Ginza
The Ginza, a worldrenownedshopping district,is a mixture of cutting-edgetrends and tradition. The area boasts a plethora of department stores, top global designer brand shops and venerable Japanese shops on the main streets. In addition to shopping, this district is also home to theaters and more than 200 art galleries. After an enjoyable day of shopping in the Ginza, fine dining is available at first-class sushi shops, Japanese, and Michelin star restaurants to complete the memorable experience.
| (1)Marronnier Gate | (2)Chuo Street / Matsuzakaya | (3)Shimbashi Enbujo | (4)Tsukiji Outdoor Market |
Ginza Map
Tsukiji Outdoor Market
This shopping district is adjacent to Tsukiji Market,the largest and famous fishmarket in Japan, and home to over 400 shops that sell food and food-related goods. Here you will find a wide variety of fresh ingredients, kitchen utensils and ll kinds of goods related to food at reasonable prices. There are many food shops offering rice bowl dishes and sushi.Don't miss this opportunity for a satisfying day of eating and shopping.One of the popular specialties in Tsukiji is the fried eggs of Marutake, a store run by a TV personality' sbrother. "Kaisen-don," a dish of seafood on rice in a bowl that you can enjoy at Donburi Ichiba (bowl dish market), is also popular for it's reasonable price.
Shimbashi Enbujo (Kabuki Theater)
Various types of plays such as Shinpa and Shinkibeki (new comedies) as well as Kabuki are performed at Shinbashi Enbujo, which opened in 1925. If you are a newcomer to the world of Kabuki, the earphone guide service in English (or in Japanese) will enhance the experience. Earphones are available for rent at the desk in the lobby for a small deposit. The most famous Kabuki theater, the Kabuki Za in Ginza built in 1889, is now under renovation and will open again in spring 2013.
Streets and Shops
[Ginza Chuo Street]:This is the main street where famous department stores such as Mitsukoshi and Matsuya stand. Others are Wako Department Store, whose clock tower is famous, Matszakaya Department Store, hosting shops of the foreign brand FOREVER 21 and electronics mass retailer LAOX. H&M, and Abercrombie & Fitch, one of the world's largest Chanel boutiques, Tiffany with Tiffany Café, and dunhill Concept Shop are also situated along Chuo-dori Street.
[Nishi Ginza Street]:Familiarize yourself with the latest and greatest in technology in the Sony Building showroom.
[Ginza Marronnier Street]:Check out Primtemps Ginza Department Store and Marronnier Gate Department Store,which hosts a Tokyu Hands store.
Shopping
Ito-ya
Ito-ya is a stationary specialty shop full of all types of stationary including original goods and goods imported from overseas. You won't be disappointed and will find the all the latest in stationary supplies. A wide collection of cardsand folding fans made of washi (Japanese paper), tenugui (colorful facecloths), furoshiki (wrapping cloths), and other Japanese goods are for sale. Paper craft materials with unique designs, ribbons, and stamps are available at the annex, Papierium Ginza.
Tasaki Ginza Main Shop
Tasaki, originally called Tasaki Shinju (Pearl) and one of Japan's famous and venerable jewelry stores re-opened its flagship store in Ginza in April 2010 after a complete renovation. The building, designed with a Japanese sense of beauty, has become a new Ginza landmark. An abundant lineup of jewelry includes diamond, gemstone and a bridal collection as well as pearls and can be purchased on the first to fourth floors. The fifth floor is a reserved for special events. This is the place to feel the elegance of Ginza.
New Yurakucho Marion
Luminé, a fashion complex facility popular with young people, will open in late October on the location of the former Seibu Department Store, which closed in December, 2010. Hankyu Men's Tokyo, a department store for men's fashion, will also open in this location on October 15, succeeding the previous Yurakucho Hankyu Department Store, which had shared the location with Seibu.
Gourmet Guide
(map:a) Ginza Wakamatsu
This Japanese sweets shop is famous for being the first tea parlor that served the tradtional Japanese confectionary "anmitsu" (red bean paste and jelly). They use special ingredients such as a homemade red bean paste from Hokkaido, kanten gelatin made from seaweed collected in Izu, etc.
(map:b) Beer Hall Lion Ginza 7-chome Branch
Draft beer is delivered directly from the Sapporo Beer factory, quality controlled, and served under the best conditions by skilled staff. A variety of foods that go well with beer are available. The roast beef, slowly roasted with plenty of vegetables, is highly recommended.
(map:c) Tsukiji Kiyomura Sushi Zanmai Main Store
This authentic sushi restaurant is open 24 hours a day all year round. You can enjoy fresh seafood which is directly shipped from the fishing ports, as well as selected tuna from all over the world. All kinds of customers from two or three persons to small groups to families can enjoy a relaxed time.