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High Class Traveling in Ginza: a One-Day Plan
Ginza is a shopping district in Tokyo, mostly known for its high concentration of western brand luxury shops. However, few know that the real lure of Ginza is in the history and culture of famous Japanese brands like Seiko and Shiseido. These long-established brands are the embodiment of 'Made in Japan'.
Lately, the increase of unique shops like the Dassai sake store and Michelin-starred ramen restaurant Mugi to Olive allows people to always enjoy Ginza in new and exciting ways.
So, let me take you to a luxurious day trip to Ginza, where the charms of old and new blend together!
10:30
Starting From the New, Much Hyped Ginza Six
We're starting our journey at Ginza Six, the new hot spot that everybody is talking about. Opened on April 20, 2017, this store is the largest commercial facility in the Ginza area with a whooping 241 brands gathered here. This is the place to go if you're looking for the latest trends in Tokyo.
In the atrium is an installation by famous Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama. These huge polka-dotted pumpkins quickly became a favorite picture spot with Tokyoites and are all over Japanese social media.
In the atrium is an installation by famous Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama. These huge polka-dotted pumpkins quickly became a favorite picture spot with Tokyoites and are all over Japanese social media.
Yayoi Kusama, "Pumpkins" ©YAYOI KUSAMA
※Yayoi Kusama's work will be displayed from April 20, 2017 to February 25, 2018 .
※Yayoi Kusama's work will be displayed from April 20, 2017 to February 25, 2018 .
Among the luxury shops of Ginza Six you will find several Japanese brands, too. On the 5th floor is Seiko Boutique, a shop displaying many lineups of Seiko watches.
The spacious display is very easy to browse, making it easy to find the watch design that you like.
Particularly noteworthy is Seiko Astron. My attention was caught by SBXB127, from the Seiko Astron Executive Line, just released in June. It doesn't matter what country you're in, by simply pressing a button Astron will receive radio waves from GPS satellites and display the exact time of your current location.
Seiko Astron SBXB127
Seiko Astron SBXB126
Information
Seiko Boutique GINZA SIX 5FAddress: 6-10-1 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
Hours: 10:30am-8:30pm
Official Website (Japanese-only):
https://www.seiko-watch.co.jp/boutique/ginzasix/jp/
11:30
110 Years of Stationery History: Ginza Itoya
Itoya was newly rebuilt two years ago. It stocks a wide range of products, from stationery to daily necessities and travel goods. Inside you can also find a juice bar, a restaurant, and an area where vegetables are grown in hydroponic cultivation (the method of growing plants without soil).
In the pictures you can see the letter and card area on the 2nd floor. There is a real post box here, so you can write a postcard and send it on the spot! A postman collects the mail from here every day at the same time.
2nd floor card area
Cards can be mailed on the spot
First floor with coffee and drinks
Behind Itoya is another shop called K.Itoya. In addition to stationery, there is a very interesting service on the 2nd floor. Here you can create your original notebook. Choose your favorite cover and paper, and a professional will put together a notebook just for you. Process time can vary, but on average it takes about half a day to a day to have your notebook done. It's a great way to remember your trip!
Information
Ginza Itoya (G.Itoya) | 銀座・伊東屋Address: 2-7-15 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
Hours: Mon. - Sat. 10:00am-8:00pm
Sundays and holidays 10:00am-7:00pm
The cafe on the 12th floor is open until 10:00pm (Lo.9:00pm)
K.Itoya
Address: 2-7-15 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
Hours: Mon. - Sat. 10:00am-8:00pm
Sundays and holidays 10:00am-7:00pm
Website (Japanese-only): http://www.ito-ya.co.jp/
12:00
A Ramen That Impressed Michelin for 3 Consecutive Years
The certificates are displayed on the wall.
Inside are counter seats only. Ramen craftsmen will make Michelin ramen right in front of you.
The popular dish here is Tori・Niboshi・Hamaguri No Triple Soba (鶏・煮干・蛤のトリプルSOBA). This ramen is made from a stock of chicken (tori), dried sardines (niboshi), and hamaguri clams. The unique toppings include mitsuba greens, naga imo potato and naruto fishcake. Calling this "ramen" is almost reductive; it's a complete and satisfying dish.
Information
Mugi to Olive | むぎとオリーブAddress: Ginza Terrace Bldg. 1F 6-12-12 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
Hours: Mon. - Fri. 11:30am-10:00pm
Saturdays and holidays 11:30am-9:00pm
※ Restaurant may close early if they run out of soup
※ Restaurant may close at 3:30pm for approx. 2 hours
Closed Sundays
13:00
Spend Some 'Elegant' Time in Seiko Premium Boutique
In Seiko Premium Boutique Ginza you'll be able to admire the highest quality Seiko watches. The CREDOR Linealx model, for example, has been popular since its release. Its beauty can be said to be the highest peak of Seiko's aesthetic sense of technology and design. An elegant curve reminiscent of water and the 18K pink gold add a touch of refinement and elegance to a woman's wrist.
CREDOR Linealx GSAS938
Information
Seiko Premium Boutique Ginza | セイコー プレミアムブティック 銀座Address: 7-9-16 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
Hours: Mon. - Sat. 11:00am-8:00pm
Sundays and holidays 11:00am-7:00pm
Official website: http://www.seiko-watch.co.jp/boutique/premium_ginza/en/
14:00
Tea Time at Shiseido Parlour Salon De Café
On the 3rd floor, an elegant tea time awaits us in Shiseido Parlour Salon de Café. The modern and refined atmosphere from when it was opened in 1902 has been passed down for generations until the present time.
If you have trouble choosing one of the delicious looking items on the menu, we recommend the Strawberry Parfait hands down. The Japanese strawberry and vanilla ice cream are outstandingly compatible and very satisfying. Each month there are also limited edition sweets made with local ingredients.
Information
Shiseido Parlour Salon de Café | 資生堂パーラー サロン・ド・カフェAddress: Tokyo Ginza Shiseido Bldg. 3F 8-8-3 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
Hours: 11:30am-9:00pm (LO 8:30pm)
Sundays and holidays 11:30am-8:00pm (LO 7:30pm)
Closed on Mondays
Website: http://parlour.shiseido.co.jp/en/index.html
15:00
Experience Japan's Kabuki Culture
It takes about 4 hours to watch a kabuki play, but there is a special ticket called hitomaku-miseki (一幕見席) for people that wish to view only one act. This way you can appreciate kabuki in 30-60 minutes.
If you want to get a taste of the world of kabuki in an even shorter time, we recommend the Kobikicho Ichiba market on the second basement floor.
From kimono to sweets, food and other goods this shop carries a wide variety of Japanese products.
The most popular is a series of items with a design inspired to kumadori, the makeup worn by kabuki actors. You'll see kumadori on various products such as bread, ice cream, cosmetics, and so on.
The popular 'kumadori cube'. bitter chocolate cream, etc.
Lip cream and hand cream
Matcha soft cream with kumadori cookie
Face pack that also turns you into a kabuki actor!
Information
Kabuki-za Theatre | 歌舞伎座Address: 4-12-15 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
Hours: Varies depending on show schedules and floors.
Direct access from Higashi Ginza station on the Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line
Website: https://www.kabukiweb.net/theatres/kabukiza/information/index.html
16:00
Wako, Ginza's Lanmark and Symbol
The interior of this luxury department store is very elegant and open, with lots of high quality goods. You can relax and enjoy your shopping at your own pace.
Passing by, we were attracted to the smooth, elegant movement of Grand Seiko's second hand. Seiko's original Spring Drive mechanism combines the delicacy of a mechanical movement with the accuracy of quartz. Polished by skilled craftsmen, the fine quality watch shines in one's hands. We definitely recommend you check it out for yourself at the shop.
Grand Seiko SBGA211
Information
Wako | 和光Address: Building 1F , 4-5-11 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
Hours: 10:30am-7:00pm
Official website (machine-translated English site available): https://www.wako.co.jp/
16:30
Afternoon Snack With Ginza Kimuraya's Anpan
The most popular anpan is An Butter (pronounced ahn buh-tuh). The mellow taste of the butter and the moderate sweetness of tsubuan (coarse bean paste) are wrapped in a French style bread for a superb combination of taste and texture.
店舖資訊
Ginza Kimuraya | 銀座木村家Address: 4-5-7 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
Hours: 10:00am-9:00pm
Open all year round except for New Year's Eve and New Year's Day
Website (Japanese-only): https://www.ginzakimuraya.jp/
17:00
Can't Go Back Home Without a Dassai Souvenir
Let me tell you the best thing first: at Dassai Store you can try sake tasting. For 500 yen, you can sample three varieties of sake comparing the different flavors and aromas. The set comes with a rice cracker snack, too!
In addition to sake, you'll find a lot of other products made by Dassai. Cakes, chocolate, curry, and ice cream are just a few.
Dassai souvenirs - sake cake, sake lees curry, chocolate and more
Sake bottle in a paulownia wooden box
Dassai sake lees ice cream
Information
Dassai Store Ginza | 獺祭Store銀座Address: GINZA MISS PARIS Bldg. 1F 5-10-2 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
Hours: 11:00am-8:00pm
Open all year round
Website (Japanese-only): http://www.asahishuzo.ne.jp/barstore/ginza.html
Ginza offers you a luxurious day in your journey to Japan. Experience high-class shopping and food, try watching a kabuki play! From long-established Made in Japan brands to the newest popular trends, Ginza will always treat you to a new and unique experience. Find your own personal favorites in this elegant, classy district!
*This article uses information obtained May 5, 2017.
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THIS ARTICLE IS BASED ON INFORMATION FROM 07 10,2017 Author：DiGJAPAN! Editorial Team
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