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Ginza Shopping Tour, Tokyo
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Ginza Shopping Tour
Guide Location: Japan » Tokyo
Guide Type: Self-guided city tour
# of Attractions: 7
Tour Duration: 1 hour(s)
Transportation Mode: by foot
Travel Distance: 1.4 km
Image Courtesy of Wikimedia and Jlascar
Author: ann
Often compared with New York's Fifth Avenue, Ginza is a district situated in Chuo, Tokyo. It is known as one of the most luxurious shopping regions in Tokyo. The area is home to big department stores and almost all leading world brands have their presence here. Ginza is also famous for its bakeries and restaurants. The small allies leading off from the main road is lined with galleries exhibiting paintings and other artwork. This area is bound to quench the thirst of every shopaholic.
Tour Stops and Attractions
Hakuhinkan Toy Park
1) Hakuhinkan Toy Park
Dubbed as one of the largest toy stores in Japan, the Hakuhinkan Toy is also the oldest. The shop has four floors where in addition to the usual dolls, puzzles, games, and other items, there is a large assortment of gag gifts and strange toys. There is a game arcade on the fourth floor. The place also houses child-friendly restaurants and a theater.
Image Courtesy of Flickr and robotsari
San-ai Building
2) San-ai Building
Located the intersection of Chuo-dori and Harumi-dori, opposite to the Mitsukoshi department store and to the Ginza Wako, the San-ai Building is the icon of Ginza on postcards and travel magazines. It is also known as the San'ai Dream Center. The building is in the shape of a glass cylinder and is illuminated by neon lights during night.
Image Courtesy of Wikimedia and Sergio Perez
Ginza Wako
3) Ginza Wako
The Ginza Wako is a landmark building in Tokyo that was once the headquarters of the Seiko Watch Company. It is now a retail store selling upscale merchandise.
The Ginza Wako was established in 1881 by Kintaro Hattori the founder of the Hattori Watch Company that later became the Seiko Holdings Corporation. The Hattori Clock Tower stood in the location at the time. It was damaged by the 1923 Great Kanto Earthquake. The present building with a neoclassical style and a curved granite façade was designed by architect, Jin Watanabe. It was completed in 1932 and renamed as the K. Hattori Building. A clock was fitted in honor of Kintaro Hattori. Today, the clock tower plays the Westminister Chimes. The Ginza Wako was one of the few structures in the city left intact after the World War II bombings. The Allied occupation forces used it as their headquarters after the war.
Today, the Wako retail store sells watches, porcelain, women’s’ apparel and accessories, furnishings, jewelry, children’s apparel and expensive foreign chocolates. There are two restaurants, a tea salon, a chocolate salon, a gourmet and cake shop and a café within the building. It also has a large space for exhibitions where ceramic art exhibitions and other temporary events are held.
Image Courtesy of Wikimedia and Lover of Romance
Ito-ya
4) Ito-ya
This Ginza landmark is a delight if you are looking for stationary. From finely crafted greeting cards, pens, craft paper, to organizers and office stationary, this place has it all. All of nine floors, each floor has one specialty. The ground floor has an amazing collection of greeting cards and is a favorite during Christmas. The upper floors have pens, office stationary and the top floor has a tea lounge.
Image Courtesy of Wikimedia and karitsu
Mikimoto
5) Mikimoto
Known for their cultured pearls, "Mikimoto" is a world leader in the jewel industry. Their store is located right next to the Ginza Wako. "Mikimoto" is famous for being the official jeweler of Miss Teen USA, Miss USA and Miss Universe.
Image Courtesy of Wikimedia and Oiuysdfg
Tenshodo
6) Tenshodo
Situated on Harumi-dori, "Tenshodo" is a luxury store that specializes in high quality jewelry and watches. The top floor of the store displays different train models and is a huge favorite with visitors.
Image Courtesy of Flickr and OiMax
Sony Building
7) Sony Building
Designed by Japanese architect Yoshinobu Ashihara, the Sony Building houses several showrooms. On display and sale are Sony products including DVD recorders, televisions, cameras, audio sets, mobile phones, computers and Play Stations. The building itself is an example of postmodern architecture. You will also find several other shops and restaurants as well in this building.
Image Courtesy of Wikimedia and Simone Urbinati
Attractions Map
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