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Aerial view of intersection in Ginza at night, Tokyo, Japan

Things to do in  Ginza

If money grew on trees

Although you can't see the silver that gave Ginza its name anymore, it's still Tokyo’s premier upmarket shopping destination. If designer brands are on your Tokyo shopping wishlist, don’t miss a trip to Ginza. However, even if you’re on a budget—or just don't want to buy monogrammed luggage or strings of pearls—there are still many things to do in Ginza. See how the one percent shop, admire the contrast of old buildings against contemporary designs, and immerse yourself in one of central Tokyo’s most glamorous districts.

Top 11 attractions in Ginza

Top activities in Ginza

All about Ginza

Local Currency
Japanese Yen (¥)
When to visit

The best time to visit Ginza are weekend afternoons, when the main street (Chuo Dori) is closed to vehicles. You can stroll confidently in the middle of the road and snap some great photos of the glitzy stores without worrying about cars or having to squeeze onto the footpath. While many people still come to Ginza at this time, there’s much more space to spread out.

Getting around

Ginza is best explored on foot. Even if you have a rental car in Japan, leave it behind when you visit Ginza as parking can be a problem. If you’re feeling active, you can walk from the nearby Tokyo Imperial Palace to Ginza. Otherwise, it’s easiest to reach on the Tokyo Metro underground rail. Ginza Station is on the Ginza Line and Higashi-Ginza Station (East Ginza) is on the Asakusa Line.

Traveler tips

If there’s anywhere in Tokyo worth dressing up for, it’s Ginza. While tidy casual clothing will generally grant you entry to most places in Tokyo (and Ginza is no exception), you may feel more comfortable in smart casual attire here. You’re under no obligation to buy anything when browsing the upmarket stores, but you may feel better in something other than a crumpled t-shirt pulled from the bottom of a backpack.

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People Also Ask
Q:What is Ginza famous for?
A:

Ginza is famous for being the most upmarket shopping destination in Tokyo, with many luxury and high-end department stores. It’s also known as the place to see a kabuki (traditional Japanese dance and drama) at Kabukiza Theatre. Historically, Ginza was known as the location of the Edo Shogunate’s silver mint from the early 17th century.

Q:Is Ginza worth visiting?
A:

Yes, Ginza is worth visiting and should be a top priority for travelers visiting Tokyo. You don’t need to be in the market for a designer handbag to enjoy exploring Ginza, as it’s an interesting place to just window shop. Arts enthusiasts can also see a traditional performance at the Kabukiza Theatre.

Q:Is Ginza better than Shinjuku?
A:

No, Ginza is not better than Shinjuku; they’re quite different neighborhoods, but both are worth visiting. Upmarket Ginza has more luxury stores and trendy restaurants and bars. Shinjuku is a major transport hub and its dining, shopping, and entertainment offerings cater to all budgets. Shinjuku also tends to be livelier in the evening than Ginza.

Q:What is the most popular street in Ginza?
A:

The main thoroughfare of Chuo Dori (which means “central avenue” in Japanese) is the most popular street in Ginza. Ginza is fairly grid-like in design so it’s easy enough to navigate, but following Chuo Dori north or south is an easy way to get your bearings in the neighborhood.

Q:How far is Ginza from Shibuya?
A:

Ginza is about 4.5 miles (7.5 kilometers) from Shibuya. Both are central Tokyo neighborhoods, but Ginza is in Chuo City near the Imperial Palace, while Shibuya is in western-central Tokyo. Trains on the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line provide a direct connection between Ginza and Shibuya, and take about 30 minutes.

Q:Are the streets in Ginza closed on the weekend?
A:

Yes, Ginza’s main thoroughfare, Chuo Dori, is closed to vehicles on the weekends. The avenue is pedestrianized from noon until early evening on Saturdays and Sundays, with slightly extended hours between April and September. Note, however, that other Ginza streets aren’t pedestrianized, so be aware of the traffic.