By now, everyone knows Tokyo is an expansive city full of places to go. Within each ward there are several bustling districts. Ginza is one such popular district in the heart of Chuo City.
Ginza boasts several luxury department stores, and is known for being a cosmopolitan shopper’s paradise.
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There’s truly something for everyone there, and the sophisticated atmosphere of the boutiques and malls can even be a bit overwhelming at times.
For visitors to Japan, it can be difficult to pick just a few things to do in the area – especially if you’re short on time. To narrow it down a tad, these are my 7 must-go places in Ginza.
Must-Go Places in Ginza
1. Traditional Japanese Breakfast at Tsumugi
Due east about 15 minutes of central Ginza, Tsumugi is a cafe just to the side of the Tsukiji Hongwanji Temple, which does a classic Japanese breakfast.
If you’ve never treated yourself to a classic Japanese breakfast – start here.
The meal came with all the normal trappings – salmon, miso soup, rice, and pickles – not to mention a delectable green tea from Mie and Fukuoka (and free refills – just pour hot water back onto the leaves!)
Not only that, they also boast an 18 small-dish breakfast consisting of rice porridge and side-dish style portions to eat with it.
While you can make a reservation by calling their phone number, we found it wasn’t necessary.
We just took a number from their ticket machine and waited until it was called. They still had stock of their 18-dish breakfast around 8:30-9:00am when we arrived.
And when you’re done, you can check out their gift shop, where you can purchase several things, like pickles with adorable animals carved out of carrots, or the same strainer and mugs they use to serve tea in.
If you’re interested in trying several traditional flavors, I’d definitely recommend checking this place out.
Tsumugi also regularly updates their menu with seasonal items like shaved ice and parfaits during the summer.
So even if the 18-dish spread is unavailable, their other offerings look divine.
Plus there’s the added bonus of being right next to the temple, which is also gorgeous.
2. Uniqlo Ginza
A cornerstone of any Japan visit, Uniqlo has been selling basics and closet staples for years. Uniqlo Ginza is a 12-story shopper’s paradise full of their signature affordable yet quality clothing.
They have English-speaking staff, and a tax-free counter on the 1st floor (though you can check out from several of the floors).
I think 80% of my wardrobe at any given time is Uniqlo just because of the simplicity of their clothing.
This is also especially helpful if you forgot a wardrobe essential at home – they have a wide variety of clothing here whether you need a new pair of socks, a button-up shirt, or a rain jacket.
At this location, they offer embroidery services for their clothing and sling bags, but be aware that at its busiest, turnaround can be up to 2 months or so.
The hack for this is that they offer pre-embroidered bags that you can choose from, as long as you don’t mind picking from their selection.
3. Art Aquarium
Located on the 9th floor of the luxurious Mitsukoshi mall, the Art Aquarium is a living art installation.
It’s a stunning spot for photo opportunities with its luminous features, and tickets can be purchased same-day.
This gorgeous installation is like walking into a fantasy land of fish… if you like fish.
Ingeniously arranged tubes and receptacles hold them while colorful lights dance off fish and humans alike.
Aside from just the lighting aspect, there is also a collection of traditional Japanese masks and a giant floral arrangement featuring the goldfish. It’s most certainly a unique experience.
Of course there is also a gift shop– a great spot to get a souvenir or gift for a loved one. Many different items from earrings to plushies, and even snacks are available.
They also have several art prints by different Japanese artists related to the theme of fish, and there was even a collab illustration with the music artist Yama when I went in August 2023.
4. Muji Flagship Store
This Muji boasts not only a large collection of simple yet elegant wares, but a cozy bistro called “Muji Diner” on the basement floor.
If you’re a connoisseur of clothing or stationery and housewares, Muji offers a great selection of unbranded items for sale. It even has its very own highly-rated hotel!
Similar to the draw of an Ikea, Muji has a distinct feeling of elegance and simplicity without any pretentiousness.
The flagship boasts many unique services that other Muji’s may not offer, like fresh produce, custom embroidery, and even bicycle repair!
Their Muji Diner lunch menu largely focuses on set meals featuring a combination of Western-style pasta and the like, as well as more conventional Japanese set meals.
Tea time is from 2:00 pm when you can get a dessert paired with tea or coffee. You can also purchase pre-made foods under the Muji brand – they really have everything here.
5. Shabu Shabu at Rabu
Ginza boasts several delicious shabu shabu restaurants across the area. One such delicious option is Rabu.
Located on the 10th floor of the Ginza Glasse building, it has a cozy, intimate atmosphere perfect for dinner with friends or a partner.
Since Rabu has tables rather than just a counter, you get a more down-to-earth experience, despite the skyscraper view from the window.
For an introvert like me, what’s even better is you can make an online reservation instead of calling.
I highly recommend doing so at least a day in advance since it can get busy quickly (just be sure to use a webpage translator if you don’t read Japanese).
And while it’s a bit expensive averaging around $48-100+ per person depending on the set, it’s well worth it.
Plus there are weekday deals and an all-you-can-eat kurobuta pork option for just $48/person at the time of posting.
6. Tsukiji Outer Market
Tsukiji hardly needs to be introduced – this famous fish market district boasts the freshest fish you can eat. And boy is it worth it.
Even if you miss the fish market itself, there is a bustling outer market of vendors selling everything from sashimi to huge senbei (rice crackers) with actual shrimp or octopus pressed inside.
The Tako Senbei stand – literally “Octopus Rice Cracker” – is one such vendor of ridiculously big, delicious, and nutritious senbei.
For the spectacle alone, it’s worth waiting in line! While you wait, you purchase a ticket from the nearby ticket vending machine which you’ll hand to the clerk at the front.
A shrimp senbei was ¥900 at the time of posting. The worker pours rice batter into the heated press, and lays a fresh shrimp or some octopus (whichever you chose), then presses it directly into the cracker.
This isn’t a snack for the faint of heart, but it is a once-in-a-lifetime experience to be sure.
7. Tir na nÓg Cafe & Bar
Descending into Tir na nÓg feels surreal, like you’re truly entering the realm of the fairies.
You enter an unassuming door surrounded by other nice bars and restaurants, and literally take the stairway down into fairy land.
Shelves are filled with bottled fairy dust. Knick knacks and mysterious items are strewn about in decoration. The door is guarded by a comically large mallet.
It’s dark, red, and moody. There are thousands of fae “flying” from the ceiling. This bar is a full-on experience. And the drinks are equally as whimsical.
The seating is comfortable and we lounged at a table that seated all 6 of us.
The darkness of the room added to the mood and made it feel even more like we were in our own little world.
I got the Heaven Lonely Flows, a rum cocktail covered in a large cloud of cotton candy and topped with maraschino cherries.
The cocktail had a tart yuzu flavor that balanced the sweetness of the candy nicely.
Click images to enlarge.
Be aware that it may fill up quickly, but if you go around 10 or 11pm, you’ll probably be fine. You can also make a reservation on their website.
While there is a ¥1000 cover charge, the atmosphere and whimsical drinks really make this cafe-turned-bar into a once in a lifetime experience.
Honorable Mention
Tokyu Hands
For those of you obsessed with art supplies and stationery, Tokyu Hands is literally heaven.
It’s four-floor department store filled with goodies. Their bread and butter is the stationery of course – with a wide range from pens and refills, to inks, notebooks and planners, stamps, and everything in between.
The other major draw however are the miscellaneous goods and gadgets you can only get in Japan – especially ones with anime collabs like Pokémon or Ghibli.
And much like the store, Loft, Tokyu Hands has tons of skincare and beauty products like exercise equipment, haircare, moisturizers, etc. It’s sort of a one-stop shop for trendy skincare and makeup.
If you’ve been agonizing over souvenirs to bring back, look no further than Tokyu Hands. I could browse there for hours.
Considerations
Ultimately, there are so many amazing places to find in Ginza, but I hope this list of 7 must-go places in Ginza helped narrow the field a bit.
If you’re more of an animal or cafe lover, for example, there are countless options for you like cat cafes or classic Japanese kissaten (cafes).
Alternatively, if you’re less of a shopper and more of an explorer, the temples, parks, and shrines in the area make for a great activity.
But ultimately, if you’re in the area there’s no doubt you’ll find something cool to do. And if you want to know what to bring in your day-bag, check out my Japan Essentials list and free PDF!