Tokyo/Ginza
From MaxTravelz
The Ginza (銀座) district of Tokyo, literally "Silver Mint", is located in the Chuo ward. It is considered the fashion area of the city and contains many upscale shops and restaurants.
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Get in
Getting to Ginza is usually easy - in the heart of the area is Ginza station, connected to the Marunouchi (M16), Ginza (G09), and Hibiya (H08) subway lines. Alternatively you may walk to the area from the JR Shimbashi or Yurakucho stations, or Higashi-Ginza station on the Asakusa (A11) subway line.
See
- The heart of Ginza is the intersection of Chuo-dori and Harumi-dori, dominated by the glass cylinder of the San-ai Building. With its huge neon sign (currently rented out to Vodafone, it seems), it's been the image of Ginza on postcards and travel books for decades now. The other corners are occupied by Wako and Mitsukoshi, two of the most prestigious department stores (the former being a cut above), and the Nissan Gallery , which shows off new and classic automobiles.
- Sony Building , 5-3-1 Ginza, on Sukiyabashi Crossing. Eight stories of high-tech gadgets. It also houses a BMW showroom. If you want to actually buy stuff, head down to the basement.
- The side streets of Ginza are full of art galleries featuring paintings, photography, and graphic design.
- During Christmas, Ginza's streets are illuminated. 126 trees in Ginzanamiki street are decorated with 75 thousand light bulbs, and 76 trees in Hanatsubaki street are decorated 35 thousand light bulbs which are made in the shape of stars. The illuminations are turned on on November 15.
- The famous Tokyo Fish market is within walking distance from the centre of Ginza. Be there around 5 A.M.
Do
- Sundays on Chuo-dori are Pedestrians' Paradise (歩行者天国), with the street closed to motor traffic. You can catch street music (nothing too loud) and performance, hawkers selling magical puppets which dance without strings, and thousands of other people to bump into.
- Kabuki Theater (歌舞伎座 Kabukiza) 03-3541-3131 (on the corner of Showa-dori and Harumi-dori, or exit the Higashi-Ginza station of the Asakusa and Hibiya subway lines) The best way to see traditional Japanese theater is to come to Kabuki-za for a single act, or hitomaku-mi, which lasts between one and two hours. This costs around ¥1000, depending on the length, and seating is on the fourth floor. An English audio guide describes the play while you watch, it is worthwhile at ¥400. You can also see the complete kabuki play, but this is a lengthy affair, and ticket prices can range from ¥3500 to ¥20,000. If it's around mealtime, pick up a bento at one of the local shops and take it in.
- Movie theaters are plentiful in the Ginza-Yurakucho area, and as many of them are quite old, they're spacious as well. One curiosity is Ginza Cine Pathos, a cluster of small theaters built in a tunnel under Harumi-dori. The movies are run-of-the-mill Hollywood and Japanese, but it's worth a look just to see the tiny bars and eateries crammed in to the space.
Buy
Ginza is the home of Tokyo's oldest and most prestigious department stores; the most exclusive is probably Wako. And of course Louis Vuitton, Dior, Chanel and Prada have stores as well.
- There are many famous brand shops in Namiki street, such as Gucci or Coach and so on. If you do not have much money, you can enjoy just looking around the street.
- Yurakucho has branches of two large discount electronics stores, Bic Camera and Sofmap. The former, right next to the Yamanote tracks, is housed in what was until 2001 the famous Sogo department store, which in 1958 spawned a popular hit song, "Yurakucho de Aimasho" ("Let's Meet at Yurakucho"). The big red building housing the latter used to be a theater for the renowned all-female Takarazuka Revue.
- Hakuhinkan Toy Park (博品館) , Ginza 8-8-11, (South end of Ginza-dori by the elevated highway), 03-3571-8008. One of the oldest and largest toy stores in Japan (it first opened in 1899), this is the place to go for all the latest cute and strange toys.
- Apple Store Ginza , corner of Chuo-dori and Matsuya-dori. The ultimate in high-tech hipness, where de rigueur means an iPod, not a black tie. Housed in a giant pearly-white cube, of course.
- Tenshodo (天賞堂) , Ginza 4-3-9, on Harumi-dori. Jeweler and maker of luxury watches. The upper floors, however, are devoted to railroad models, many of which match the watches in intricacy and price.
Eat
- Ginza is famous for its bakeries and cafes. Especially Melon pan, a circular bun flavored with honeymelon, is very popular. Some people say, Ginza is the cradle of Melon pan. This story is uncertain but very interesting. Melon pan has been in favor for couple of years. Most melon pan’s surface is like cookies, and looks like watermelon’s skin. Hotel Okura and Hotel Seiyou’ bread is very famous recently. Some shops such as Ginza Kimuraya sell special Melon pan, they sell flavored bread, like coffee or orange. They are unique and also popular.
- Ginza Shiseido Parlour , Shiseido Bldg 4-5F, Ginza 8-8-3, and several other nearby locations. Operated by the cosmetics giant Shiseido, the Parlour (founded 1902) is one of the swankiest places to dine. Lunch specials go for Y4,000, but the most famous item on the menu is the lobster and abalone curry for Y10,000.
Drink
Coffee
- Ginza Cafe Paulista , Nagasaki Center Bldg 1F, Ginza 8-9. One of the oldest cafes in Japan and a favorite of John Lennon and Yoko Ono, the Paulista opened in 1909 with beans imported directly from Santos, Brazil.
Sleep
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