Home to trailblazing restaurants, designer boutiques and high-end bars, Ginza is one of Tokyo’s most elegant districts. Its name derives from the silver-coin mint that was established in the area in the early seventeenth century. Following a destructive fire in 1872, the district was reconstructed with Western-style brick buildings, becoming a hub for refined culture and exquisite luxury goods.
Ginza retains that rarified air even today. This itinerary invites you to experience the diverse facets of the neighborhood—beginning with dinner at a prestigious restaurant, followed by a shopping stroll and a trip down alleyways frequented by local office workers, and on to after-dark cafés and classy cocktail bars.
Choose from an array of fine restaurants for dinner
Ginza is where top-tier restaurants gather. Whether you’re in the mood for refined Japanese cuisine like sushi, tempura, or soba, or prefer to dine on Chinese, Italian, or French fare, the sheer variety of choices available can induce decision fatigue. Consider making reservations in advance to avoid disappointment.
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Go shopping at GINZA SIX
The GINZA SIX shopping complex houses numerous boutiques and restaurants. Its central atrium features regularly rotating art installations, and there’s also a well-equipped tourist information center.
When you need a break from shopping, head up to the GINZA SIX Garden on the rooftop. The rooftop garden’s seasonal events program sometimes includes art installations.
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Keep the night going at Ginza Corridor Street
If you’re looking to grab an after-dinner drink, head to Corridor Street, an alley under what used to be an elevated expressway, where you’ll find numerous eateries clustered along a roughly 500-meter stretch. Known for its many casual spots, this dining district is popular among local office workers. Feel free to pop into any place that catches your eye.
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Catch your breath at a café
Considered the ideal district for a leisurely stroll, Ginza offers plenty to see and do long past nightfall. Many cafés and coffee shops in the area stay open until around 23:00, inviting you to drop by after dinner or a walk around town. Spend a relaxing moment over a drink or snacks before deciding on your final stop for the night.
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Close out the night with a superb cocktail
The streets of Ginza brim with a wide variety of bars. Whether you prefer an establishment run by a bartender with international cocktail accolades under his belt or a drinking den once frequented by some of Japan’s greatest authors, the district has all that and much more. Savoring a meticulously crafted cocktail or some fine whisky at a special bar makes for a quintessentially Tokyo experience—and the perfect end to a night out in Ginza.
