Other Ginza Highlights

The Suburb of Ginza is well known as Japan’s fashion capital but there are also plenty of other interesting things to see here, once you finish shopping for some high fashion.

Hakuhinkan Toy Park

Hakuhinkan Toy Park is at the South end of of Ginza-dori and is one of Japan’s oldest and largest toy stores dating back to 1899. This is a toy lovers paradise with six floors of fantastic toys and gadgets. There are toys, dolls, bears, models and games in every shape and size and lots of things you will never see back home. The fourth floor is a video arcade floor where you can test drive the latest Nintendo, Play station or Microsoft electronic games. The upper floors have a Italian, Chinese and a range of Japanese restaurants while the basement has a dentist and the strangely named Ginza Penguin Pharmacy.

Takarazuka Theatre

This theatre located on Chuo-ku, is renowned for it’s all female troop the Takarzuka which stage extravagant productions in both Japanese and English. Many of the shows are musicals. The theatre has been running since 1889 and been rebuilt several times after fire, war and earthquakes. The review has also traveled their show to over 20 countries with over 35 different shows.

Fugetsudo

Fugetsudo is situated on Miyuki Dori and is well renowned for its traditional sweet and savory crackers. This shop is very popular with the Tokyo ’beautiful people set” the store features very special gold chandeliers and faux marble-topped tables plus some of Tokyo’s best treats for under 500 Yen, You can get a treat like kasutera and okawari ocha or sample something from the wagashi counter.

Tachikichi Pottery Gallery

If you are after unique handmade ceramics then head to Chuo-ku and visit Tachikichi. The gallery and store has both traditional and modern piece. There are regular exhibitions including the magnificent Koyto pottery. For those with a sweet tooth there is a magnificent Belgium chocolate shop across the street.