Ginza Summer Guide 2025: Explore Tokyo's Luxury District in Summer
Ginza, Tokyo, where I was born and raised, shows a unique expression in summer.
It's true that from July to August, you might be confused by the humid heat and the number of tourists. However, thanks to the latest air conditioning equipment installed in all buildings, from department stores with over 100 years of history to the newest shopping centers, Ginza has become an urban oasis where you can comfortably spend the hot summer.
In this article, I'll introduce how to spend summer in Ginza as a local, and the enjoyable experiences I'd like foreign tourists to have.
If you want to enjoy Ginza's food in summer, I also recommend using the "Finest Sushi & Tempura Tour" or "Wagyu Tour" offered by MagicalTrip. This article also introduces the features of these tours. MagicalTrip offers various other tours in Tokyo, so please join them.
Table of Contents
・Basic Information for Enjoying Summer in Ginza
・5 Must-See Attractions in Ginza's Summer
・Recommended Shopping Spots in Summer Ginza
・Tips for Enjoying Summer in Ginza
・Recommended Tours to Fully Enjoy Ginza
・Frequently Asked Questions About Summer in Ginza
Basic Information for Enjoying Summer in Ginza
From my years of experience living in Tokyo, I'll share basic information to maximize your enjoyment of Ginza's charms.
Ginza is a high-end area located in the center of Tokyo, bustling with many tourists even in summer. Its sophisticated streetscape is filled with people enjoying shopping and gourmet experiences.
The summer season is from June to August, with average temperatures ranging from 25°C to 30°C, but on extremely hot days, it can exceed 35°C. However, don't worry. Most buildings in Ginza are equipped with the latest air conditioning systems, so you can comfortably forget about the outside heat.
What's great for foreign tourists is the extensive English language support services. Many stores have English-speaking staff, allowing you to enjoy Ginza's charms without feeling a language barrier. From luxury brand stores to traditional Japanese confectionery shops, you can receive polite explanations in English, ensuring a comfortable shopping and dining experience.
Summer in Ginza has a unique atmosphere where heat and bustle coexist. However, there are many moments where you can feel coolness within this. For example, it's fun to find cool-looking Japanese sweets in the food section of a long-established department store or search for summer trend items in the latest fashion building.
I recommend exploring Ginza early in the morning or after evening. During these times when there are fewer crowds and the temperature is relatively cool, you can leisurely enjoy Ginza's streetscape. Especially at dusk, Ginza shows an attractive expression different from daytime as the neon lights begin to shine.
5 Must-See Attractions in Ginza's Summer
Here, I'll introduce five summer attractions in Ginza that I've enjoyed for many years as a local. These spots are special places where you can experience not only as tourist attractions but also Japanese summer culture and Ginza's sophisticated atmosphere.
1. Ginza Mitsukoshi Rooftop Beer Garden
Source: Official website
The rooftop beer garden at Ginza Mitsukoshi is a summer tradition I look forward to every year. Here, you can forget the hustle and bustle of the city and spend a special time feeling the cool evening breeze.
The charm of this beer garden is, above all, its view. The panoramic view of Ginza's cityscape is breathtakingly beautiful. If you visit at dusk, you can relax from the day's fatigue while watching the gradually illuminating streets of Ginza.
The menu is also extensive. The BBQ-style dishes use fresh vegetables and high-quality meat, and the arousing smell of grilling right before your eyes stimulates your appetite. The drink menu is also rich, with a wide range of choices from draft beer to sake and cocktails.
However, as it's a popular spot, I recommend making a reservation. It gets particularly crowded on Friday nights and weekends, so it's good to make a reservation in advance. Reservations can be easily made through the official website.
Website: https://www.mistore.jp/store/nihombashi/event_calendar/grill.html
2. Kabukiza Summer Performance
When talking about summer in Ginza, we can't leave out the summer performances at Kabukiza. It's an event where you can experience the essence of Japanese culture, which I personally look forward to every year.
Kabukiza is a historical theater standing on a corner of Ginza with its unique architectural style. In summer, special summer performances are held, allowing you to fully enjoy the charm of traditional Japanese performing arts. Kabuki is a traditional Japanese performing art with over 400 years of history, and its gorgeous costumes, unique makeup, and stylized acting are truly eye-catching.
For foreigners, Kabuki might seem to have a high language barrier. However, there's no need to worry. Kabukiza provides tablet guides with English subtitles. Using this guide, you can understand not only the meaning of the lines but also detailed explanations of the background and highlights of Kabuki, so even first-timers can fully enjoy it.
The program for summer performances varies each year, but often, cool and refreshing plays suitable for summer are selected. For example, "Yoshitsune Senbon Zakura" with many waterside scenes, or "Tokaido Yotsuya Kaidan" featuring ghosts, are popular plays often performed in summer. Watching these plays, you can feel how Japanese people have spent their summers and what kind of stories they have enjoyed since ancient times.
After watching Kabuki, I recommend taking a break at a nearby cafe. There are many historic coffee shops in Ginza, and it's special to immerse yourself in the afterglow of the performance while drinking cold iced coffee there.
Website: https://www.kabukiweb.net/theatres/kabukiza/kabukiza-information/
3. Art Gallery Tour in Ginza
Source: Google Map
While Ginza has a strong image as a luxury shopping district, it's actually also an art district. I often enjoy touring Ginza's art galleries on holidays.
Various art galleries, large and small, are scattered throughout Ginza, where you can enjoy a wide range of genres from contemporary art to traditional crafts. In summer, many galleries hold special exhibitions and planned exhibitions, offering a chance to encounter works with different tastes than usual.
One absolute must-see during the summer art gallery tour is "Art Aquarium." This is a bit different from regular galleries, a unique exhibition where art and living creatures merge.
At Art Aquarium, you can enjoy the sight of thousands of goldfish swimming in beautifully lit and artistically designed tanks. The cool sound of water and fantastic light production provide a wonderful experience that makes you forget the heat of midsummer.
Website: https://artaquarium.jp/
4. Enjoying Summer-Limited Sweets at Long-Established Japanese Confectionery Shops in Ginza
When talking about summer in Ginza, summer-limited sweets from long-established Japanese confectionery shops are indispensable. I personally have the pleasure of visiting Ginza's Japanese confectionery shops every year in this season, seeking coolness.
There are many long-established Japanese confectionery shops in Ginza that have continued since the Edo period, each offering Japanese sweets that utilize techniques and seasonal sensibilities cultivated over many years. Summer-limited Japanese sweets, in particular, are cool in appearance and taste, perfect for the hot season.
The most popular is probably mizuyokan. Water yokan, which encloses red beans or matcha in transparent agar, is characterized by a melt-in-your-mouth texture and elegant sweetness. I especially recommend the water yokan from "Toraya," which has an exquisite balance between the flavor of red beans and the refreshing sensation of agar.
Kakigori (shaved ice) is also a staple Japanese summer sweet, often available not only in long-established shops but also in cafes.
On a hot summer day, the moment you taste these cool Japanese sweets, you'll surely fully feel the charm of Japanese summer.
5. Enjoying a Summer Stroll in the Pedestrian Paradise of Chuo Street
To fully enjoy the charm of Ginza in summer, I recommend taking a stroll in the pedestrian paradise of Chuo Street.
Every Saturday and Sunday from noon to evening, Chuo Street, the symbolic street of Ginza, becomes a pedestrian paradise. The main street, usually busy with cars, turns into a place of relaxation for people. During this time, the street is crowded with pedestrians, and the whole area is enveloped in an open atmosphere.
Especially in the early evening of summer, it's the perfect time for a stroll. As the daytime heat subsides and a cool breeze begins to blow, Ginza's streetscape beautifully shines in the soft evening sun. The sunset light reflecting off the glass surfaces of high-rise buildings creates a fantastical scene as if the entire city is dyed golden.
Also, Ginza's pedestrian paradise is popular as a photo spot. Taking pictures with iconic Ginza buildings like the "Wako" clock tower or in front of "Mitsukoshi" as a background will make for great memories.
Recommended Shopping Spots in Summer Ginza
When it comes to Ginza, many people first think of shopping. As a local, I too have been captivated by the charm of shopping in Ginza many times. Summer, in particular, is an excellent opportunity to search for the latest trend items and uniquely Japanese products in comfortable air-conditioned spaces.
Here, I'll introduce shopping spots in summer Ginza that I particularly recommend. These places are not just shopping locations but special spaces where you can experience Ginza's culture, history, and cutting-edge trends.
GINZA SIX
GINZA SIX, which opened in 2017, is a relatively new commercial facility, but it has quickly become an iconic presence in Ginza. I often use this place when looking for new fashion items or meeting friends.
In summer, GINZA SIX's unique charm is fully displayed. First, noteworthy are the pop-up shops that appear exclusively during the summer season. It's a chance to encounter products you don't usually see, from world-famous brands to brands by young Japanese designers.
The appeal of GINZA SIX is not limited to shopping. The rooftop garden on the 13th floor is a space that can be called an urban oasis. The vast plantings and the view overlooking Ginza's cityscape are spectacular. I recommend taking a break here between shopping. I often meet friends here to plan our shopping or show each other what we've bought.
What's great for foreign tourists is the comprehensive tax-free service. At the tax-free counter in the building, you can process tax exemptions for purchases from multiple stores at once, which is very convenient. Also, multilingual concierge services are available, so you can smoothly ask questions about shopping or consult about tourist information.
Website: https://ginza6.tokyo.e.abf.hp.transer.com/
Wako
When it comes to Ginza, isn't Wako's clock tower the first thing many people think of? For me too, Wako is an iconic presence in Ginza, a special place I've been familiar with since childhood.
Wako is a long-established store founded in 1881, and its history has been intertwined with Ginza's development. Especially during summer, when you visit Wako, you'll encounter a space where Japanese tradition and modern sophistication are beautifully fused.
The charm of Wako is not just its products. The building itself is like a work of art. Built in 1932, this building is loved by many as a landmark of Ginza. Especially at dusk in summer, the clock tower enveloped in soft light is a spectacular sight. I often relieve the fatigue of the day while gazing at this scenery on my way home from work.
On the first floor of Wako, luxury wristwatches and jewelry are displayed. There's a wide range of choices from world-famous brands to Wako's original pieces. Wako's original wristwatches, in particular, are masterpieces filled with Japanese craftsmanship and are popular as special gifts.
Website: https://www.wako.co.jp/
Ginza Loft
Source: Google Map
While it might be a bit different from Ginza's luxury image, Ginza Loft is a very unique and attractive shopping spot that I frequently visit. This is a place where various items that color daily life are gathered, and especially in summer, cool and practical goods are abundantly displayed.
The charm of Ginza Loft lies in its diversity. A wide range of products are available, including stationery, interior accessories, kitchen utensils, and beauty goods. Japanese unique stationery, in particular, is popular among foreign tourists.
In summer, many seasonal products are on display. For example, there are plenty of items to make Japan's humid summer comfortable, such as portable fans, cooling towels, and insect repellent goods. I personally look forward to checking out summer essentials here every year.
Also, Ginza Loft has many products that modernly arrange traditional Japanese summer features. For example, you can find modern designed wind chimes or stylish bags using yukata fabric, which allow you to feel the atmosphere of Japanese summer. These would make wonderful souvenirs for foreign tourists interested in Japanese culture.
The good thing about Ginza Loft is its casualness. Among the high-end brand stores lining Ginza, Loft is a place where you can enjoy shopping in a casual atmosphere. The prices are also relatively reasonable, so you can enjoy shopping casually.
Website: https://www.loft.co.jp/ginzaloft/
Tips for Enjoying Summer in Ginza
There are several tips to maximize your enjoyment of summer in Ginza. From my years of experience living in Ginza, I'd like to share some tips that I particularly recommend for foreign tourists.
First, choosing the right time is important. Ginza's summer is humid and hot, especially during the day. Therefore, I recommend exploring during cooler hours.
Specifically, the best times are from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM, or after 4:00 PM. During these times, you can comfortably enjoy Ginza's streetscape while avoiding the heat. Especially from the evening, neon lights begin to shine, and you can experience a charming atmosphere different from daytime.
Next, measures against Japanese summer heat are essential. Sunscreen and hats are necessities. The summer sun in Japan is intense, and you can get sunburned even in a short time.
Using a parasol is also effective. It's not uncommon for men to use parasols in Japan. Furthermore, frequent hydration is important. There are convenience stores and vending machines everywhere in Ginza, so you can easily purchase drinks.
Utilizing the weekend pedestrian paradise is also a good way to enjoy summer in Ginza. Every Saturday and Sunday afternoon, Ginza's Chuo Street becomes a pedestrian paradise where you can enjoy a leisurely stroll. During this time, the whole area is enveloped in an open atmosphere, and you can enjoy various street performances. If you visit during the pedestrian paradise hours, you can enjoy more of Ginza's charms.
Recommended Tours to Fully Enjoy Ginza
For those who want to fully enjoy Ginza's charms, I recommend guided tours by MagicalTrip. Especially, tours combining dining and cultural experiences offer wonderful opportunities to feel Ginza's charms from multiple angles.
Finest Quality Sushi & Tempura Dining Experience in Ginza
This tour is a 2.5-hour gourmet experience visiting high-end sushi and tempura restaurants in Ginza.
The charm of this tour is undoubtedly the dining experience at restaurants highly rated in the Michelin Guide and Tabelog. At $203.41 (about 30,000 yen) per person, it's a bit pricey, but it includes four types of drinks, and I'm confident it's well worth the value.
What's noteworthy is that counter seats are guaranteed. Being able to closely watch skilled chefs prepare food right in front of you is truly a special experience. You can enjoy special nigiri and tempura using seasonal ingredients while witnessing the chef's techniques firsthand.
Even if you're anxious about Japanese dining etiquette and manners, there's no need to worry. An English-speaking guide will kindly support you, so you can relax and enjoy your meal. My foreign clients have also praised this support, saying they could truly enjoy Japanese cuisine thanks to it.
As it's a small group tour, even solo travelers can easily participate. It's also popular among couples and friends as a special experience or for anniversaries.
Reservations can be made up to 15 months in advance, and cancellations are free up to 24 hours before, with date changes possible, so you can feel secure even if your travel plans change.
For more details: Finest Quality Sushi & Tempura Dining Experience in Ginza
Wagyu Beef & Sake Paring Foodie Tour in Ginza
This tour is a wonderful experience where you can enjoy wagyu beef and sake, which Japan is proud of worldwide. At $177.98 (about 26,000 yen) for 3.5 hours, it's slightly more reasonable than the previous sushi and tempura tour while offering a longer experience.
The highlight of the tour is the all-you-can-eat top-grade A5 rank wagyu beef and all-you-can-drink sake from Nara. The first stop is an antenna shop for Nara Prefecture, where you can enjoy unlimited drinking of about 20 types of local sake from Nara, known as the "birthplace of sake," for 30 minutes. Don't worry if you're not fond of sake; other drinks are also available.
The second stop is a teppanyaki restaurant in Ginza where you can order as much A5 rank wagyu beef as you like. The taste of wagyu is exceptional, with a melt-in-your-mouth texture that's unforgettable. Side dishes, seasonal soup, garlic rice, and miso soup are also provided, and you can choose wine or beer as well, allowing you to enjoy various flavor combinations.
In between, you can explore Ginza's streets with the guide and learn about its history and culture. I particularly like this exploration time and always make new discoveries.
Already experienced by over 100 people, the tour has high ratings in reviews. It's especially recommended for those who want to fully enjoy wagyu and sake, or those who want to experience Ginza's night with a local guide.
For more details: Wagyu Beef & Sake Paring Foodie Tour in Ginza
Frequently Asked Questions About Summer in Ginza
I'll answer questions I often receive from foreign tourists visiting Ginza, based on my experience.
What kind of clothing is appropriate for summer in Ginza?
Summer in Ginza is hot and humid, so light, cool clothing is recommended. I personally prefer to wear cotton shirts with good ventilation when exploring Ginza in summer. However, some high-end restaurants and bars may have dress codes, so it's wise to bring something to throw over your outfit.
The summer sun in Japan is intense, so sun protection is essential. It's good to bring a hat or parasol. I always bring a wide-brimmed hat and sunscreen. Also, as you'll likely be walking a lot, I recommend choosing comfortable shoes.
One thing to note is that many facilities in Ginza have strong air conditioning. If you dress too lightly due to the heat, you might feel cold when entering buildings. Therefore, it's wise to bring a light cardigan or something to cover up.
Are there services for foreign tourists in Ginza?
Yes, Ginza has a variety of services catering to foreign tourists. First, many stores have English-speaking staff. Not only luxury brand stores but also department stores and large shopping centers offer guidance and services in English.
In my experience, large department stores like Ginza Mitsukoshi and Matsuya Ginza have excellent multilingual concierge services. They can help with everything from shopping advice to tourist information.
Also, major facilities have comprehensive English signage. For example, at Ginza Station on the subway, there are announcements in English, and the station maps have English labels.
Furthermore, tax-free services are available at many stores. At large department stores, electronics stores, and drugstores, you can get tax exemptions by showing your passport. However, the tax-free process can take time, so I recommend planning your shopping with some extra time.
Can you tell me how to access Ginza?
Access to Ginza is very convenient. The main access point is Tokyo Metro Ginza Station. Three lines - the Ginza Line, Marunouchi Line, and Hibiya Line - serve this station, providing direct access from major areas of Tokyo. I myself almost always use this station when going to Ginza for work.
It's also within walking distance from JR Yurakucho Station. This station is convenient if you're using the Yamanote Line or Keihin-Tohoku Line. It's about a 5-minute walk from Yurakucho Station to the center of Ginza, and you can enjoy Ginza's streetscape while walking, which is another benefit.
Taxis are also a convenient option. They're especially handy after spending late nights in Ginza or when you have large luggage. However, Ginza is a high-traffic area, so be aware of possible congestion, especially during weekday mornings and evenings.
Lastly, I believe that the best way to enjoy Ginza is on foot. Nearby areas like Nihonbashi, Tsukiji, and Hamarikyu Gardens are also within walking distance, so if you have time, I recommend exploring these surrounding areas as well.
Ginza is a special place where Japanese tradition and cutting-edge trends merge. I feel that summer in Ginza is a season when its charm stands out even more. Sophisticated shopping experiences, encounters with traditional culture, and a variety of gourmet foods. All of these create a cool and luxurious oasis in Tokyo's hot and humid summer.
Also, guided food tours are a recommended way to deeply understand Ginza's food culture. You can enjoy the essence of Japanese food culture, such as high-end sushi, wagyu beef, and sake, on the special stage of Ginza. These experiences will surely become unforgettable memories.
I sincerely hope that creating wonderful summer memories in Ginza will enrich your trip to Japan!
