Shopping and dining are the main draws for the crowds to Ginza.
Famous Japanese department stores such as Mitsukoshi and Matsuya are part of what make Ginza so well known.
(See below for shopping recommendations!)
Ginza is equally famous for its dining, particularly at the high-end.
Not every restaurant in Ginza though will melt your credit card.
You mightve been to others around the world but Japans are on another level!
TIP: Weekends are the best time to visit Ginza.
RecipeTins Highlights
Top priority browse theDepartment store food hallsin the basement of the large department stores.
Theres nothing like them in the whole world!
Walk through and up one of thelarge department stores, goggle at the sheer scale and opulence!
Marvel at department store package wrapping Buy something (anything!)
just to watch the shop assistants expertly wrap them meticulously!
Even a $1 hair pin!
Have a beer and snacks in one of theIzakayasunder the Ginza rail lines
Splurge on onefine diningrestaurant!
Department stores
Japanese department stores are unlike any other in the world!
Large footprints, some across multiple buildings, and most spanning over 10 floors.
To borrow Manhattan analogies, think ofMitsukoshias like the Bergdorf Goodmans of Tokyo (ie.
the most prestigious and traditional).
Marui is more like Bloomingdales, while Matsuya and Wako fall somewhere in between.
Gift wrapping is an art in Japan!
Word of note about sizing:The Japanese are small and the vast majority are very slim!!
So clothing and shoe sizes are on the small side.
Its impossible to leave without buying something, trust us.
Theres also an organic lettuce garden on the roof level with a cafe that serves the leaves in salads.
Because, why not.
With 12 floors, this is Uniqlo HQ and has the widest selection of Uniqlo clothing in the world.
Best food in Ginza
You are spoilt for choice in Ginza.
Weve included a few recommendations that are in the adjacent areas of Shimbashi and Yurakucho.
He is remembered on the show for his amazingly inventive takes on traditional Japanese food and impressive technique.
There are also wine bars, beer halls and regular restaurants scattered throughout.
If you feel like a more standard introduction to unagi, there are simpler sets.
Servings are generous and come with a fair bit of rice, so youre sure to be full.
Of course, this is also an excellent place to pick up elegant food gifts to take home.
One thing to note is some shopkeepers do not like the food being photographed, so ask.
That might be because the meat in question is a serious business here.
Youll even be presented with a certificate of authenticity bearing an imprint of the cows nose like a fingerprint.
Like we said, serious stuff.
Ginza is only 5 minutes walk from there.
Then choose the restaurant for more information about that restaurant as well as highlighting the marker on the map.
Zoom in and outby clicking the + and on the bottom left.
Click a marker on the mapto reveal more information about the restaurant.
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