Ginza shopping district, Tokyo
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Ginza - by Wpcpey (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Description
Ginza is an upscale shopping area in the centre of Tokyo known for its department stores (e.g. Ginza Six and Tokyu Plaza Ginga), art galleries, and elegant restaurants. Because the area was situated within downtown Edo, there are still a few period buildings such as Waco that sports its own clock tower and Kabuki-za (the theatre for the traditional Japanese kabuki performances).
Access & Transport
The neighbourhood is to the southeast of the Imperial Palace and directly south of Marunouchi and Tokyo Station. Ginza station (G, H, M) marks the centre but there are other metro stations at the edges: Ginza-itchome (Y), Higashi-ginza (A, H), Shimbashi (A, G) and Yarakucho (Y)
Instructions & Recommendations
The main thoroughfare is closed to vehicle traffic on weekends, which makes it a good time to explore
Environmental & Social
Urban and commercial environment with relatively high electricity consumption. Slightly negative from a social perspective because of the heavy focus on commercial activities driven by big brands, chains, and advertising.
Conclusion
Ginza is a paradise for shoppers who are happy with large chains and department stores rather than quaint and indie stores. It's glitzy and vibrant but lacks aesthetic appeal, in our opinion, and not very different from the key shopping neighbourhoods in Shinjuku or Shibuya.
Key positive
Impressive at night
Very central and easy to get to
Key negative
Crowded and plenty of traffic on weekdays
Not much to see outside of shops
Suitability
Suitable for all ages but limited interest for kids. No accessibility restrictions
About this Rating
TYPE
Onsite
RESEARCHED IN
August 2024
PROVIDER
Koreval
av. transport time:0h 20m
est. visit time:2h
Sunrise / early morningNo
MorningOk
Lunch timeOk
AfternoonOk
Sunset / eveningOk
Night – bef. midnightOk
Night – aft. midnightNo