Ginza is a district in Tokyo lined with sophisticated stores and countless shopping spots. It’s a famous town for not only delivering Western style cuisine and fashion, but for continuing to hand down Japanese tradition from Kabuki-za to Tsukiji. We have compiled a list of recommended spots to visit during your trip to Ginza.

Tokyu Plaza

有我咲英 小説家、コンサルタントさん(@arigasakie)がシェアした投稿 – 2月 20, 2018 at 11:43午後 PST

If it’s Japanese souvenirs and mementos you’re looking for then Tokyu Plaza is a very location. This shopping complex is filled with shops and famous brands selling items made in Japan, from “SAKE LABO” where shelves are lined with Japanese alcohol, to stores selling traditional Japanese crafts. You should also check out the duty free “LOTTE DUTY FREE GINZA” on the 8F and 9F.

UNIQLO

ペットボトルさん(@syachiku_purin)がシェアした投稿 – 2月 11, 2018 at 2:28午前 PST

UNIQLO has branched out and made its name around the globe now, but the Ginza branch is the world’s biggest, boasting a staggering 12 floors. There are English, French, Spanish, Chinese and Korean speaking staff there, so you can enjoy your shopping free of worry.

Dover Street Market

Fashionsnap.comさん(@fashionsnapcom)がシェアした投稿 – 1月 16, 2016 at 3:33午前 PST

Dover Street Market is a cutting-edge store that was first brought to London by Comme des Garçons founder Rei Kawabuko. Ginza now has its own branch in “ZOZOTOWN” and towers 6 floors lined with an array of brands from LOUIS VUITTON to Celine, Thom Browne, and even Comme des Garçons themselves.

 GINZA SIX

GINZA SIX recently opened on April 20th earlier this year as Ginza’s biggest shopping complex. The building is elegantly dotted with 241 individual stores both domestic and international offering a range of cuisines, fashion and lifestyle brands and more. It’s a fantastic spot for overseas visitors who can also enjoy seeing a traditional Noh performance and gazing at Ginza’s gorgeous scenery from the rooftop.

More Information: https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/39111

Kabuki-za

Kabuki is a traditional form of Japanese theatre with a history spanning more than 400 years. One location still thriving is the Kabukiza Theatre in Ginza. If you purchase a copy of a play’s outline there’s an English explanation at the end along with an English subtitle guide. If you want to enjoy a short session of kabuki then you can purchase a special ticket called “hitomakumiseki” (一幕見席) that enables you to see just one part of the play, since kabuki plays tend to be quite long.

Tsukiji Fish Market

The Tsukiji Fish Market is the kitchen of Tokyo. Out of all 11 wholesale markets in Chuo, Tokyo the Tsukiji Fish Market is the oldest. It’s a hugely popular tourist spot for its fresh seafood and souvenirs. There’s plenty to see including the famous Tuna Auction as well as a chance to experience making nigiri sushi.

Hibiya Park

If you’re exhausted from all the shopping and sightseeing then we recommend stopping by Hibiya Park just a 10-minute walk from Ginza. The park was made more than 100 years ago and is home to two outdoor music domes – one big and one small – as well as a public hall and more. There are also flower beds bloomed with various flowers that change with the seasons. There’s also a Japanese-style garden tucked away in the park where you can experience a Japanese aesthetic.

We hope you liked our recommendations and hope you enjoy your Ginza sightseeing to the very fullest.

While shopping complexes such as Tokyu Plaza and GINZA SIX are on the rise, Ginza itself is a city that has been bustling with energy for a long time. It’s packed full of traditional and new shops and brings in people from all ages, young and old, and prides itself as the place to go during everyone’s days off. In this article we want to introduce to you some highly recommended shops and restaurants in Ginza.

Soft and “melty” omelet-rice “Kissa You”

“Kissa You” is located in Ginza, famous for Kabuki. The main reason most people come here is the soft and “melty“ omelet-rice which represents Japanese food nowadays.

You can hardly encounter this type of omelet-rice which is this smooth and light in texture. I recommend you drink “Kobu-tea” after the meal as the “Japanese way.”

Related article：http://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/34449

A wonderful meat cutlet burger at “Ginza Sato”

“Ginza Sato” is famous for a circular “meat cutlet burger”. They are offering an “original meat cutlet” from Kichijoji, dipped in special sauce then made into a burger.

 They make only 50 of these burgers a day. (￥380 for one) You can choose either a sweet or spicy sauce. You can enjoy the meat juice on a very soft bun.

Related article：http://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/37898

If you want to try one of Japan’s “soul foods” go to “Kommeraku”

Dashi Chazuke (rice in soup stock) is one of Japan’s soul foods. It is an easy and simple meal, but the soup or tea in this dish is sure to warm you up.

Komeraku’s set menu includes either soup and rice ball or rice in the soup stock and rice bowl. You can get the soup and rice ball set as a takeout. Just one mouthful of this dish and your whole body will be warmed. If you want to enjoy Japanese food in Ginza, you should go to “Komeraku.”

Related article：http://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/26438

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While shopping complexes such as Tokyu Plaza and GINZA SIX are on the rise, Ginza itself is a city that has been bustling with energy for a long time. It’s packed full of traditional and new shops and brings in people from all ages, young and old, and prides itself as the place to go during everyone’s days off.

<Related article：【Tokyo Stroll】Strolling around in Harajuku which has a lot of unique spots such as popular graffiti and artistic miscellaneous stores.>

Today is one of those days, so we’ll be heading on a date with model Yutaro.

Jugetsudo is a café managed by Maruyamanori that serves tea and nori (seaweed). It’s located only a 1-minute walk from Higashi-Ginza. Jugetsudo positions itself as a deliverer of Japanese culture, as not only does it have a shop in Japan, but in Paris too.

Located on the 5^th floor of Kabukiza Tower in Ginza, the stylish interior design of Jugetsudo was created by Kengo Kuma. The décor features bamboo throughout the entire café, giving it that Japanese authenticity.

The parks were visible from our seats, making it a suitable location for a relaxing and comfortable date. There were so many great things on the menu so it was difficult to choose what to order, but we went for a matcha parfait and matcha Mont Blanc since they are popular items at Jugetsudo.

“Matcha is my favourite kind of sweet”

The first order to arrive was the matcha parfait which is made using farming methods found in Nakajima. It came with Hōjicha and totaled ￥1,480. The luxurious soft cream uses matcha that is made from mineral-rich soil in Nakajima. Underneath, the parfait is complete with granola, matcha syrup, and matcha kanten. The entire parfait is lavished with matcha, and the soft cream even has matcha powder sprinkled on top. The sweet matcha ice cream and slightly bitter taste of the matcha syrup make for a perfect combination! This is a sweet that anyone can get down with, even people who aren’t too good with sweet stuff.

“The powdered matcha on top of the soft cream is subtly bitter and delicious!”

“Wanna try?”

Of course, the Hōjicha that comes with the parfait is great too. The Hōjicha you will normally find being sold is made with second and third buds, but the Hōjicha in Jugetsudo boasts first buds. It’s a sweet and satisfying taste.

“Whew!”

The second order to arrive was the matcha Mont Blanc and cold-brew tea set which came to ￥1,450. The Mont Blanc is made with a matcha cream that has a slight bitter taste to it, and chestnut paste, to bring out a rich flavour. You eat the cake with chestnut on top, and as you approach the center you’ll find a big chestnut inside. The chestnuts used as Japanese chestnuts. The sponge has cream on top of it and liquid matcha mixed inside, making this a sophisticated dessert indeed.

What goes perfectly with the Mont Blanc is the cold-brew tea that comes in the set, called “Matsuri Mecha.” The sweet tea brings out a refreshing flavour in the aftertaste of the cake. It’s the perfect thing for the upcoming hot summer days.

To celebrate having gone out this day, we bought souvenirs and puddings, before saying goodbye.

The date with the matcha-loving Yutaro went by so quickly, but when I eat my pudding I will most definitely remember the happy day I spent today. Let’s plan our next date while eating our puddings ♡

Related article：The big models (including Yutaro) of Harajuku fashion give their New Year’s Resolutions!

Related article：【Tokyo Stroll】Strolling around in Harajuku which has a lot of unique spots such as popular graffiti and artistic miscellaneous stores.

Today we take a look at “GINZA SIX,” the number one place where you can enjoy the spirit of Ginza to your hearts content, filled with unique shops scattered throughout a luxurious building!

GINZA SIX opened its doors on April 20^th this year. Located along Ginza’s symbolic Chuo-dori, which boasts some of the biggest and most luxurious fashion brands around including Dior, Saint Laurent, Céline, Valentino, Fendi, and Van Cleef & Arpels.

Pop art décor on display at the entrance

Greeting you as you enter the building is an art piece by internationally acclaimed Japanese artist Kusama Yayoi. The pop art chandeliers that hang from the ceiling are covered in dots, a design that Yayoi is famous for featuring in many of her works. This will no doubt be a popular photo spot! This entrance display can be enjoyed until February 25^th, 2018.

An official Kusama Yayoi pop-up store is also open for business, and everyone is going crazy over it! There’s other limited-time displays and collaborative project on show throughout the building too, so be sure to check them all out.

Floor B1F – The beauty floor!

Cosmetics and such are replete on B1F. There are a whopping 34 popular cosmetic brands lined up on this floor where you can get your hands on top brand items all in one go.

Yves Saint Laurent opened one of the world’s flagship boutiques. Not only does this store stock an amazing line-up of items, but it even has the world’s first membership scheme where one can have access to a private room, one that is themed around a recording studio. For the first time ever, the shop can offer smooth, one-to-one service. You can even get a quick service for information regarding limited edition GINZA SIX items as well as advice on eyebrows and how to draw them.

Over in Chanel you can find the world’s first ever lip stick vending machine, “LIP GATE.” Not only does it look amazing, it holds up well too! With a simple press of a button, your desired lip stick will drop down wrapped in a bag and ready to go. This is a new cool and smooth way to shop that was never available before. There’s also mini bottles of perfume limited to the store that are sure to induce those love calls!

John Masters Organic Select is also open with a huge line-up! The store is modern looking and decorated just like the original in a homage to New York salons. It also has a new concierge area where you can receive advice one-on-one with specialists regarding items and scalp treatment. Be sure not to miss out on the limited edition opening-celebratory box and GINZA SIX collection.

1 huge area, 241 brands

From luxurious, high-end brands to more personalised selection shops and outdoor brands, GINZA SIX features a huge variety of shops. More than half of the 241 brands available in the shopping centre are flagship brands, meaning that wherever you go, you’re sure to find the best of the best.

81 popular brands have used this opportunity to open up their first store in GINZA SIX. No matter what floor you find yourself on, it would be no exaggeration to say that you’ll find yourself thinking that today’s fashion trends come from Ginza.

You will also find studios next to the shops where you will see specialists working on their products. You’ll have such a good time inside the centre seeing everything there is to see and picking out your favourites.

Floors 2 to 5 house many other popular collection brands and shops such as H.P.FRANCE BIJOUX, MM6 MAISON MARGIELA, 3.1 Phillip Lim, Alexander Wang, and more.

It doesn’t stop at fashion. GINZA SIX even includes other popular stores such as #0107 PLAZA, Nakagawa Masashichi, THE CONRAN SHOP, and lots more!

TSUTAYA – The bookshop overflowing with art and culture

You mustn’t forget the TSUTAYA on floor 6 that has a Starbucks attached to it. This bookshop stocks lots of magazines and publications.

With bookshelves reaching 6 meters tall, you are sure to find at least 1 book that suits you. And the light that filters through the skylight is sure to calm your heart.

What is more likely to catch your eye is the event space which hosts daily arts and culture events themed around traditional Edo culture and the more modern Tokyo Culture. As part of the GINZA SIX’s opening, there are performances by Mika Ninagawa and others running until the end of May.

Hungry and need food? Head on up to the 2^nd floor!

It’s not just fashion, beauty and artsy stuff! If you’ve done shopping or simply need something to eat then you should stop by the food area in GINZA SIX. You’ll most definitely get your fill here, from famous food shops to old-fashioned restaurants that until now you could only experience in their place of origin!

When the influx of Western culture entered Japan 100 years ago, Ginza, which had flourished as a high colour city, was the hub for café culture. It was famous for having the most delicious cafés around, and was dubbed “Café Europe.” 100 years on, and tourists inside and outside of Japan continue to visit Ginza. GINZA SIX keeps hold of this trend and offers a taste of the legend of these stores which have gone unchanged for 100 years.

Ginza is a sophisticated town that you can enjoy in various ways such as visiting historical and old-established restaurants, typical sightseeing spots, and the latest fashion stores. There are some stores that carry lots of functional and fashionable stationaries in this town. Today, Ayumi Seto and I are going to visit the special stationary stores in Ginza area.

Starting with EDITO 365 in Shinmaru Building

Start strolling from the Shinmaru Building that is easily accessed from Otemachi and Tokyo train stations.

We visited the “EDITO 365” that carries a wide selection of stationary and miscellaneous goods on the forth floor of Shinmaru Building. They carry great quality stationary goods, original schedule note books and unique miscellaneous products.

We recommend “PAUL & JOE La Papeterie” which is the first stationary merchandise from the brand name called “PAUL & JOE.” This has drawn attention since last year, and they are going to start selling their spring season collection in 2017. This pattern that has kitties on a  pale spring color is really cute!

Ayumi’s favorite is the heart shaped metal pen holder which is the original holder that has shiny gold stamping. It is great to buy for yourself or give it as a gift to someone along with some note books.

▼Information

ÉDITO 365 in Shin-Marunouchi Building

Address：1-5-1 Shin-Marunouchi Building 4F, Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo

Hours：11:00AM to 9:00PM. Mon to Sat

11:00AM to 8:00PM. Sun. and holidays

Holiday：Open 7 days a week(Except January 1 and legally required days for inspection)

To “Gekko-so Art Supply store”

The next one we visited is “Ginza Gekko-so Art Supply Store” located In Hanatsubaki Street, Ginza 8 Chome. It is a historical art supply store that was established in 1917.

This store only carries original art supply products. The products include colors, brushes and sketch books made by the craftsman and have a horn emblem that signature “call good friends.”

They succeed making all Japanese made colors since 1940, and the color named “cobalt violet pink” won 1^st prize in the World Painting Color Award in 1971. They still have been creating high quality art supplies, and so many colorful paintings such as oil colors, water colors and gouache placed all over the wall.

▼Information

Gekko-so Art Supply store

Address：8-7-2 Eiju Building 1F・B1F, Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo

Hours：11:00AM to 7:00PM.

Holiday：Year end and New Year Holidays.

Only 1st floor painting material department is closed on Wednesday.

(The following day if it falls on a public holiday)

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Hello, everyone! My name is Banako and I am a staff person of MOSHI MOSHI BOX Harajuku Tourist Information Center!

Have you heard of “Rainbow Soft Cream?” It is a sweets item sold in Harajuku that is gathering much attention on SNS nowadays. Harajuku is a place where many ice cream stores are located.

“LE SHINER” which sells this item is often featured in TV programs as a shop that is offering Instagrammable sweets items.

To get to the store, exit JR Yamanote Line – Harajuku Station / Takeshita Exit and walk straight down Takeshita Street. Then, make a right turn at the intersection where CROQUANTCHOU ZAKUZAKU is located. You can’t miss it, and the pink-colored bear sitting outside the shop will be there to greet you.

Rainbow Soft Cream (810 yen – tax included)

This is their popular sweets item –“Rainbow Soft Cream.” Rainbow colored fresh cream is placed around the pink-colored ice cream.

I love desserts, so I love this item. The look of this item and the store is so gorgeous and cute, so I took many photos.

 “LE SHINER” sells many popular items such as “Light Bulb Soda” and “Cheese Dog” in addition to “Rainbow Soft Cream.”

Why not visit this shop when you visit Harajuku.