Travel Tips

Best things to do in Ginza, Tokyo, in 2025

Stopping by Ginza on your next Tokyo trip? From indulging in retail therapy to experiencing Kabuki performances in their most authentic form, here are some of the top things to do in Ginza.

Even if you have just a day in Tokyo, we suggest spending some time in Ginza. There’s something for everyone — you’ve got the country’s largest kabuki theatre, the best sushi in the city, and luxury shopping destinations that would beat Paris and Milan.

Here are some top things to do in Ginza the next time you’re visiting Tokyo — must-see landmarks, retail hot-spots, art galleries, and more — along with insider recommendations on how you can experience this Tokyo district at its best.

1. Kabuki-za Theatre

One of the best things to do in Ginza, especially for culture or theater enthusiasts, is catching a kabuki performance at the historic Kabuki-za Theatre.

Kabuki is a classical form of Japanese theatre that includes music, dance, and an all-male cast in flamboyant costumes.

While a full kabuki performance can last hours (and be overwhelming for first-timers), you can purchase one-act tickets to get a taste of what it’s all about. You can check out the theatre’s program and book your tickets on the Kabuki-za English website.

Ticket costs range from $25 USD (¥4,000) for the lowest tier to around $130 (¥20,000) for a Box Seat. You can also get English captioning for an additional fee of $9.60 (¥1,500).

And while there’s no dress code usually, some shows — like during the Kabukiza Kimono Day — encourage attendees to wear a kimono.

Best time to visit: As the top pick on our Ginza things to do list, it’s no surprise that Kabuki-za can be pretty busy. For a quieter time, go mid-week (Tuesday-Thursday) — it’s usually less crowded.

The Kabuki-za Theatre; Source: Pixabay

2. Ginza Wako Building

Another iconic landmark that’s on our top things to do in Ginza, Tokyo list is the Wako Building (also called Hattori Building).

Designed by architect Jin Watanabe, it features a rooftop clock tower that plays Westminster chimes (a melody originally composed for the clock at the Palace of Westminster in London).

It’s one of the few structures that survived the bombings during World War II and today, it’s recognized as part of Japan’s Heritage of Industrial Modernization by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI).

As the building is home to the Wako store, a luxury retail shop, you can indulge in high-end window shopping or perhaps even treat yourself to a special keepsake.

Best time to visit: Go on weekdays during business hours (11:00 AM to 7:00 PM) for a quiet experience.

The Clock Tower at the Ginza Wako Building; Source: Pixabay

3. Mitsukoshi Ginza

If you’re looking to do some shopping when in Tokyo, why not head to the Mitsukoshi Ginza store? It’s the oldest department store in Japan, originally founded in 1673 as Echigoya, a kimono shop.

It’s a 12-floor building with everything from gourmet restaurants to luxury brands. The store also hosts various cultural events throughout the year, such as cherry blossom-themed exhibits in spring.

When there, make sure to try the yakiniku (grilled meat) restaurant, Yakiniku BANTE JUBAN, which is said to serve the highest quality Miyazaki beef.

Another option is Tsukiji Aozora Sanjo, known for its sushi, sashimi, and seafood rice bowls that are made with fresh fish from the popular Tsukiji Outer Market.

Mitsukoshi is open all days of the week from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM (restaurants are open until 11:00 PM) and is quite accessible with disabled parking and wheelchair-accessible lifts, ramps, and escalators.

Best time to visit: Go during weekend afternoons. The main street, Chuo Dori, is closed to vehicles so you can have a car-free, no-hassle shopping experience.

4. Tokyu Plaza Ginza

Another luxury shopping destination, Tokyu Plaza Ginza is known for not just its shopping experience but also its architectural design. The building’s design is inspired by Edo Kiriko, a traditional Japanese cut glass technique.

Plaza Ginza has 13 floors and around 125 shops including Tokyo’s largest tax-free store, Lotte Duty Free, which houses a large collection of Korean fashion brands.

The complex also has quite a few kaiseki restaurants (multi-course Japanese dining experiences) and kissaten cafés (traditional Japanese coffee shops). Make sure to check them out when visiting the store.

It’s open all days of the week from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM and very accessible with disabled parking, wheelchair accessibility, and even ostomate toilets.

Best time to visit: If you’re planning on some serious shopping, then go on a weekday afternoon. But if you’d rather enjoy a leisurely dinner, then visit in the evening when things are a bit calmer.

5. Ginza Sony Park

If you have a couple of hours and are wondering what to do in Ginza, we suggest heading to Sony Park. At 183.7 feet (56 meters) it’s shorter than most buildings in Ginza to create a more open feel, like a real park in the middle of the city. They host a variety of events and workshops throughout the year.

The inaugural “Sony Park Exhibition 2025“, for example, showcases creative installations from six artists associated with Sony Music Group.

You can find the latest event updates on their website. Food lovers will enjoy the yoshoku-inspired restaurant that blends classic Western dishes with unique Japanese flavors.

Best time to visit: Many exhibits are open from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM, but exact hours vary. Plan your visit around the specific events or exhibitions you’re interested in.

6. Ginza Six Rooftop Garden

On the 13th floor of the Ginza Six shopping complex, you’ll find a free-to-enter, corridor-style garden that’s approximately 4,000 square meters.

This is the largest rooftop garden in Ginza, with various zones such as grass areas, water features, forest-like sections, and even a promenade — all inspired by elements from traditional Japanese gardens.

But it’s not only a tranquil escape. You’ll also get panoramic views of Tokyo’s skyline, including iconic attractions like the Tokyo Tower.

Best time to visit: Go during the evenings for some great photos of the Tokyo skyline during twilight. And if you’re visiting Japan during the winter months, then one of the best things to do in Ginza at night is ice-skating on the resin ice rink within the garden.

7. Uniqlo Ginza Flagship Store

If you’ve shopped at a Uniqlo store before and liked their collections, then you should definitely add their flagship store in Ginza to your Japan travel itinerary.

The 12-floor complex not only has some of the best limited-edition collections but also offers custom tailoring and embroidery services.

When there, make sure to check out the 11th floor which has their UT (Uniqlo T-shirt) line. You’ll find a wide variety of graphic t-shirts including designs inspired by popular anime, video games, and famous characters — and many of these are only available in the Ginza store.

And if you purchase graphic tees worth more than $9.6 (¥1,500), you’ll get access to their Ginza-themed photo booth to take some fun photos.

Best time to visit: Visit during weekend sales or seasonal promotions for the best deals. At times, the store also hosts fashion shows and styling workshops by experts. You can check their schedule to see if something’s happening during your visit.

8. Itoya Stationery Store

If you’re a stationery enthusiast, then you must already know nothing beats Japan. And Itoya’s flagship store in Ginza has everything you might ever need.

The 18-floor building is organized by theme — writing, desk accessories, travel, and more — and many items are exclusive to this store.

When there, make sure to visit two floors:

The Takeo Sample Book project on the 7th floor: Here, you can feel and choose from various types of specialty papers.
The indoor hydroponic garden on the 11th floor: The produce grown in this garden is used in the dishes served in their 12-floor cafe.

Itoya also has personalization options where you can engrave or embroider your name or initials in fountain pens, notebooks, and more.

Best time to visit: Visit during the weekdays — particularly the morning hours — to shop without the crowds.

9. Gallery Goto

If you’re an art enthusiast wondering what to do in Ginza, Tokyo, you should definitely plan a visit to Gallery Goto. The gallery features a wide range of artistic mediums — from oil paintings to woodblock prints — and has rotating exhibitions meaning there’s always something new to see.

Unlike larger galleries, Gallery Goto is more intimate allowing you to interact with the artists during openings. It’s open from Monday to Saturday, 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM (4:30 PM on the last day of an exhibition) and admission is free.

Given the cost of traveling to Japan can be on the high side, this can be a great budget stop on a busy day in Ginza.

Best time to visit: If possible, plan your visit for the exhibition opening day so you can interact with the artist.

10. Art Aquarium Museum

If you’re traveling with young children and don’t know what to do in Ginza, Tokyo to keep them entertained, we suggest taking them to the Art Aquarium Museum — a living art exhibition with around 30,000 Japanese goldfish on display.

From classic fishbowls to cubed tanks and Kaleidoscopic exhibits, you’ll find plenty of one-of-a-kind displays that will keep you mesmerized for hours.

The museum is on the 8th floor of the Mitsukoshi Ginza store, accessed from level 9, and open daily from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM, with the last admission at 6:00 PM.

You can book your tickets online for a specific date and time. Tickets for adults cost around $16 (¥2,500) and entry is free for children. For an extra $4 (¥600), you can rent an audio guide to learn about the different exhibits.

Best time to visit: For a quieter experience, visit on weekdays. Weekends can get busy with domestic tourists and families.

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Top tips for visiting Ginza

Now that we’ve seen the top things to do in Ginza, Japan, here are some practical tips for making the most of your visit:

Pack light for Japan as hotel rooms, especially in Tokyo, tend to be small, and large luggage can make the room even more congested.
To show your appreciation, say “itadakimasu” before meals and “gochisou-sama deshita” after finishing to express gratitude for the food.
While credit cards are accepted in many places, smaller shops may only take cash. So carry some yen with you.

Also, while most Japanese locals, especially in cities like Tokyo know basic English, it’s better to learn some phrases in Japanese for smoother conversations. Now, let’s talk about some things to avoid in Ginza (and Japan in general):

Don’t tip — even if the service is good — unless there’s a tip jar. There’s no tipping culture in Japan.
Don’t eat while walking on the streets or when on public transport. Both are considered impolite.
When it comes to dining etiquette, remember two things: don’t pour soy sauce on plain rice, and don’t cross your chopsticks.

Finally, Japan is an extremely polite country, so make sure to read up about social norms before visiting, to interact better with the locals.

Stay connected on your Ginza getaway with Holafly

Ginza — along with Shinjuku and Shibuya — is a must-visit Tokyo neighborhood. But Ginza, like the rest of Tokyo, is quite tricky to navigate without high-speed mobile internet. We suggest getting yourself a Japan eSIM from Holafly for reliable and affordable travel internet all over the country.

With a Holafly eSIM you’ll get unlimited data, with flexible plans starting at $6.90 per-day (the cost goes down if you purchase a longer plan).

Plus, you can share up to 500 MB of data with your secondary device. Activate your eSIM instantly on purchase, with 24/7 customer support if you ever need it, so you can hit the ground running in Ginza.

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Sam Morrison

Detroit native, foothills and lakes of North Carolina raised, Barcelona-based writer and creator. Sam lives and loves by the phrase: words create worlds. An international lifestyle matched with a background in psychology, business, and creative writing has allowed Sam to create content for a range of artists, entrepreneurs, and fashion and lifestyle brands across the globe. Sam's an avid water sports athlete with a passion for fashion, well-being, and adventure.

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