Ginza means ’silver mint’, and this upmarket part of Tokyo was once a bustling center of the silver trade way back during the Edo period. When a huge fire destroyed its wooden establishments back in the 18^th century, Ginza became one of the first areas of Japan to embrace the European style of architecture. Today, this 8-block neighborhood might as well be paved with silver, as a square meter of land can cost up to USD 100,000, making Ginza one of the most expensive real estates in the world. All the elite brands have boutiques here, from Louis Vuitton to Gucci, as well as upscale restaurants, cafés, movie theaters, and department stores.

Ginza is also a popular travel spot for pedestrians, as vehicular traffic is closed along the main arteries on weekends. If you ever pass by Ginza, the following are must-see sights:

• Kabuki-za Theater - a center for Kabuki performances in Tokyo, the Kabuki-za is located at the corner of Showa-dori and Harumi-dori. The theater maintains a traditional Japanese style of architecture, with rows of sake containers lining up in front of the building, as gestures of good luck for the entire theater season. Kabuki performances last from 3 to 5 hours, although tickets are available for single acts, which only last for 1 to 2 hours. Tickets for an entire show range from 2,000 to 20,000 Yen, while single act tickets range from 500 to 1,500 Yen. Earphones for English language translations are available for a fee.

• Sony Building - at Sukobiyashi Crossing, this building is the headquarters of the global consumer electronics giant. The latest innovations and products are on display on the showroom, comprising 4 whole floors..

• Matsuya and Mitsukoshi – the department store titans have great branches here, selling all sorts of goods and services.

• San-ai Building - the cylindrical steel-and-glass structure that is the symbol of Ginza. It is partially circumscribed by the very chic Le Café Doutour.

• Hakuhinkan Toy Park - one of the oldest toy stores in the country, thiis is the place to find the newest and strangest toys.

• Wako - the 19-th century edifice with a clock tower at the corner of Chuo-Dori and Harumi-Dori. Wako was built during the Meiji restoration, a time when Japan was obsessed with all things European. While most of the European-style buildings were destroyed during the 1923 Kanto earthquake and World War II bombings, Wako is one of the few buildings that survived.

• The side streets of Ginza also contain galleries, featuring photography, pottery, and art from all across Japan.

It’s a cinch to travel to Ginza, as three subway lines [Marunouchi (M16), Ginza (G09), and Hibiya (H08)] pass through this district. The best time to visit is during the Christmas season, where the trees lining the streets are filled with lights. Honestly, Ginza may be a swell place for window-shopping in Japan, but don’t go looking for bargains here. Even if you brought USD 100,000 with you, all you can really buy is a place to stand on.

Posted in Attractions, Japan

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