Ginza is a gem of a Tokyo neighbourhood with many things to do and a rich mix of shopping, street-food and sightseeing.
But whilst everyone associates Ginza with malls and sleek skyscrapers, there are lots of gorgeous green spaces like Hamarikyu Garden and Hibiya Park to also enjoy.
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With several free sky decks, you can see much of Tokyo from Ginza plus there are some unique Ginza activities like the giant Ghibli clock and Tokyo’s oldest beer hall, Ginza Lion.
From tranquil temples to the Tsukiji Outer Market, these are the best things to do do in Ginza, Tokyo in 2024:
SKIP TO THE THINGS TO DO IN GINZA LIST >
Where to stay in Ginza
Mid-Range ($$)
remm plus Ginza
Highly rated modern and stylish 4 star hotel with massage chairs. Close to multiple subway stations. Check rates and availability for remm plus Ginza
Luxury ($$$)
The Gate Hotel Tokyo by Hulic
New upscale hotel located minutes away from the subway station with modern rooms and suites. Facilities include a restaurant/bar and fitness center: Check rates and availability for The Gate Hotel Tokyo by Hulic
Check out the best hotels in Ginza via Booking.com >
How to get to Ginza
The neighbourhood of Ginza has excellent transport links.
There are three subway stations in Ginza:
- Ginza station (Ginza Line, Marunouchi Line and Hibiya Line)
- Ginza-Itchome station (Yurakucho Line)
- Higashi Ginza station (Hibiya Line and Toei Asakusa Line)
Plus you can also reach Ginza by train at these stations:
- Yurakucho Station
- Tokyo Station
Things to do in Ginza, Tokyo
1. The World’s Biggest UNIQLO store
You’d expect Tokyo to have some great Uniqlo stores given Japan is the home of this popular fashion brand, but UNIQLO Ginza takes it to another level – 12 levels actually as this Ginza Uniqlo is the world’s biggest UNIQLO with 12 storeys (and incredible views).
From the moment you walk in, you can tell this is a incredible concept store for UNIQLO with immersive installations like a huge swinging jacket section, plus a whole floor dedicated to unique T-shirt designs.
There are also customisable clothes labs where you can create your very t-shirt of bag designs using various logos and individual pieces – very cool!
We also really loved the Uniqlo Ginza coffee shop on the top floor – the coffee was good (cheap) and the sitting area had incredible views looking out over Ginza’s cityscape.
Read more in our guide to the flagship Uniqlo in Ginza >
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2. Tsukiji Outer Market
A world away from the usual glitz and glamour associated with Ginza, the Tsukiji Outer Fish Market is a fascinating place to visit, with dozens of fresh fish and food stalls to explore.
Once a wholesale market (most of this ‘fishy’ business has now moved to another district), Tsukiji Outer Market is a combination of fresh fish and seafood stalls plus smaller stalls and alleyway eateries.
Whilst you can browse quite a few fresh fish stalls, for most tourists, this is about enjoying the freshest fish or street-food including delicious sashimi and sushi.
If you aren’t into fishy foods, Tsukiji Outer Market near Ginza is still worth a visit and you’ll find other food stalls too like a famous Tamagoyaki stall (layers of egg omelette on a stick).
Read more in our guide to Tsukiji Outer Market >
Try this – Tsukiji Fish Market Food and Culture Walking Tour >
3. Kabuki-za Theatre
Likely Tokyo’s most famous theatre, this venerable venue plays host to kabuki style Japanese theatre.
Kabuki is known for its incredible costumes and make-up and you can see a kabuki show most nights at Kabuki-za Theatre (but you generally have to book well in advance).
It is worth a walk on by even if you don’t have theater tickets as you’ll often see performers outside drumming up business for future shows plus the facade is so beautiful- we really think it is one of the most photogenic buildings in Tokyo.
The original Kabuki-za Theatre was built in 1889 but it has been rebuilt several times due to fires, bombings or earthquakes – the current Kabuki-za theatre may look old but only dates around 10 years.
Try this – Kabuki Talk in Ginza Tour >
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4. Ginza Designer Shopping
Japan’s version of New York’s Fifth Avenue or London’s Bond Street, Ginza is one of the best places for shopping in Tokyo and full of high end retail stores and luxury goods.
Known for brands such as Dior, Prada and Louis Vuitton, Ginza has attracted some of the world’s best known designers and high-end shops making it retail heaven.
The biggest and best malls to visit whilst in Ginza include the modern Tokyu Plaza Ginza (opened in 2016 with restaurants galore and an incredible rooftop garden) plus Ginza Six.
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5. Ginza Six department store and rooftop
One of the biggest shopping malls and department stores in Tokyo, if shopping is one of your favourite things to do in Ginza, make sure you shop ‘til you drop in Ginza Six.
With over 400 stores spread over several levels, Ginza Six is the largest mall in the area and pretty new, having opened in 2017.
Be sure to check out the incredible Tsutaya bookshop (more on this later), Eataly food court and the rooftop garden at sunset (free to visit with lots of seating). As well as shops galore, there is also a theatre in the basement.
We’ve visited Ginza Six multiple times and in the Christmas period, the rooftop becomes a winter wonderland with a small ice-skating rink, Christmas trees plus igloo style bubble domes to eat and drink in.
Try this – Shop Up A Storm in Ginza Tour >
6. Chuo Dori and Namiki Dori
The best place to see the bright lights of Ginza, Chou Dori and nearby Namiki Dori are the main shopping streets in the local area, lined with high-end stores and boutique shops such as Gucci, Chanel, Dior, Louis Vuitton and Cartier.
Two of Ginza’s most famous department stores can be found along Chuo Dori – Wako and Mitsukoshi.
Mitsukoshi is renowned for its chic kimonos whilst Wako Department Store has incredible window displays an is famous for its iconic clocktower.
If you can try to visit Ginza’s Chuo Dori street on a Sunday (or public holiday) as the street closes to traffic and it becomes of sea of shoppers and pop-up food stalls and street entertainment.
Try this – Private Ginza Architecture Walking Tour >
7. Ginza crossing / Ginza Yon-chome
One of the most iconic things to do in Ginza, the Ginza Crossing is like a small Shibuya.
Tens of thousands of local workers, visitors and travellers navigate the crossing every day and it is amazing to just watch the hustle and bustle behind it all. It is said that Ginza Yon-chome is one of the busiest pedestrian crossings in the world.
If you want to enjoy people watching and the crossing with people, the best place to enjoy the crossing with some caffeine is the chain coffee shop le Cafe Doutor, with an area looking out over the pedestrian crossing.
This is the main intersection of Harumi-dori and Chuo-dori, the busiest shopping streets in Ginza hence why it is so popular with pedestrians.
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8. Ginza Ghibli clock / Ni-Tele Really Big Clock
A little bit of steampunk and Studio Ghibli in Ginza, make sure to make ‘time’ to see this colossal and cool clock!
Created by Ghibli founder Hayao Miyazaki and built by Kunio Shachimaru, the Ginza Ghibli clock (AKA Ni-Tele Really Big Clock) has to be seen to be believed and is located at the Shiodome Media Tower.
Recently named as one of Tokyo’s best public art sculptures, the Ghibli clock and surrounding artwork is around 18 metres long and twelve metres high and comes to life several times a day in a three minute show that runs like ‘clockwork’ (sorry not sorry).
Said to be inspired by Howl’s Moving Castle, the clock springs into life four times a day on weekdays at noon, 3pm, 6pm and 8pm, and 10am on weekends.
Although a water feature acts as a natural barrier to the clock, the walkways allow you to get up pretty close to the Ni-Tele Really Big Clock. Unlike say the Ghibli Museum, the Ghibli Hayao Miyazaki clock is also free to visit.
Read more in our guide to the Ghibli clock >
Check out our guide to the best Studio Ghibli things to do in Tokyo >
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9. Hamarikyu Garden
For us, Hamarikyu Garden was a gorgeous green gem and one of our top things to do in Ginza – so peaceful and quiet with beautiful buildings, this was such a nice way to escape the hustle and bustle of Ginza and its busy roads.
Originally the site of the Tokugawa’s family home in the 17th century, Hamarikyu Garden became open to all after it was turned into a public park and garden in the 1940s (a small admission fee applies).
One of the unique features of the garden is the central moat and tidal pond (“shioiri-no-like) which receives water from Tokyo Bay – it is the only such tidal garden in Tokyo.
Wonderful to walk around with beautiful bridges and orchards that change every season, the highlight is the Hamarikyu Garden traditional teahouse where you can enjoy brews with views and partake in a typical Japanese tea ceremony.
Skip the line – book your Ginza Hamarikyu Garden ticket in advance here >
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10. Ginza Itoya – 100 year old stationary store
Celebrating its 120th anniversary in 2024, Itoya is a sublime stationery store that opened its doors in Tokyo in 1904.
With 12 storeys of stationery, G.Itoya is the main store and an iconic part of Ginza, whilst a slightly smaller seven storey K.Itoya can be found just across the road.
From rubbers to rulers, pencils to paper, Itoya’s has all your work and home study needs covered plus has rows and rows of supercute character goods and calligraphy supplies.
The first several levels of Itoya Stationery Ginza are given over to supplies and products whilst the upper levels include Cafe Stylo on the top floor (great views) and the Handshake Lounge and Farm on the 10th floor (an urban vegetable garden where the salad grown is used in the Cafe Stylo).
11. Ginza Lion Beer Hall
No less than Tokyo’s oldest beer hall and pub, a trip to Ginza Lion is like taking a step back in time.
A world away from the shiny skyscrapers and sleek shopping malls just metres away, the Ginza Lion Beer Hall is one of the most unique things to do in Ginza.
Built in the 1930s and now a listed building, Ginza’s gorgeous beer hall is very similar to the beer halls of Munich – it is almost like a little piece of Germany in Ginza.
All of the staff are very attentive and wear traditional uniforms – we also found Ginza’s beerhall a very popular place with the Japanese after work crowd / ‘salary men’ and women.
We visited the Ginza Beer Hall on several occasions and loved the atmosphere and sublime service and old world interiors – kanpai!
Read more in our guide to Ginza Lion Beer Hall >
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12. Yurakucho Sanchoku Inshokugai
Hidden away beneath a busy railway arch, Yurakucho Alley is full of cool little eateries, dive bars and iconic izakayas and is one of the best things to do in Ginza at night.
Lit by lanterns and like a scene from a movie, Yurakucho Sanchoku Inshokugai Alley is famed for its regional ingredients and fresh foods. Each restaurant in the alley has an indoor seating area plus lots of small box style tables and chairs outside.
Half the fun here is deciding where to eat plus the smells wafting along the alleyway are sublime.
Yurakucho Sanchoku Inshokugai Alley is located between JR Shinbashi station and Yurakucho Station.
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13. Yurakucho Yakitori Alley
An outdoor enclave of yummy yakitori restaurants and popular izakayas, this is one of the most popular evening dining spots in Ginza, frequented by students, workers and the occasional tourist.
Chock full of little eateries and huge great restaurants, the area is located under the railway line (although the sound of trains is often drowned out by all the noise of cheerful diners and lots of ‘cheers’).
As well as lanterns and neon-lights, look out for the huge sake barrels / bottles outside many restaurants.
As competition is so fierce, many restaurants and bars in Yakitori Alley have inexpensive set-menus or evening drinks and dining offers.
Try this – Tokyo Bar Hopping Night Tour in Shinjuku >
14. Hakuhinkan Toy Park Ginza
Tokyo’s largest toy store, Ginza’s Hakuhinkan toy park is a treasure trove of toys across 6 floors.
From cute character kawaii gifts to gachapons, Tomica and TOMY, Hakuhinkan Toy Park has something for children of all ages – including big kids like us.
We were blown away by the huge Scaletrix set you can pay to play with on level 4 (the Hakuhinkan Racing Park).
Each floor is themed so for instance, level 1 is dedicated to part goods whilst level 2 is full of plushies and soft toys.
On one of our visits to Hakuhinkan toy park, there was even someone in a cute panda costume welcoming shoppers in so you never know what you’ll encounter.
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15. MUJI Ginza Flagship Store / Muji Hotel
Muji Ginza is the world’s largest Muji store – this is MUJI…sorry…music to our ears! Better yet, there is a stylish Muji Hotel located on the upper levels.
This 11 floor Muji complex has the Muji diner in the basement plus a tasty Muji food store on the 1st floor (complete with a Muji coffee shop).
Across floors 2 to 5, you’ll find clothing and every day essentials / homeware, plus Muji Atelier on the 6th floor. The stylish hotel then takes up the remaining floors.
Check Ginza Muji Hotel rates with Booking.com >
16. Caretta Shiodome Sky View / Free Viewing Deck
For the best aerial views of Ginza (and also nearby Hamarikyu Garden), head up to the free observation deck / skyview on level 46 of the Caretta Shiodome.
As well as home to the sumptuous Skyview restaurant, there is a small indoor observation deck that offers vistas across Tokyo’s bay, where you can see as far as Odaiba and Rainbow Bridge, plus a unique view of Tsukiji market from up high.
In the basement of Caretta Shiodome, there is also a theatre and several small restaurants including a popular branch of cheap chain restaurant Marugame.
17. Ginza 300 bar
Japan’s very first standing bar where all drinks cost just 300 YEN (plus tax), the first branch of Ginza 300 opened in 1992 and has been packing them in ever since with several new additions to the chain.
Upon arrival, drinkers buy drinking tokens / tickets at 300 YEN each (plus tax) which is around £1.60 / $2USD. These can then be changed for any drinks or food on the menu. The minimum ticket purchase is three tokens at any one time and if you buy 10, you also get one free.
300 Yen food includes Persimmon and cheese pizza, assorted pickles or chicken ranch salad and cocktails range from mint julips to mojitos. This is incredibly good value and a great place in Ginza to hang out after a ‘hard’ day of sightseeing.
Ginza 300 also has a very Happy Hour between 5pm and 7pm each day where drinks are 2 for the price of 1.
At the time of writing (February 2024), there are three Ginza 300 Yen bars in operation, all open from 4:30pm until midnight on weekdays and Sundays (and until 2am on Saturdays).
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18. YAMAHA flagship Store
Music to our ears, the YAMAHA flagship store in Ginza is the largest musical store in Japan.
Opened in the 1950s and comprising 14 floors of flutes, pianos, sheet music and more, the Ginza Yamaha store is worth a browse even if you don’t want to purchase anything.
You’ll often see pop up performances or amateur musicians on the huge free to play Key Between People piano – you can even have a go at tinkling the ivories yourself as no prior booking is required.
For music lovers, enjoy a show at the Yamaha Ginza Studio in the basement or at the full size concert hall that takes up levels 7 to 9.
A musician’s Manna from heaven, the Ginza 14 storey Yahama music shop is open Wednesday to Monday from 11am to 6.30pm.
19. Tsukiji Hongwanji Temple
Open every day of the year and free to visit, the Tsukiji Hongwanji Temple is a Buddhist temple and teaching place dedicated to Jodo Shinshu.
It stands out compared to most other Tokyo temples as the architecture is based more on designs from other countries like India and has incredibly ornate stained glass windows plus a huge pipe organ.
Services are held regularly and you can also enjoy a traditional Japanese garden out the front – truly a blend of cultures and traditions from all over the world.
20. Art Aquarium museum
An immersive and sensory Tokyo experience, the Art Aquarium Museum GINZA is located on the 9th floor of the Ginza Mitsukoshi department store and brings to life constantly changing art installations in exotic aquariums with real life-goldfish.
Each goldfish tank has a different theme with sublime soundscapes to create an overall epic effect – relaxing and reflective, this is also a great rainy day thing to do in Ginza.
Book your Art Aquarium Museum GINZA ticket with Klook >
Check out our guide to the best immersive experiences in Tokyo >
21. Karaoke – a fun thing to do in Ginza at night
Time to let off a little steam after exploring Ginza – Ginza is the go-to place in Tokyo for karaoke 24 hours a day.
With dozens of private karaoke booths in huge high-rise karaoke ‘towers’, sing to your heart’s content in Ginza.
Many of the karaoke bars here in Ginza do special offers like cheaper daytime rates or all you can eat / all you can singer offers.
Private karaoke booths in Tokyo at night are charged on an hourly rate (prices vary depending on the time of day). English and Japanese songs are usually available as part of the karaoke song selection.
Popular karaoke bars in Ginza include Big Echo, Karaoke Bar VAL and Karaoke Pasela Ginza.
22. Afternoon tea at Higashiya
Time for a joyful Japanese afternoon tea at Higashiya, one of Ginza’s most famous tea houses and luxurious confectioners.
If you aren’t sure what to go for, the Higashiya afternoon tea prides itself on the tea sampling menu plus decadent desserts, various wagashi (Japanese sweets), light bites and Inari sushi.
Prices start from around 4,500 Yen for an afternoon tea, with more sumptuous menus costing a little more.
23. Sushi no Midori Ginza
Popular for its nigiri and sashimi, Sushi no Midori Ginza is an affordable place with high quality sushi as standard.
Such is its pedigree, you often need to book a set menu online to get a reservation or go to the branch early to get a ticket and await your seat.
The menus at Sushi no Midori Ginza have pictures so you can just point if you are unable to order in Japanese or use Google Translate – the chirashi bowls here are also particularly good.
24. Tsutaya Books Ginza
One of the most beautiful bookshops we’ve ever been to in Japan, Tsutaya Books Ginza is located in Ginza Six shopping mall on the sixth level and is billed as “The World’s Best Art Bookstore”.
As well as row upon row of specially curated book sections and incredible displays, Tsutaya bookshop Ginza has an event space plus a specially designed Starbucks coffee shop (which seemed to be very popular with students revising when we visited).
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25. Ginza Tokyu Plaza
One of Ginza’s newest malls which opened in 2017, Tokyu Plaza Ginza is a superb Tokyo shopping centre with over 120 stores to explore across 13 floors plus has some incredible food and dining options.
When we visited Tokyu Plaza Ginza, there were countless families queuing up outside modern diners waiting to enjoy their food with superb views of Ginza.
Levels 6 and 7 are also branded as the ‘Find Japan Market’ and is dedicated to Japanese culture, food and shopping items.
Head onto to the free Kiriko Rooftop garden on the top floor of Tokyu Plaza Ginza for superb views of Ginza – we’d rate this as the best place to view the to view the Ginza Yon-chome from up high.
26. Don Quijote Ginza
Although Ginza is better known for its designer shops and luxury goods, a fun thing to do is visit the Don Quijote Ginza Honkan, a famous Japanese discount store with over 600 branches in Japan.
Don Quijote stores are home to thousands of items generally at low prices, from sneakers to stationary, Hello Kitty to Kit Kats (plus more interesting ‘adult sections’). It is also a good place to get Japanese souvenirs or cheap clothing and shoes.
Find out more about Japanese Don Quijote stores >
27. Hibiya Park and the Tokyo Christmas Market
A nice way to escape the usual business of Ginza, Hibiya Park is a green gem of a garden and public space that often hosts events like the Tokyo Christmas Market, open air concerts and sporting events.
Hibiya Park highlights include a 500 year Gingko tree, the historic Shisei Kaikan building plus the Hibiya Open-Air Concert Hall. It is a nice spot for autumn leaves in Tokyo too.
In the winter months, Hibiya Park also plays host to the Tokyo Christmas Market, Japan’s largest Christmas event and market that includes loads of European style market stalls and Christmas food, plus a huge Christmas tree and illuminations.
We went to the Tokyo Christmas Market and it was pretty good fun (and incredibly busy and a bit pricey for food).
Check out our guide to the best Christmas markets and lights in Tokyo >
28. Tokyo by Night Japanese Food and Drinks Tour in Ginza
If you are a foodie then a Ginza food tour will be right up your street! You can book a 3 and a half hour small group guided tour that visits three eateries where you can sample traditional snacks such as yakitori and drinks such as sake.
The tour starts and ends in Ginza and includes a visit to Tsukishima Monja Street and Yurakucho Yokocho (Yakitori Alley).
Book your Tokyo by NightJapanese food tour here with Viator >
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29. Namiyoke Inari Shrine
Just a short walk from the Tsukiji Outer Market, this small Shinto shrine is nice way to escape the manic market and spend a few moments of solitude.
Called Namiyoke meaning ‘Protection from Waters’ in Japanese, the shrine was built in the 17th century on the water’s edge before the land reclamation project began.
Many traders at the market visit here and it has become a sign of prosperity and good fortune for Tsukiji Outer Market.
Look out for the torii gate at the entrance and the two lions guarding the shrine. Despite being incredibly heavy, these ‘roar-some’ lion heads are the focus of a regular festival at the shrine where the lion heads are paraded around the fish market and Tsukiji streets.
Our final thing to do in Ginza
30. Hooters Ginza
If you are looking for some cheap eats or daytime drinking in lively surroundings, the Hooters branch of Ginza might be for you!
If you weren’t already aware of this bright orange eatery, Hooters is a huge worldwide sports bar and American diner chain with several locations in Japan including Ginza in Tokyo, Nagoya and Osaka.
As well as its cheap beer and massive food menus and lunch specials, Hooters is perhaps best known for its chirpy waitresses and happy hour specials such as cheap chicken wings.
We went to Hooters Ginza for the lunchtime deal after needing a break from Japanese food.
The Hooters Ginza weekday menu had specials like fish lunch for 700 Yen, grilled chicken for 800 Yen or a Hooters Burger for 1,100 Yen. All can be combined with a soft drink or tea / coffee for an extra 150 Yen.
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