Ginza

Ginza

The most prestigious shopping area in Japan. Ginza was first turned into a shopping mecca after the removal of the shogunate mint from which the name Ginza(seat of silver) derives, and the area was taken over by brick buildings on willow-lined avenues. The Birthplace of Ginza Monument stands in front of the Tiffany jewelry shop on Ginza-dori.
The focal point is the Ginza Yonchome crossing. On one corner is the clock tower of the Wako store, on another, a Mtsukoshi department store; and on a third, the circular San'ai fashion tower. Ginza- dori, the central thoroughfare, has lwo other department stores: Matsuya and Matsuzakaya. Wako is the place for jewelry and china, Shiseido for cosmetics, Mikimoto for pearl jewelry, Kyukyodo for Japanese paper, incense and inkstones. Tenshodo for model trains, and lto-ya is a magnificent stationery emporium. On a corner of the Sukiyabashi crossing, the Sony Building has a showroom where the latest Sony Offerings are on display. On subsidiary streets are such famous names as Gucci and Vuitton, while an expedition into the network of narrower roads behind the big avenues will reveal art galleries of all persuasions.
Ginza offers an especially good choice of dining experiences. There are some 4.O00 eateries in the area, covering a vast selection of food and prices.
East along Harumi-dori from Ginza isKabukiza Theatre and Tsukiji Honganji Temple with an Indian(????) architectural motif. The Main Worship Hall is open 6:00-16:00 daily. English pamphlet available.
Tsukiji Fish Market, the largest fish market in Japan, and Hamarikyu Garden, one of the most enjoyable gardens in Tokyo, are also in this vicinity. Hamarikyu was orginally the garden of a feudal lord's mansion in the Edo period. As the ponds fill from the bay, the water level rises and falls with the tides. There is a pick-up point for the Sumida River waterbus inside the garden, making it an excellent place to relax before or after a trip to Asakusa. 12 min walk from JR/subway Shimbashi Stn. Open 9:O0-17:00. Last entry 16:30. Closed late Dec-early Jan.

Kabukiza
No trip to Japan is complete without a visit to Kabukiza. This imposing edifice with's clay tiled roof and dignified grandeur is a delightful venue in which to encounter the most flamboyant of Japan's traditional performing arts, dating from the 17th century.