One Day Trip to Ginza and Tsukiji: The Perfect Itinerary for Tokyo's Culinary and Luxury Districts

I was born and raised in Tokyo, growing up with the sights of Ginza's streets since childhood. Indeed, for first-time visitors, Ginza might seem "too high-end and intimidating." It's true that Ginza is lined with global luxury brand shops and numerous Michelin-starred restaurants.

However, in this article, I, as a local with over 40 years of experience, will share tips on how to enjoy Ginza smartly. For instance, lunch at high-end restaurants can be surprisingly reasonable. Department store basements house accessible famous shops. At long-standing cafes, you can enjoy traditional flavors and atmosphere at affordable prices.

I especially recommend the walking route from Tsukiji to Ginza. Start with breakfast at the lively outer market of Tsukiji, once known as the world's largest fish market, then walk about 15 minutes to reach the sophisticated streets of Ginza. The contrast in atmosphere is part of the charm of this course.

For the evening, I recommend our MagicalTrip's carefully selected tour of high-end restaurants. You can visit famous restaurants that are usually difficult to book individually, accompanied by an English-speaking guide. Particularly in the "Finest Quality Sushi & Tempura Dining Experience in Ginza", you're guaranteed counter seats at a Michelin-listed restaurant. You can enjoy the highest quality sushi and tempura while watching the chef's techniques up close. In the "Wagyu Beef & Sake Paring Foodie Tour", you can savor A5 grade wagyu beef to your heart's content.

While crowds and weekend congestion are unavoidable, you can enjoy a relatively relaxed sightseeing experience on weekday mornings. Now, let me introduce a one-day plan to maximize your enjoyment of Tsukiji and Ginza, along with my local recommendations.

Table of Contents
・The Appeal of a One-Day Trip to Ginza and Tsukiji: Experience Food Culture and Urban Sophistication at Once
・AM 9:00-11:00: Start Your Morning at Tsukiji Market
・AM 11:00- PM 1:00: Move to Ginza and Enjoy Lunch
・PM 1:00-4:30: Indulge in Ginza Shopping
・PM 4:30-8:00: Conclude Your Ginza Evening with a Luxurious Restaurant
・Options to Customize Your Itinerary Based on Your Preferences
・Recommended Tours Easy to Incorporate into Your Ginza Itinerary
・Areas in Tokyo to Visit Along with Ginza
・Frequently Asked Questions About a One-Day Tour in Ginza
・Access to Ginza

The Appeal of a One-Day Trip to Ginza and Tsukiji: Experience Food Culture and Urban Sophistication at Once

Ginza and Tsukiji are two districts with completely different attractions, yet only a 15-minute walk apart. The ability to experience these contrasting atmospheres in one day is the greatest appeal of visiting this area.

Tsukiji is a historic place once known as one of the world's largest fish markets. Although the main market moved to Toyosu in 2018, the outer market still bustles with activity, with numerous shops dealing in fresh seafood. One of its major features is the ability to taste fresh seafood at sushi restaurants and seafood bowl shops that open early in the morning, unique to Tsukiji.

On the other hand, Ginza is known as Japan's premier high-end commercial district. Flagship stores of global luxury brands like Louis Vuitton and Cartier line the streets, along with many long-established high-end restaurants. However, there are also numerous old-fashioned cafes and renowned shops that can be enjoyed at reasonable prices.

What's particularly impressive is the change in streetscape as you walk from Tsukiji towards Ginza. The gradual transition from the lively market atmosphere to the sophisticated urban air can be said to symbolize Tokyo's diversity.

Another major characteristic of Ginza is the concentration of world-famous sushi and tempura restaurants. In particular, dining at a Michelin-listed restaurant offers a precious opportunity to experience the essence of Japanese food culture.

AM 9:00-11:00: Start Your Morning at Tsukiji Market

At 9 AM, as you step out of Tsukiji Station on the Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line, you can already feel the lively market atmosphere. The Tsukiji Outer Market is a special place where you can find everything related to food, from fresh seafood to cooking utensils and tableware.

I especially recommend first walking slowly through the outer market streets, enjoying free samples at various shops. There are numerous opportunities to taste traditional Japanese ingredients like dried fish, seaweed, dashi, and pickles for free.

Afterwards, I suggest visiting Tsukiji Honganji Temple, a historical building in Tsukiji. Its unique Indian-style architecture caused quite a stir when it was built in 1934. The quiet temple grounds offer a tranquil atmosphere right next to the bustling market.

Recommended Restaurant 1 for Breakfast in Tsukiji: Tsukiji Kanno

Tsukiji Kanno, located in the Tsukiji Outer Market, is always on my list when I bring local friends or family. Opening as early as 4:30 AM, it's perfect for starting your Tsukiji exploration.

The menu ranges from dishes over 5,000 yen to affordable seafood bowls at 1,000-2,000 yen. Particularly, they use fresh seafood caught that morning, allowing you to enjoy the authentic taste of Tsukiji.

<Store Information>
Address: 4 Chome-9-5 Tsukiji, Chuo City, Tokyo 104-0045
Closed: Wednesdays
Phone: 03-3541-9291
Hours: 4:30 AM–4:30 PM
Website: https://tabelog.com/en/tokyo/A1313/A131301/13007619/

Recommended Restaurant 2 for Breakfast in Tsukiji: Tsukiji Honganji Cafe

"Tsumugi", located within the grounds of Tsukiji Honganji, is a special place I visit when I want to enjoy a quiet breakfast. The highlight is the "18-item breakfast", named after the 18th vow of the 48 vows of Amida Buddha, the main deity of Tsukiji Honganji. It's a luxurious breakfast set with 16 side dishes plus rice porridge and miso soup, beautifully presented.

The cafe is a bright, glass-enclosed space where you can enjoy your meal while looking at the outside scenery. It's perfect for relaxing from the fatigue of sightseeing in a calm space that blends Japanese taste with modern design. In addition to breakfast menus, they also offer dishes incorporating Tsukiji specialties and healthy menus inspired by temple vegetarian cuisine.

<Store Information>
Address: Honganji Information Center, Cafe Section, 3-15-1 Tsukiji, Chuo City, Tokyo 104-0045
Closed: None
Phone: 0355655581
Hours: 8 AM–6 PM
Website: https://yoyaku.toreta.in/wacafetsumugi/#/

Recommended Tour for Tsukiji Sightseeing: "Tsukiji Fish Market Walking Food Tour in Tokyo" by Magical Trip

Our 3-hour Tsukiji tour offered by MagicalTrip is not just a market visit, but a special experience to deeply understand the history and culture of Tsukiji. Along with a local guide, you'll visit hidden gems in Tsukiji and historical buildings like Tsukiji Honganji.

The highlight of the tour is dining at a famous seafood bowl restaurant loved by locals. Different from sushi, the seafood bowl offers a unique charm, using a variety of fresh seafood for a taste unique to Tsukiji. Another significant feature is the detailed explanation in English about Tsukiji's history and Japanese food culture.

Click here for more details: "Tsukiji Fish Market Walking Food Tour in Tokyo"

AM 11:00- PM 1:00: Move to Ginza and Enjoy Lunch

It's about a 15-minute walk from Tsukiji to Ginza. On the way, you can enjoy how the scenery gradually changes from the lively market atmosphere to the sophisticated streetscape lined with luxury brands. Upon arriving in Ginza, let's first visit the Wako clock tower, a symbol of Ginza. This building, constructed in 1932, has long been cherished as a landmark of Ginza.

While dinners in Ginza can indeed be expensive, you can enjoy the taste of high-end restaurants at relatively reasonable prices during lunchtime. Especially on weekdays, you can also experience the lively atmosphere bustling with office workers during lunch hours.

Recommended Restaurant 1 for Lunch in Ginza: Kissa YOU

Kissa YOU, located near Kabukiza, is a long-established cafe with over 40 years of history. What I particularly love about this place is its retro atmosphere. The interior, unchanged from old Tokyo, and the heartfelt service are its charms.

Their specialty is omurice made with surprisingly fluffy eggs, loved even by Kabuki actors. In fact, you might spot actors dropping by between performances. In addition to omurice, they also offer a variety of classic coffee shop menu items like thick-cut toast and hearty sandwiches.

<Store Information>
Address: 1F & 2F, Takano Building, 4-13-17 Ginza, Chuo City, Tokyo 104-0061
Closed: Wednesdays
Phone: 0362260482
Hours: 11 AM–4 PM
Website: https://tabelog.com/en/tokyo/A1301/A130101/13002318/

Recommended Restaurant 2 for Lunch in Ginza: Grill Swiss Ginza

When it comes to katsu curry in Ginza, Grill Swiss Ginza is a must-visit. In fact, this restaurant was the first in Japan to serve katsu curry. I've been coming here since my student days, and I still love the unchanged taste and atmosphere.

In the Showa-era ambiance, you can enjoy a hearty katsu curry from around 1,000 yen, which is rare in Ginza. It's surprising to find such great value just a 2-minute walk from the station in this prime location.

<Store Information>
Address: 2F, Okura Annex, 3-4-4 Ginza, Chuo City, Tokyo 104-0061
Closed: None
Phone: 0335633206
Hours: 11 AM–9 PM
Website: https://ginza-swiss.com/

PM 1:00-4:30: Indulge in Ginza Shopping

After satisfying your appetite, it's time to enjoy Ginza's glamorous shopping. Ginza offers a variety of shopping spots, from traditional department stores to the latest shopping complexes. Let's take time to savor the unique charm of each facility.

Mitsukoshi

Ginza Mitsukoshi has been a beloved landmark at the Ginza 4-chome intersection since its opening in 1930. Its dignified appearance, unchanged since my childhood, tells the very history of Ginza. In 2010, a new annex was added, and the main building was renovated, making it an even more attractive commercial facility.

The "Ginza Chandelier" on the exterior wall facing the 4-chome intersection, renovated in November 2020, is a must-see. It's beautifully lit up at night, becoming a popular photo spot in Ginza. As the top store in the Ginza/Yurakucho area, its product lineup is also attractive, especially the basement food floor, which is a special space where gourmet foods from around the world gather.

Website: https://www.mistore.jp/store/ginza.html

GINZA SIX

GINZA SIX, which opened in 2017, has added new charm to Ginza as one of Japan's largest commercial facilities.

The rooftop garden is a hidden spot where you can overlook the Ginza skyline. This garden, which also offers a view of Tokyo Tower, is perfect for taking a break between shopping.

In the basement food floor, you can experience Ginza's food culture all at once, from long-established Japanese confectionery stores to the latest sweets shops. With many staff members who can speak foreign languages and smooth tax-free procedures, overseas tourists can also enjoy shopping with peace of mind.

Website: https://ginza6.tokyo.e.abf.hp.transer.com/

Matsuya Ginza

Matsuya Ginza, opened in 1925, is a long-established department store with about 100 years of history. What I particularly focus on is its unique strategy rooted in the local community. For example, the frozen food section established in collaboration with famous Ginza stores gained a lot of support even during the COVID-19 pandemic. I feel that its attitude of maintaining tradition while flexibly responding to the needs of the times embodies Ginza's evolving tradition.

On the upper floors of the building, there's a restaurant floor overlooking the Ginza cityscape, recommended for lunch or tea time between shopping. Also, the regular cultural events and exhibitions offer valuable opportunities to experience traditional Japanese culture and contemporary art.

Website: https://www.matsuya.com/ginza/

Ginza Itoya Main Store

Ginza Itoya is my go-to spot when I guide my stationery-loving foreign friends. The vast space from basement 1 to the 12th floor is lined with about 2,000 types of pens and over 1,000 types of paper products, truly deserving to be called a treasure trove of stationery.

Especially on the floors for Japanese paper and calligraphy tools, you can experience Japan's traditional stationery culture. The cafe on the top floor is useful as a rest spot between shopping, but here you can also try out the fountain pens and inks you've purchased. It's truly a paradise for stationery lovers.

<Store Information>
Address: 2 Chome-7-15 Ginza, Chuo City, Tokyo 104-0061
Closed: None
Phone: 0335618311
Hours: 10 AM–8 PM
Website: https://www.ito-ya.co.jp/ginza/

UNIQLO Ginza Store

The UNIQLO Ginza store, which opened in March 2012, is known as the world's largest UNIQLO store. What I find particularly impressive is the overwhelming variety of products, taking advantage of the vast sales floor area of about 5,000 square meters. The full lineup of products from all categories including Men's, Women's, Kids & Baby, and UT is displayed across all 12 floors of the sales area.

On the top floor, there's "UNIQLO COFFEE", UNIQLO's first original coffee shop, where you can take a break with sweets from "Ginza West", a long-established Western confectionery in Ginza. "UNIQLO FLOWER" also sells seasonal flowers, offering enjoyment beyond fashion.

Located just a 4-minute walk from Ginza Station, with many multilingual staff members, overseas tourists can also enjoy shopping with peace of mind. It's a valuable spot where you can enjoy Japanese fashion at reasonable prices in Ginza, where luxury brands line up.

Website: https://map.uniqlo.com/jp/ja/detail/10101397

PM 4:30-8:00: Conclude Your Ginza Evening with a Luxurious Restaurant

Ginza nights are truly a gourmet treasure trove. While high-end restaurants, including Michelin-starred ones, line the streets, it's very difficult to make reservations individually.

That's why I recommend our MagicalTrip tours. You can visit carefully selected high-end restaurants with a local English-speaking guide. Here are some particularly popular high-end restaurants:

Recommended High-End Restaurant 1 in Ginza: Sushimasa

Among the high-end sushi restaurants in Ginza, Sushimasa is one that I particularly like. The sushi prepared by skilled chefs right in front of you in a calm Japanese-style space is truly a work of art in its beauty. The menu is centered on omakase courses, using only the best seasonal ingredients of the day.

From the counter seats, you can closely observe the chef's delicate handiwork, which itself is a wonderful entertainment. They also have a rich selection of sake, with experienced staff recommending the best pairings for your meals. For special occasions or anniversaries, you can also dine in a quieter private room. Lunch starts from 5,000 yen, and dinner from 20,000 yen.

<Store Information>
Address: Koseido Ginza Building B1, 5-14-5 Ginza, Chuo City, Tokyo 104-0061
Closed: None
Phone: 0335415882
Hours: 11:30 AM–2:30 PM, 5–10:30 PM
Website: https://www.ginza-sushimasa.com/english/

Recommended High-End Restaurant 2 in Ginza: Sukiyabashi Jiro

Sukiyabashi Jiro is a famous Ginza restaurant that attracts gourmet diners from around the world. This restaurant, which has continuously earned three Michelin stars, is a special place where you can experience the essence of sushi. What impressed me was the owner's thorough dedication. The skill and soul put into each piece of sushi is truly the crystallization of Japanese food culture.

It's also famous for being extremely difficult to make reservations, as it's by reservation only. The interior is simple yet dignified, and the craftsmanship unfolding beyond the counter is truly artistic. Prices range from 50,000 to 60,000 yen for lunch, and 60,000 to 80,000 yen for dinner.

<Store Information>
Address: Tsukamoto Sogyo Building B1, 4-2-15 Ginza, Chuo City, Tokyo 104-0061
Closed: Sundays
Phone: 0335353600
Hours: 11:30 AM–2 PM, 5:30–8:30 PM
Website: https://tabelog.com/en/tokyo/A1301/A130101/13002260/

Recommended High-End Restaurant 3 in Ginza: Tempura Kondo

"Tempura Kondo", which has earned two Michelin stars, is one of my precious places for special dinner occasions. The most impressive aspect is the chef's skill in bringing out the original flavor of ingredients with an extremely thin batter. In the omakase course featuring seasonal ingredients, each dish has a delicate beauty.

At the counter seats, you can enjoy freshly fried tempura at the optimal temperature. Reservations are accepted only by phone, and due to its popularity, I recommend making a reservation one month in advance. Lunch ranges from 10,000 to 15,000 yen, and dinner from 20,000 to 30,000 yen, which is relatively reasonable for a high-end restaurant in Ginza.

<Store Information>
Address: Sakaguchi Bld., 9F, 5-5-13 Ginza, Chuo City, Tokyo 104-0061
Closed: Sundays
Phone: 0355680923
Hours: 12–3 PM, 5–9 PM
Website: https://tempura-kondo.com/en/

Recommended High-End Restaurant 4 in Ginza: Tempura Motoyoshi

"Tempura Motoyoshi", which has earned two Michelin stars, is a special place where I had my concept of tempura overturned. The elegant and light batter is indeed light, maximizing the original flavor of the ingredients. In the special course that changes with the seasons, you can enjoy an exquisite balance of fresh seafood and vegetables.

Particularly noteworthy is their special tempura don (rice bowl). Each piece of tempura, carefully fried, combines with a special sauce to create a blissful dish. In a modern interior with a calm atmosphere, you can enjoy top-quality tempura starting from about 30,000 yen.

<Store Information>
Address: Granbell Ebisu IV, 3F, 2-8-11 Ebisunishi, Shibuya, Tokyo 150-0021
Closed: Sundays
Phone: 0364550200
Hours: 5:30–10:30 PM
Website: https://motoyoshi-1120.com/

Options to Customize Your Itinerary Based on Your Preferences

The Ginza-Tsukiji area has many attractions, and it's impossible to visit them all in one day. Therefore, I'd like to propose several different itineraries based on your interests and preferences. You can combine or swap these plans with the main itinerary.

Culture-Focused Plan

Here are some recommended options for those interested in traditional Japanese culture and arts.

Kabukiza Theatre

Kabukiza, established in 1889, is a theater specializing in Kabuki, a traditional Japanese performing art. What I find particularly wonderful is how traditional Japanese architecture harmonizes beautifully with the latest stage equipment. For those interested in Kabuki but finding it difficult to watch a full-length performance, I recommend the "hitomaku-mi" (single act) seats. You can experience Kabuki casually at an affordable price.

Also, with the tablet-based English explanation service, even overseas visitors can fully enjoy the Kabuki stories. The theater also has exhibitions related to Kabuki and souvenir shops, allowing you to immerse yourself in the world of traditional Japanese performing arts. The best timing is to arrive in Ginza at 11 AM, enjoy lunch, and then visit.

Website: https://www.kabuki-za.co.jp/

Relaxation-Focused Plan

For those who want to take a leisurely break between busy sightseeing, here are some elegant relaxation spots unique to Ginza.

Shiseido Parlour

Shiseido Parlour, established in 1902, is one of the oldest cafe-restaurants in Ginza. I've been coming to this place since my 20s, and its charm lies in its classic interior and refined service. You'll be enveloped in an elegant atmosphere reminiscent of an old European hotel.

Their seasonal parfaits and cakes continue to captivate many fans with their visual beauty and high-quality taste. Also, taking advantage of its central location in Ginza, it's cherished as a rest spot between shopping. I recommend stopping by if you have time to spare after shopping from 1 PM.

Website: https://parlour.shiseido.co.jp/en/shoplist/salondecafeginza/

GINZA SIX Garden

The rooftop garden of GINZA SIX, boasting a vast space of about 4,000 square meters, is a special place I'd like to call an "urban oasis". In this garden where you can enjoy plants of all four seasons, you can sit on a bench and overlook the Tokyo cityscape. Especially at dusk, you can spend a quiet moment watching the lights of Ginza gradually come on.

This space, which can be used for free, is ideal for healing your body tired from shopping and sightseeing. The best timing is to visit during your shopping time starting from 1 PM. Also, there are different decorations and events for each season, so you can always find something new no matter how many times you visit.

Website: https://ginza6.tokyo/facilities

Art-Focused Plan

Ginza is an area where you can experience various arts, from traditional to contemporary. Here are some special spots for art lovers.

Pola Museum Annex

This art space, operated as part of Pola Cosmetics' cultural activities, is a special place where I look forward to encountering new talents. Focusing on works by young artists and up-and-coming creators, the exhibition content changes frequently, offering fresh surprises and discoveries each time.

The relatively small exhibition space is ideal for closely engaging with art pieces. As admission is free, you can casually enjoy art. The best timing is to visit after enjoying lunch in Ginza at 11 AM.

Website: https://www.po-holdings.co.jp/m-annex/

Art Aquarium Museum

When I first visited the Art Aquarium Museum, I was left speechless by its fantastical space. It's a unique museum unlike any other, where goldfish, light, music, and art blend beautifully. The aquarium designs, which modernly arrange the refinement of the Edo period, embody a splendid fusion of traditional Japanese culture and contemporary art.

One of the highlights is the staging that changes with the seasons and time of day. As it's open until 7 PM, I recommend stopping by after finishing your shopping that starts at 1 PM.

Website: https://artaquarium.jp/

Recommended Tours Easy to Incorporate into Your Ginza Itinerary

At MagicalTrip, we offer multiple tours providing the best food experiences in Ginza. You can reliably enjoy dining experiences at high-end restaurants that are usually difficult to book.

Finest Quality Sushi & Tempura Dining Experience in Ginza

This 2.5-hour tour visiting famous restaurants in Ginza is one of our flagship tours. You'll visit establishments highly rated by Michelin and Tabelog, with a luxurious content including four types of drinks for $203.41 (about 30,000 yen) per person.

With guaranteed counter seats, you can closely observe the techniques unfolding before you by skilled chefs. At establishments using over 80 types of seafood, you can enjoy special seasonal nigiri and tempura. Even if you're unsure about Japanese cuisine etiquette and manners, English-speaking guides will kindly support you, so you can relax and enjoy your meal.

The meeting place is in front of the lion statue at Ginza Mitsukoshi (near Ginza Station Exit A8), with a meeting time of 4:30 PM, making it easy to incorporate into the itinerary in this article. Between meals, you'll stroll through Ginza's streets, visiting shrines, high-end stores, and hidden bars.

For more details: Finest Quality Sushi & Tempura Dining Experience in Ginza

Wagyu Beef & Sake Paring Foodie Tour in Ginza

This 3.5-hour tour for $177.98 (about 26,000 yen) is longer than the sushi and tempura tour, with a slightly more reasonable price setting. What I'm particularly proud of in this tour is the luxurious content combining all-you-can-eat top-grade A5 wagyu beef with all-you-can-drink Nara sake.

The first stop is a visit to Nara Prefecture's antenna shop, where you can enjoy all-you-can-drink of about 20 types of local sake from Nara, known as the "birthplace of Japanese sake", for 30 minutes. For those who don't prefer sake, other drinks are also available, so don't worry.

The second stop is a teppanyaki restaurant in Ginza, where you can order as much A5 grade wagyu beef as you like. It's accompanied by side dishes, seasonal soup, garlic rice, miso soup, and you can also choose from wine or beer, making it a very satisfying content.

The tour meeting place is at the north exit of Shinbashi Station (near SL Square), with a meeting time of 5 PM, so it can be easily incorporated into the itinerary in this article. Along the way, you'll stroll through Ginza's streets with your guide, learning about its history and culture.

This tour, which has already been experienced by over 100 people and received high ratings, is especially recommended for those who want to fully enjoy wagyu beef and Japanese sake, or those who want to experience Ginza nights with a local guide. At the end of the tour, you'll conclude with a relaxing dessert or one drink at a cafe or bar.

For more details: Wagyu Beef & Sake Paring Foodie Tour in Ginza

Areas in Tokyo to Visit Along with Ginza

After savoring the charms of Ginza, why not visit other areas of Tokyo, each with its own unique characteristics? Let me introduce four areas that I particularly recommend.

Asakusa

Asakusa, about 20 minutes by train from Ginza, is a district where traditions and culture from the Edo period remain strong. The center of this area, which I've been visiting since childhood, is undoubtedly Sensoji Temple and its approach, Nakamise Street. Along the approximately 200-meter Nakamise Street, long-established shops and traditional craft stores line up, allowing you to experience Japanese traditional culture firsthand.

A stroll along the Sumida River is also attractive. The view of Tokyo Skytree is especially spectacular, and you can enjoy cherry blossom trees in spring. A rickshaw tour of the town offers a special experience to fully savor the downtown atmosphere with the witty narration of the guide.

The observation deck of the Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center offers a panoramic view of Sensoji Temple and Tokyo Skytree, making it a popular photo spot. At night, you can also enjoy a Sumida River cruise on a yakatabune boat, where the lights of the city reflected on the river surface show a new charm of Tokyo.

Shibuya

Shibuya, about 15 minutes from Ginza, is a place that I consider the center of Tokyo's youth culture. Taking a commemorative photo at the world-famous Scramble Crossing has become a must-do for Tokyo tourists.

At Shibuya 109 and Center Street, you can experience the latest fashion trends. Even I visit on weekends to discover new cafes and restaurants, and there's always something new to find. At night, the atmosphere changes completely, with clubs and bars bustling with activity, becoming a vibrant district full of young people's energy.

Roppongi

Roppongi, about 20 minutes from Ginza, is a special place where I can feel art and sophisticated urban culture. The night view from the Roppongi Hills observation deck "Tokyo City View" is known as a spectacular spot where you can see Tokyo Tower up close.

The National Art Center, Tokyo and Mori Art Museum host world-class contemporary art exhibitions, making them a mecca for art lovers. At Tokyo Midtown, you can not only enjoy high-end shopping but also savor cuisines from around the world at stylish restaurants.

Shinjuku

Shinjuku, about 25 minutes from Ginza, is where I feel Tokyo's diversity the most. From the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Observation Rooms, you can enjoy a panoramic view of Tokyo for free, with the view from dusk to night being particularly spectacular.

Kabukicho is known as Japan's largest entertainment district. On the other hand, at Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, you can enjoy nature and beautiful Japanese gardens throughout the four seasons, making you forget the hustle and bustle of the city.

In Omoide Yokocho and Golden Gai, small drinking establishments line up in a retro atmosphere. I often stop by after work, and you can enjoy the unique atmosphere that can only be experienced here and conversations with friendly regular customers.

Frequently Asked Questions About a One-Day Tour in Ginza

I, who have been visiting Ginza for over 40 years, will answer questions I often receive.

Isn't Ginza too high-end and intimidating?

While it's true that Ginza is lined with world-class luxury stores, there are actually many spots that anyone can casually enjoy. In department store basements, you can enjoy the tastes of long-established shops at affordable prices, and there are many restaurants in food courts offering lunches for around 1,000 yen.

Window shopping and gallery hopping can be enjoyed for free, and there are numerous cafe chains and casual dining establishments, allowing you to choose flexibly according to your budget. Above all, simply walking around and enjoying Ginza's streetscape and atmosphere is a wonderful experience in itself.

Is Ginza safe?

Ginza is known as one of the safest areas in Tokyo. With constant foot traffic and numerous street surveillance cameras installed, you can enjoy your stroll with peace of mind. There are also many police stations and koban (police boxes), enabling quick response in case of emergencies.

Even at night, the area is well-lit with many streetlights, making it relatively safe for women to walk alone. However, as with any area, no matter how safe, basic precautions like taking care of your valuables are necessary.

Can I enjoy Ginza with children?

Ginza Mitsukoshi and Matsuya Ginza have well-equipped floors for children, which you can enjoy with your kids. Sony Park regularly holds events for children, where they can play while experiencing the latest technology.

Sweets shops like Ginza Cozy Corner are also popular with children. Additionally, there are small parks and squares throughout Ginza where you can take breaks and stroll at a leisurely pace.

What should I be aware of when shopping in Ginza?

When entering high-end stores, it's common to be greeted politely by staff. In my experience, even in the most luxurious stores, the staff will respond kindly, so I recommend entering without hesitation.

Some establishments, especially high-end restaurants, may require reservations or be members-only, so it's necessary to check in advance. For foreign tourists, many stores offer tax-free shopping, so it's convenient to bring your passport.

During sale periods, it can get extremely crowded, so I recommend visiting on weekdays or right after opening. While many stores accept credit cards, some smaller shops may only accept cash, so it's safer to prepare both.

What's the recommended mode of transportation in Ginza?

From my 40+ years of experience walking these streets, I'm convinced that exploring Ginza on foot is the most enjoyable way. By walking, you can discover hidden gem stores in alleys and seasonal decorations that you might otherwise miss.

The subway is convenient for moving within the area, with the Ginza Line, Marunouchi Line, and Hibiya Line available. Taxis are also plentiful and can be easily hailed on Ginza streets at any time.

Rental bicycles are also available, which are handy when extending your trip to nearby areas. While buses do operate, I recommend using the subway for first-time visitors as the bus route map can be complex.

Access to Ginza

There are multiple lines and access methods to Ginza. The most convenient is "Ginza Station" on the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line, Marunouchi Line, and Hibiya Line. It's about a 5-minute walk from JR Yurakucho Station on the Yamanote Line, and also about a 5-minute walk from Tokyo Metro Yurakucho Line's "Ginza-itchome Station".

Additionally, it's about a 3-minute walk from Toei Asakusa Line's "Higashi-Ginza Station", and about a 7-minute walk from JR Keihin-Tohoku Line and Yamanote Line's "Shinbashi Station", allowing access from various directions.

The Ginza-Tsukiji area is a special place where Japan's tradition and modernity harmonize beautifully. This walking course, starting from the lively Tsukiji market and continuing to the sophisticated streets of Ginza, allows you to experience Tokyo's diverse charms in one day.

While Ginza is lined with high-end stores, it's actually a deep-pocketed district that offers various ways to enjoy. You can enjoy the taste of first-class restaurants at affordable prices during lunchtime, and shopping can be selected according to your budget. For dinner, you can reliably experience dining at hard-to-book famous restaurants by using MagicalTrip's "Finest Quality Sushi & Tempura Dining Experience in Ginza" or "Wagyu Beef & Sake Paring Foodie Tour in Ginza".

Please use this article as a reference to find your own way to enjoy Ginza and Tsukiji. From the lively market to the sophisticated commercial district, it's sure to become an unforgettable memory.