Get lost in the crowds at Ginza Crossing
Ginza’s iconic crosswalk is second only to the scramble crossing in Shibuya. This is where the two major thoroughfares of Harumi-dori and Chuo-dori intersect to form the neighborhood’s pedestrian core. Cut through the crowds to the Wako department store on the northern corner, recognizable by its famous Seiko clock tower.
Miraculously spared from destruction in World War II, the original Hattori building was an early purveyor of clocks and watches, but is best known today for its window displays and delectable sweets shops.
Stand to attention at the Police Museum
At the northern end of Ginza is the quirky Police Museum. Run by the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department and free to enter, it contains an assortment of police-related paraphernalia. Although there is not much in the way of English-language information, it is still worth a look, with a range of uniforms and police vehicles on display.
Explore Itoya Stationery Store
Beloved by stationery fans, this century-old store is more than just a place to buy postcards. Ginza Itoya is a multi-level emporium that sells a dizzying selection of pens, pencils, art supplies, calligraphy brushes, and office-related miscellany. The entire floor of patterned washi, or Japanese decorative paper, is considered one of the best in Tokyo. Visitors can design their own notebook, and even purchase custom-engraved luggage tags for their flight home. On the top level is Cafe Stylo, a restaurant that serves vegetables grown in an indoor farm on Itoya’s 11th floor.
Enjoy a night of kabuki
On the east side of Ginza is the famous Kabuki-za Theatre, a faithful reconstruction of the original building which was constructed here in 1889. It is the principle place to watch kabuki, a classical-style dance drama, in Tokyo.
Tickets for the daily performances range from 2,000 to 20,000 yen (US$18–$180). Even if the language is mostly impenetrable to non-Japanese speakers, Kabuki performances are lively and colourful and feature traditional Japanese music.
Bask in the Nostalgia at Lupin
Lupin is an unexpected hideaway in the thick of busy Ginza. Open since 1928, this discreet basement bar was once frequented by Japan’s literary elite. While no longer the haunt of authors and playwrights, Bar Lupin’s dusky decor recalls the artistic salons of its Showa-era past. The drinks are exquisite, albeit pricey. A moscow mule in a copper mug is their signature cocktail, but the bartenders also pour concoctions with names like Charlie Chaplin (apricot brandy, sloe gin) and Golden Fizz (gin, lemon, egg yolk).
Visit Tokyo’s Tsukiji Market
Ahead of the 2020 Olympics, Tsukiji Market has been moved from its original spot southeast of Ginza to a new location. Although Tokyo’s tuna auctions are now off limits, there is still a lot here to explore.
The outer market is where you can get an eyeful of interesting looking seafoods, and also buy chef-grade kitchen knives. After shopping, get your uni fix at Unitora Kurau, or dig into some chirashi at Sushikuni. For oyster lovers, there is the yummy Kakigoya. Plan to visit Tsukiji early, as most places close in the afternoon.