7 Must-Go Places in Ginza 2026

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. 

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. They are well known for classic Japanese fare and a stunning 18-dish Japanese breakfast. 

If you’ve never treated yourself to a classic Japanese breakfast, start here.

The standard breakfast meal came with all the normal trappings: salmon, miso soup, rice, and pickles, not to mention a delectable green tea blend from Mie and Fukuoka. It even technically had free refills– just pour the included hot water back onto the leaves!

If you’re feeling adventurous, Tsumugi also boasts an 18-dish breakfast that consists of rice porridge and 18 side dishes to eat with it.

While we didn’t make a reservation, you can call to save a spot, especially for the breakfast menu.

We instead took a number from their ticket machine and waited until it was called. Their 18-dish breakfast was still in stock around 9:00 am when we arrived, but your mileage may vary.

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 regularly updates its menu with seasonal items like shaved ice and parfaits during the summer. So even if the 18-dish spread is unavailable, their other offerings are divine.

Plus, it’s located right next to Hongwanji temple, which is also solemnly beautiful.

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. 

Although you can check out from several of the floors, they have English-speaking staff and a tax-free counter on the 1st floor.

I think 80% of my wardrobe at any given time is Uniqlo just because of the simplicity of their clothing. 

Uniqlo is 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 at their Custom Corner on floor 5, where you can get clothing and sling bags custom-embroidered. Just be aware that at its busiest, turnaround takes up to 2 months. 

However, as long as you don’t mind picking from their selection, they offer pre-embroidered bags that you can purchase instead of waiting.

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. They sell many different items, from earrings to plushies, and even themed snacks.

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, stationery, or 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, as well as 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 choose), 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, making 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 11 pm, 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 Mentions

Ancōra Stationery

Ancōra Stationery in Chuo city, Ginza, is a small but iconic storefront. For stationery and fountain pen lovers, it’s paradise.

You can create your own custom sailor pens, pick from a dizzying selection of inks made by Sailor’s Ink Studio, or browse their curated selection of goods.

Though it is compact, Ancōra has a clean, professional atmosphere, and the staff are incredibly helpful and knowledgeable about the products in-store.

Tokyu Hands

For those of you obsessed with art supplies and stationery, Tokyu Hands is literally heaven. 

It’s a four-floor department store absolutely filled with goodies. Their bread and butter is the stationery, of course. They sell a wide range of pens and refills, inks, notebooks, planners, stamps, and everything in between. 

The other major draw is Japan-only merch collabs, like Pokémon or Ghibli. 

Similar to the store, Loft, Tokyu Hands has tons of skincare and beauty products. Since it’s basically a one-stop shop, you can find exercise equipment, haircare, moisturizers, and more. Trendy skincare and makeup are another selling point of Tokyu Hands. 

If you’ve been agonizing over souvenirs to bring back, look no further; I could browse there for hours.

Considerations

Ultimately, there are tons of amazing places to enjoy in Ginza, but I hope my list of 7 must-go places in Ginza helped narrow the field for you.

If you’re more of an animal or cafe lover, for example, there are countless options, such as 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!