Tokyo: travel guide to Ginza - what to see and where to eat
Tokyo is the capital of Japan and is the obligatory stop for every time you come to visit the Rising Sun. It is a megalopolis that boasts over 10 million inhabitants and is always evolving: for this reason you never stop discovering it and every time you go back you always notice something different and new. This beautiful city is the hub of Japan as it encompasses all facets of the entire country in its iconic neighborhoods. In Tokyo we must necessarily go back in time: explaining the emotions that this city is able to give is not possible, you have to live them. Only those who have been there can understand it. As a minimum stay, I recommend staying no less than a week: Tokyo should also be explored on foot, admired in its alleys and views. You can't hit and run, it wouldn't make any sense, especially if it's your first time here.
Information before leaving, how to get there, how to get around, where to stay here.
GINZA
The name of this district derives from the word "gin" (silver) because the mint of silver coinage was established right here during the period. It is therefore easy to understand that Ginza represents the elitist area par excellence: here it is possible to go shopping for big brands in a unique architectural context. In fact, there are many architects who have worked over the years to make this area a real jewel. I advise you to visit the area on foot to admire, in particular, the boutiques of Chanel, Hermes, Cartier, Dior and the headquarters of the Mikimoto Company, a leading company in the cultivation of pearls.
Surely Ginza is not a very popular destination, unless you are passionate about high fashion and/or fine cuisine. However, in my opinion, it is also worth seeing quickly to grasp (and understand) luxury in Tokyo.
WHAT TO SEE
Not temples or museums, but boutiques: this is what Ginza offers. Treat yourself to a walk and perhaps stop for a quick snack in one of the many super chic cafés that you will find.
WAKO
Famous luxury shopping mall. What is most striking is the structure dating back to 1932, whose Seiko watch has become a real point of reference as well as a symbol of Ginza itself.
Opening 10:30am - 07pm, address: 4 Chome-5-11 Ginza, Chuo City, Tokyo 104-0061
ITOYA
Large stationery chain headquartered in Ginza. A shop that will leave you speechless in front of the very high quality of the items on sale. From handmade Japanese paper to brushes, you'll find it all here.
Open 10am - 08pm, address: 2 Chome-7-15 Ginza, Chuo City, Tokyo 104-0061
NAKAGIN CAPSULE BUILDING
Very particular building built in 1971 and designed by the architect Kishō Kurokawa according to the metabolist style, it represents the first attempt at a capsule in which to live. It has been inhabited for over forty years but since 2010 the structure has been abandoned, thanks to the presence of asbestos. It is not yet known what the future of the building will be, in the meantime it is still possible to admire it from the outside.
Address: 8 Chome-16-10 Ginza, Chuo City, Tokyo 104-0061
WHERE TO EAT
If you are in Ginza to eat then you don't want to worry too much about the budget. There's little point in coming to this area and not splurge on top-notch dining.
KYUBEY GINZA HONTEN
Very refined historic restaurant (it was founded in 1936) where you can taste excellent sushi prepared by chef Imada for each diner at the moment, piece after piece. An excellent restaurant where you can experience an incredible gustatory journey.
It is not possible to book.
Open 11:30am - 02pm and 5pm - 10pm, closed on Sundays, address: 8-7-6 Ginza, Chuo 104-0061
TEMPURA KONDO
This is one of the best tempura restaurants in Tokyo. With 50 years of experience and two Michelin stars, Tempura Kondo is the reference point for lovers of Japanese fried food. I advise you to book well in advance as the restaurant only seats 25.
Open 12pm - 03pm and 05pm - 08:30pm, address: 〒104-0061 Tokyo, Chuo City, Ginza, 5 Chome−5−13 坂口ビル ９F
SUKIYABASHI JIRO
The fame of chef Jiro Ono precedes him: thanks to the three Michelin stars (recently lost) and the documentary made by Netflix, booking here is rather difficult yesterday as today, despite the fact that this very difficulty was the cause of the loss of the Michelin stars.
Open 11:30am - 02pm and 05:30pm - 08:30pm, closed Saturday evening and Sunday, website, address: 〒104-0061 Tokyo, Chuo City, Ginza, 4 Chome−2−15 塚本総業ビルB1階