Ginza Shopping
The name Ginza is synonymous with high end fashion and while this may have something to do with the price of real estate in the area that attracts shops like Cartier Louis Vuitton, Dior and Chanel there are also a great range of department stores as well as electronics displays by the likes of Sony and Apple
The San’ai Building
The San’ai Building is one of Ginza’s most recognisable landmarks; its glass cylinder like building sits on the intersection of Chuo Dori and Harumi Dori and is what would be Asia’s most expensive piece of real estate. Designed by Nikken Sekkei and opening in 1962 this building is the essence of Ginza glitz and glamour. At night the building is spectacular, laden with neon LED and video screens advertising the world’s biggest brands. Inside the building houses the boutiques of Tokyo’s best brands and large famous name cafe’s.
Wako Department Store
Dating back to 1894 the Wako Department store has been an icon on the Chuo Dori and Harumi Dori intersection. It’ts clock tower is a popular landmark of the area, but the highlight of the building are the spectacular and creative window displays which amaze and entertain passers by. The Wako Department Store is renowned for its exquisite watches, jewelry, porcelain and other luxury goods. The centre also houses a magnificent art gallery. The building dates back to 1932 and is one of the very few pre WW2 buildings left in Tokyo.
Mikimoto Ginza 2
The Mikimoto Store is one of the more striking architectural sights in Ginza, its interesting shaped building with was designed by Toyo Ito and is the latest Mikimoto which has operated in Ginza for over 100 years. Mikimoto now has stores around the world and is famous for its exclusive jewelry and its beautiful cultured pearls.
Matsuya Department Store
The Matsuya Department stores are a huge store selling just about anything, with a major influence on fashion and furnishings. The Ginza store is well worth a visit to for dining, there are two choices the restaurant city on the top floors offer dozens of Japanese and western cafe’s and restaurants while the basement has an amazing assortment of takeaway, hot, fresh and cold foods. Even if you are not hungry the basement is an amazing place to visit.
Mitsukoshi Department Store
Mitsukoshi’s Ginza store is one of the world’s most glamorous stores. People even dress up to shop. Its multi levels stock some of Japan’s best fashions from some of the Japan’s and the worlds leading brands. The kimono department is a must for anyone wanting to try on and purchase this famous Japanese costume.
Printemps
The Japanese love anything to do with French and Printemps Department Store brings a bit of French to Ginza, located on Sootobori-Dori and opening in 1984, the store has ten floors of fashion and accessories, French wine and food and many other luxury goods plus a cinema and its very popular bridal department. The store is surrounded by quite a few French Cafe’s and boutiques making the area feel very French, in a Japanese sort of way.
