18 Best Things to Do in Ginza

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.

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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 Hamamatsucho (≈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

From shopping at luxury department stores to enjoying traditional culture like kabuki, Ginza is a district that continues to evolve every year with trendy fashion boutiques and modern malls.

All the recommended things to do are listed on the map below.

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

Kabukiza Theatre, located in Tokyo’s Ginza district, is Japan’s premier venue dedicated exclusively to Kabuki performances. Established in 1889, the theatre has undergone several reconstructions, with the latest reopening in 2013. The current structure blends traditional Japanese architectural elements, such as a tiled roof and undulating gables, with modern facilities. Inside, the theatre seats approximately 2,000 guests and features a hanamichi, a walkway extending into the audience for dynamic actor entrances. Visitors can also explore the rooftop garden and the Kobikicho Square shopping area.

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:

Shopping in Ginza

Ginza is Tokyo’s luxury shopping hub, combining historical charm with modern sophistication. It features flagship stores from brands like Cartier, Dior, and Bvlgari, along with prestigious Japanese department stores such as Mitsukoshi and Matsuya. The backstreets host boutique shops and traditional craft stores, while contemporary complexes like Ginza Six offer over 240 high-end shops and gourmet restaurants. This blend of luxury and tradition makes Ginza a prime destination for discerning shoppers.​

More info ▶ Ginza Shopping Guide: 15 Best Shops 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.

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!

▶ Ginza Shopping Guide

▶ 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

Dining in Ginza

Ginza’s dining scene is a blend of elegance, precision, and top-tier ingredients. Restaurants here emphasize seasonality, meticulous presentation, and a refined atmosphere, making every meal a curated experience.

People dine in Ginza for its Michelin-starred establishments, diverse cuisine, and high culinary standards. Whether seeking traditional Japanese or international fine dining, the district caters to discerning palates.

Notable spots include Tempura Kondo, where chef Fumito Kondo’s perfectly crisp tempura highlights fresh ingredients, and L’OSIER, a Michelin-starred French restaurant offering refined dishes with Japanese influences in a luxurious setting. Ginza is a must-visit for world-class dining.

For more details, check our dedicated Ginza Food Guide.

10. Eat Sushi

Ginza’s reputation as a premier destination for sushi is deeply rooted in its historical and geographical context. Its close proximity to the former Tsukiji Fish Market, which operated from 1935 until its relocation in 2018, provided local sushi restaurants with unparalleled access to fresh seafood. This adjacency allowed establishments in Ginza to source top-quality ingredients directly from the market, fostering a tradition of excellence in sushi preparation.

Over time, Ginza has become synonymous with high-end sushi dining, hosting several of the world’s most esteemed sushi restaurants. Renowned establishments such as Sukiyabashi Jiro and Kyubey have set global standards for sushi craftsmanship, attracting both connoisseurs and newcomers alike.

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 offers a diverse selection for ramen lovers. Popular chains such as Ippudo and Ichiran are prominent in the area, alongside highly-rated Shoyu and Shio ramen restaurants. Moreover, Ginza features unique and creative ramen options, ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

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

15. 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

16. Tsukiji Fish Market

The Tsukiji Fish Market, once the largest wholesale market in the world, was a popular tourist attraction in Tokyo. It consisted of two parts: the inner market, known for its vibrant wholesale area and the famous tuna auction that took place in the early morning, and the outer market, where numerous shops and restaurants were located.

In October 2018, the Tsukiji Fish Market was relocated to Toyosu, and the inner market no longer exists. However, the shops and restaurants in the outer market of Tsukiji continue to operate under the same conditions as before.

More info about Toyosu Market ▶ Toyosu Market: World’s Largest Fish Market

At the outer market, visitors can indulge in a variety of delicious experiences. Takeout sushi is popular and affordable, offering a chance to enjoy fresh, high-quality fish on the go. Don’t miss the freshly made tamagoyaki, a delightful Japanese omelet that’s a must-try snack. The lively street food scene captures the essence of Tokyo’s culinary culture, with vendors serving up savory yakitori skewers, flavorful takoyaki balls, and crispy onigiri. Guests can also sample unique local delicacies like grilled seafood and various pickled vegetables, creating a vibrant atmosphere that draws tourists and locals alike. The outer market is truly a feast for the senses!

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 Hongwanji Temple

Tsukiji Hongwanji is a Jodo Shinshu Buddhist temple in Tokyo’s Tsukiji district, renowned for its distinctive architecture. Unlike traditional Japanese temples, its design, completed in 1934 by architect Ito Chuta, draws inspiration from ancient Indian Buddhist structures, featuring elements such as a prominent dome and intricate carvings of various creatures.

The temple’s history dates back to 1617, originally established in Asakusa, but it was relocated to Tsukiji after being destroyed by fire in 1657. Today, Tsukiji Hongan-ji stands as a significant cultural landmark, reflecting a blend of architectural influences and historical resilience.​

More info ▶ Tsukiji Hongwanji Temple

18. Head to Yurakucho

Yurakucho offers a distinctive blend of old and new Tokyo. The area’s charm is epitomized by the Gado-shita district, where a series of izakayas and eateries are nestled under the brick arches of the elevated JR Yamanote Line tracks. This setting creates a nostalgic atmosphere reminiscent of post-war Japan, attracting both locals and visitors seeking an authentic dining experience. In contrast to the upscale ambiance of neighboring Ginza, Yurakucho provides a more relaxed and intimate environment, making it a favored spot for those looking to enjoy traditional Japanese hospitality in a unique urban setting.

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.

Where to Stay in Ginza

Is Ginza a Good Place to Stay?

Ginza is an excellent choice for accommodation in Tokyo, offering a blend of luxury and convenience. Its central location provides easy access to major attractions and transportation hubs, including proximity to Tokyo Station, facilitating straightforward travel to and from Narita and Haneda Airports. The district is renowned for its upscale shopping, fine dining, and vibrant nightlife, catering to a range of preferences. While known for high-end establishments, Ginza also offers a variety of affordable dining and shopping options, making it suitable for diverse budgets.

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 Chuo Dori and when is it pedestrianized?

Ginza Chuo Dori is the main thoroughfare in Ginza, famous for its luxurious storefronts and window displays. Every Saturday and Sunday the street is closed to vehicular traffic during the afternoon to create a pedestrian paradise—an ideal time for leisurely strolls and people watching.

Pedestrian-only hours:

• From April to September: 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
• From October to March: 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

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. But as with any city, it’s always wise to stay aware of your surroundings, especially at night.

How long should you spend in Ginza?

If your main goal is shopping and visiting Ginza’s most famous spots, you’ll need about a full day. For a food-focused trip like enjoying the outer Tsukiji Market, plan at least 1–2 hours. On the other hand, if you’re visiting for a specific activity like watching kabuki, half a day is usually enough thanks to the area’s convenient access via train and subway.

Ginza Sightseeing Summary

Ginza epitomizes Tokyo’s upscale elegance, renowned for its luxury shopping, gourmet dining, and rich cultural experiences. ​

Must-Experience Attractions for First-Time Visitors:

1. Kabukiza Theatre: Experience traditional Japanese performing arts at this iconic venue showcasing kabuki performances. ​

2. Ginza Wako Building: Visit this historic landmark known for its distinctive clock tower and high-end retail offerings. ​

3. Shopping on Ginza Chuo Dori: Stroll along this main shopping artery, lined with boutiques and department stores, which becomes a pedestrian paradise on weekend afternoons when closed to traffic. ​

Ginza’s central location, coupled with its blend of cultural attractions and culinary delights, makes it a highly suitable area for visitors seeking a refined and convenient stay in Tokyo.

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