza Store
While Ginza is mostly known for luxury brand stores and high-end department stores, you can actually find affordable products. One of the most popular stores in Japan among tourists, Don Quijote (ドン・キホーテ) or often called Donki has a branch in Ginza area, offering a wide variety of products including food, drinks, beauty products, souvenirs, clothes, home appliances, electronics products, toys, etc. Moreover, a lot of products sold at Don Quijote is discounted.
Learn more about shopping in Don Quijote ▶ Best Things to Buy at Don Quijote
10. Eat Sushi
Ginza and Tsukiji area is possibly the best area to eat Sushi in Tokyo. There are several world’s greatest Sushi restaurants within the districts such as Sukiyabashi Jiro and Kyubey. See the links below introducing the best Sushi restaurants in Ginza and Tsukiji area.
More info
▶ Best Sushi in Ginza: from Kyubey to Sukiyabashi Jiro
▶ Best Sushi in Tsukiji
11. Slurp a Bowl of Ramen
In addition to luxury Japanese food like sushi, Ginza has a wide range of options for Ramen lovers. Highly-rated Ramen restaurants are located in the center of the shopping town including Shoyu Ramen and Shio Ramen.
More info ▶ Best Ramen in Ginza
Experiences in Ginza
12. Art Aquarium Ginza
The Art Aquarium is a new type of aquarium that combines goldfish and art with light, sound and fragrance effects. Temporary exhibitions of Art Aquarium were held in several times in past during summer, and due to its popularity, the permanent facility first opened in Ninhonbashi, Tokyo in 2020, then relocated to the current location in Ginza. The Art Aquarium Museum features a large number of colourful goldfish in fish tanks in different shapes and sizes, featuring various themes of Japanese culture. Visitors can immerse into the space filled with illumination, music and incense. It is located on the eighth floor of Ginza Mitsukoshi.
▶ Book Tickets to Art Aquarium Ginza
13. Explore Ginza’s Art Scene at Museums and Galleries
Ginza is known as a hub for high-end brand shops and luxurious department stores in Tokyo, it’s also a great place to explore modern culture and art. Including Kabukiza and Art Aquarium mentioned above, some of Tokyo’s greatest museums and galleries are located in Ginza area. Some of renowned Japanese companies and international luxury brands such as Shiseido, Nissan, Hermes and Chanel have galleries and some of them are free to enter. Check out the link below to find the best museums and galleries in Ginza!
▶ Best Museums and Galleries in Ginza
14. Food Walking Tour
The best way to experience the fascinating food culture in Tsukiji area is to join a food tour led by a local expert guide! This Tokyo Fish Market Tour is one of the most popular food tours in Tokyo today, held in Tsukiji area daily. With a local guide, you can explore hidden parts of Tsukiji area, and try out authentic street food and delicious seafood!
More info ▶ Enjoy Local Food and Drink at Tsukiji Fish Market
Check the review ▶ Tsukiji Fish Market: Best Food Walking Tour in Tokyo
Nearby Spots from Ginza
11. Hamarikyu Garden
The real oasis in a concrete jungle. Hamarikyu Garden (浜離宮) was originally built as a feudal lord’s Tokyo residence and duck hunting grounds during the Edo Period and now visitors can enjoy it as a park with a great landscape.
More info ▶ Hamarikyu Garden: Scenic Japanese Garden near Tsukiji Fish Market
12. Tsukiji Fish Market
The world largest wholesale market, Tsukiji fish market is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Tokyo. The market consisted of two parts; the inner market, the vibrant wholesale area where the famous tuna auction was held in early morning, and the outer market where numbers of shops and restaurants gather.
The Tsukiji Fish Market was relocated to Toyosu on October 2018, and the inner market does not exist any longer. However shops and restaurants at the outer market of Tsukiji remain their business with the same conditions as before. (more info about Toyosu Market ▶ Toyosu Market: World’s Largest Fish Market)
Although the inner market of Tsukiji has been relocated, the outer market remains its existence as before. A lot of shops, restaurants and street food vendors can still be enjoyed at the outer market of Tsukiji, and it’s one of the best places to explore the food culture in Tokyo today.
More info ▶ Perfect Guide to Tsukiji Fish Market
If you’d like to see the tuna auction at the Toyosu Market, there’s a tour that will take you to both the tuna auction and the fish market. Check out more details in the link below.
<<Book now!: Amazing Toyosu Tuna Auction & Fish Market Tour + Tsukiji Outer Market>>
17. Tsukiji Honganji Temple
Only few steps away from Tsukiji Market, Tsukiji Honganji Temple is a Jodo Shinshu Buddhism temple with beautiful ancient Indian motif.
More info ▶ Tsukiji Honganji Temple
18. Head to Yurakucho
Next to Ginza high-street, Yurakucho offers plenty of options for shopping and dining with much more local atmosphere. Also it’s hugely popular as an Izakaya district and many small pubs and restaurants are situated under the train track.
More info ▶ Best Things to Do in Yurakucho
How Does Ginza Compare to Other Upscale Areas in Tokyo?
Besides Ginza, Tokyo has several other upscale shopping districts that can be compared in terms of luxury, design, and exclusive retail experiences. For example:
Ginza vs. Omotesando
Omotesando is often referred to as Tokyo’s Champs-Élysées, this tree-lined avenue is renowned for its high-end boutiques and flagship stores of international luxury brands like Louis Vuitton, Dior, and Prada. Its modern architecture and chic atmosphere make it a sophisticated alternative to Ginza.
| Category | Ginza | Omotesandō |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Ambiance | A glamorous and refined district where luxury and tradition meet modern elegance. | A chic, artistic haven with a relaxed yet sophisticated vibe, reflecting international flair blended with Japanese subtlety. |
| Cultural & Historical Significance | Steeped in history—once home to an Edo-period silver mint—Ginza boasts iconic landmarks like the Kabukiza Theatre and venerable department stores. | Originally designed as the grand approach to the Meiji Shrine, Omotesandō fuses traditional heritage with cutting-edge, modern design. |
| Dining & Entertainment | Renowned for gourmet dining, from Michelin-starred sushi restaurants to elegant depachika food halls and refined cafes. | Offers stylish eateries and trendy cafés, with many venues housed in architecturally striking spaces that often double as cultural or art venues. |
| Retail & Lifestyle | Luxury is key—flagship stores and historic department stores create an atmosphere of opulence, yet shopping is intertwined with cultural experiences. | Presents a carefully curated mix of designer boutiques, concept stores, and art-infused retail spaces where style is part of the lifestyle. |
| Architecture & Urban Design | A mix of restored historical buildings and sleek modern facades, with wide, pedestrian-friendly streets (especially on weekends). | A tree-lined, European-inspired avenue celebrated for its avant-garde architecture and creative design that invites leisurely exploration. |
| Accessibility & Location | Centrally located in Chūō Ward, near Tokyo Station, and seamlessly connected by multiple subway lines and JR networks. | Situated between Shibuya and Minato, easily accessed via Omotesandō Station, and within walking distance of vibrant cultural hubs like Harajuku. |
Ginza vs. Marunouchi
Located around Tokyo Station, Marunouchi is known for its elegant department stores and refined shopping options. With a mix of prestigious retail outlets and upscale dining, it offers a polished, business-friendly ambiance that appeals to luxury shoppers.
| Category | Ginza | Marunouchi |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Ambiance | Timeless luxury and refined elegance that melds Edo history with modern sophistication. | A polished, business-meets-culture district characterized by historical significance and sleek modern redevelopment. |
| Cultural & Historical Significance | Home to landmarks like Kabukiza Theatre and storied department stores, it offers a window into both traditional and modern Japan. | Nestled around Tokyo Station, it embodies Japan’s rapid modernization and offers historical architecture alongside art galleries. |
| Dining & Entertainment | Gourmet dining options—from Michelin-starred sushi to upscale depachika food halls—are mixed with refined cafés and art spaces. | Offers refined dining in an atmosphere ideal for business meetings and leisurely breaks, with a number of quiet, high-end eateries. |
| Retail & Lifestyle | Synonymous with luxury lifestyle through flagship stores and cultural institutions, it’s a magnet for discerning visitors. | Combines premium business hotels, high-end office spaces, and exclusive retail experiences that attract both business and leisure travelers. |
| Architecture & Urban Design | Features a blend of restored historic buildings and sleek modern facades, with wide, pedestrian-friendly streets enhancing its refined atmosphere | Showcases people-centric design with tall buildings, tree-lined wide pavements, and public benches—rare in Tokyo. The Gyoko-dori promenade in front of Tokyo Station enhance its welcoming ambiance. |
| Accessibility & Location | Centrally located in Chūō Ward near Tokyo Station, with excellent metro and JR connections making it easy to explore Tokyo. | Positioned around Tokyo Station—the hub of Japan’s transportation network—ensuring seamless travel throughout Tokyo and beyond. |
Where to Stay in Ginza
Is Ginza a Good Place to Stay?
| Category | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Location & Accessibility | • Centrally located in Chūō with excellent subway and JR connections • Easy access to Tokyo Station and major attractions |
• Can be busy and congested, especially during peak tourist periods • May feel overwhelming due to constant commercial activity |
| Luxury & Service | • Upscale ambiance with high-end facilities and refined service • Signature luxury experience that appeals to discerning travelers |
• Premium pricing for accommodation and dining • May feel overly formal for those seeking a more casual, local vibe |
| Dining & Entertainment | • Surrounded by gourmet restaurants, depachika food halls, and cultural landmarks like Kabukiza Theatre • Diverse, world-class dining options available |
• Dining and entertainment tend to be on the expensive side • Limited options for budget-friendly or offbeat local experiences |
| Shopping & Cultural Offerings | • Proximity to flagship luxury stores, art galleries, and upscale shopping streets • Blends modern luxury with historical charm |
• Heavily commercial environment that may not showcase the “local” side of Tokyo • Not ideal for travelers seeking more traditional neighborhood charm |
| Overall Experience | • Provides a polished, cosmopolitan stay with a mix of tradition and modernity • Attracts visitors looking for a refined lifestyle experience |
• The upscale environment may not suit budget travelers or those preferring alternative, less consumer-focused experiences |
Hotels in Ginza or Nearby Areas:
Check our dedicated guide if you’re looking for a budget-friendly option to stay in Ginza!
Tokyo Station is also reasonably close to the Ginza area, so its surroundings are also convenient for staying:
FAQs About Ginza
When is the best time to visit?
While Ginza is vibrant year-round, weekends offer a unique experience as its main thoroughfare becomes a pedestrian zone. For a quieter visit, consider going on a weekday.
Is Ginza expensive?
Yes, Ginza is synonymous with luxury and refined tastes. However, many stores offer tax-free shopping for eligible foreign visitors, and there’s a range of dining options to suit various budgets.
What is Ginza Dori and when is it pedestrianized?
Ginza Dori is the main thoroughfare in Ginza, famous for its luxurious storefronts and window displays. Every Saturday and Sunday, from noon until about 5:00 p.m., the street is closed to vehicular traffic to create a pedestrian paradise—an ideal time for leisurely strolls and people watching.
How does tax-free shopping work in Ginza?
Many of Ginza’s upscale department stores and boutiques offer tax-free shopping for eligible foreign visitors. Simply present your passport at the designated tax-free counter when you make a purchase above the required amount. Some stores also provide English-speaking assistance.
Are there guided tours or cultural experiences available in Ginza?
Yes. Besides high-end shopping, Ginza offers guided cultural tours—such as visits to Kabukiza Theatre, art gallery tours, or architectural walks—that help visitors explore its unique blend of tradition and modernity.
What traditional or local specialties should I try in Ginza?
Ginza is known not only for luxury shopping but also for its gourmet dining and local delicacies. Don’t miss trying exquisite sushi at renowned establishments, sampling artisanal sweets, or exploring the gourmet depachika (basement food halls) in historic department stores.
Is Ginza accessible for non–Japanese speakers and people with disabilities?
Ginza is well equipped for foreign visitors, with many shops and restaurants offering English menus and multilingual staff. Major transportation hubs in the area also provide accessibility features such as elevators and ramps, ensuring that visitors with disabilities can navigate the district with ease.
How safe is Ginza for visitors, especially at night?
Ginza is considered one of Tokyo’s safest and most upscale districts. It remains well-lit and patrolled by security, even at night, making it a comfortable area to explore after dark.
If you are wondering what to do in Tokyo, check this article below!
▶︎Best Things to Do in Tokyo
Looking for other interesting areas in Tokyo?
For more info about what to do in Ginza and Tsukiji area, please check out these articles, too!
Written by
"The world is my oyster" I'm a globetrotter and hammock lover who loves taking adventures to fuel wanderlust. Born and raised in Japan, and spend over a decade living and exploring countries across the world. Based on my travel experience, I'd love to share my knowledge and tips for travelling with my readers. I hope my stories help you plan your trip and have a great time in Japan!
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