Affluent and exclusive Ginza is the high fashion centre of Tokyo. Upscale restaurants and shops fill the district, creating Ginza's reputation as one of the world's most luxurious shopping destinations. Ginza is located in Central Tokyo, just south of Tokyo Station.
Shopping is the primary reason to visit Ginza and there's a huge array of department stores, malls, boutique shops, and entertainment complexes. Many major fashion and cosmetic brands have their flagship, Japanese or Asian stores, in Ginza. Various car manufacturers and electronics companies also have showrooms here, while the smaller side streets contain many boutique art galleries.
Cafes and restaurants are easy to find and these mostly come at eye-watering prices. Yet hidden beneath the train tracks of Yurakucho Station is Yurakucho Gado-shita, one of Tokyo's most atmospheric dining districts. Built into the railway arches are dozens of local restaurants and wine bars, most of them seating just a handful of diners.
Ginza Station is located in the centre of the district. Yarakucho Station is a more accessible entry point as it's on the main JR Yamanote and JT Kiehin-Tohoku Line between Tokyo Station and Shinagawa. Most of the district is found inside, spilling across the multiple floors of the various malls. At weekends, Ginza's main thoroughfare is closed to traffic and filled with local street performers.
Ginza has made international news by having some of the world's most expensive real estate and cup of coffee. This shouldn't be surprising as the district is literally built upon money. Japan's coin mint was housed here in the 17th century and the name Ginza translates as silver mint.