2. Ginza is a district of Chūō, Tokyo. It is known as an upscale area of
Tokyo with numerous department stores, boutiques, restaurants
and coffeehouses. Ginza is recognized as one of the most luxurious
shopping districts in the world. Many upscale fashion clothing
flagship stores are located here, being also recognized as having
the highest concentration of western shops in Tokyo.
3. Getting to Ginza
By train:
Connections from Narita Airport can be made by
taking the Keisei line to Ueno, then changing to
the Ginza line
Via Keisei's reserved Skyliner service
Time: 80 minutes Cost: ¥2,080 (26USD)
Via their limited express commuter service
Time: 100 minutes Cost: ¥1,160 (15USD)
JR's Narita Express to Tokyo Station and then to Marunouchi subway
Time: 80 minutes Cost: ¥2,900 (36USD)
By bus:
Airport Limousine Buses run from the airport to major hotels in Ginza
Time: 80-90 minutes Cost:¥3,000 (37USD)
5. Tsukiji Fish Market
The Tsukiji Fish market is the
largest Fish Market in Asia.
Although, by midafternoon,
there’s seldom left but scraps!
To get there in it’s prime, it’s
best to go as early as possible,
around seven or eight in the
morning!
6. Kabuki-za Theater
The Kabuki-Za theater is one of the only buildings built in
traditional style architecture with modern materials. It was
reconstructed after being burnt down in the eighteenth
century. Before it’s demolition in 2010, it was possible to catch
a Kabuki play for as little as 1000 Yen!
7. Sony Building
What’s a shopping district without technology?
The Sony building is a headquarters for the
technology giant, and holds demonstrations
every day. Entrance is free!
8. Apple Building
The first to be built
outside of the United
States, the Apple
Building, much like the
Sony Building, is one of
the trademarks of Ginza.
Eight floors tall, and
complete with theater,
the Apple Building is a
must-see for every
tourist.
9. Wako Building
This building was built in the 1930s, surviving the Tokyo bombing. The company
was initially a watch company, but parted ways from Hattori (Seiko) in the 1940s
and is now a high-end retail establishment where one can buy watches, jewelry,
women’s fashion, and foreign chocolate. The building also contains two
restaurants, a café, and a tea and chocolate salon, in addition to exhibition
space.
10. Chuo-Dori Street
Chuo-Dori Street is Ginza’s main strip, and it gets
extra busy on the weekends when it allows only
pedestrian traffic. Primarily a big draw due to
shopping, it also has a long-established anpan bakery,
a tempura restaurant, and a historic beer hall.
11. Sanai Building
The Sanai Building has long been hailed
as the trademark of Ginza. Located at
the intersection of Chuo-Dori and
Harumi-Dori, the store is nine floors
and sports many big-name foreign
designers.
12. Restaurants in Ginza
Kyube is a very famous and well-
established sushi restaurant, often
the choice for many Japanese
celebrities.
ISHINGO is famous for its
steamed meat buns. It was
established in 1899.
Tenichi is a renowned tempura restaurant that takes
advantage of the fresh seafood in ample supply.
