High-End Shopping, Dining & Entertainment

Ginza Neighborhood Guide

Welcome to Ginza—Tokyo’s answer to Park Avenue. It’s where the ladies who lunch come to do just that, strolling past striking storefronts, designer bags in hand. From the shimmering metallic waves of the Louis Vuitton building to the ever-changing storefront displays that magically transform overnight, there is always something to see in Ginza.

Let’s Talk Food

Ginza has no shortage of dining options, with cuisines at every price point. But if you’re after those must-eat Japanese classics, other neighborhoods might serve you better. What’s worth your time here? Spice Lab Tokyo. Their tasting menu is a unicorn — trust me, it’s something you won’t find anywhere else.

If you’re wandering and need a bite, there are still plenty of great spots. Just a heads-up: long waits are the norm, even if the restaurant looks half-empty. Pro tip? Make a reservation.

Not a planner? Not a problem. My go-to move (and personal favorite!) is hitting up the Ginza Food Garden in the basement of the Mitsukoshi building. Stock up on snacks, then find a cool spot to enjoy your meal:

  • The rooftop at Ginza Six is a total vibe, offering great views and the occasional seasonal activation.

  • Or, for something underground, head to one of the cozy corners in the train station. The people watching is fantastic.

Don’t Skip the Cocktails

One of the best ways to experience Ginza is through its cocktail bars. Whether you’re in the mood for something quirky with an artsy vibe, a classic, no-frills spot straight out of a salaryman’s playbook, or a sophisticated take on modern mixology, there’s a bar for you.

Be sure to check out all of my favorites Ginza listed below.

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Favorites Around the Area

  • Undoubtedly lacking in interesting coffee shops, I ended up drinking more Starbucks than I care to admit. 

    • In the basement of the GEMS building, located in the parking garage, is the SONY mini gallery and cafe. It’s super mini as the name suggests, always has a mad cool art installation (they change like every 2-3 weeks) and serves a nice espresso. Bonus, they use Minor Figures oat milk!

  • Advise you make a reservation for all options and do not be surprised by the seat charge. It’s fairly negligible and some snacks are included upon seating. I live for the French onion soup sips.

    • Bar Orchard

    • Bar Mori

    • Little Smith 

    • The Grey Room 

    • Mixology Salon 

    • Bar High Five

    • Ginza Hachigo (Michelin-Star)

    • Fugu-dashi Ushio Hachidaime Keisuke (blowfish ramen - very rare)

    • Tanakaya (Soba restaurant) in Matsuya Department

    • Sister location at 6 Chome-6-19 Ginza, Chuo City, Tokyo 104-0061, Japan

    • Standing Sushi Nemuro (Standing room, a la carte)

    There are tons of other options but not any worth your time or money if you have time to eat a fabulous sushi meal elsewhere!

    • Sanshuya Izakaya (old school, solid food)

    There are many other izakayas throughout Ginza, however most of them are cheap, quick fixes with poor quality. Fine if you need a late night place to hang and drink cheap highballs and beer with midlevel eats.

  • Sandwiches

    • American

    • There’s a sandwich stop under the GEMS building that’s right outside the entrance to the parking garage on the B1 floor. It’s solid ~ you can really tell the difference between this and a 711 sandwich. Look for the entrance to Tokyu Plaza on this level and you’ll find it

    • Ginza Food Garden in the Ginza Mitsukoshi (best)

    • Matsuya Ginza (ok)

    • Spice Lab Tokyo (High-End

    • Bangera’s Kitchen

    • Kitatde Tacos

    • Peninsula 

    • Four Seasons Otemachi 

    • The Tokyo EDITION, Ginza

    • Hyatt Centric 

    • Kabuki-Za Theatre

    • Ginza 5 Department Store 

    • Itoya Stationary Store

    • Muji Hotel + Flagship 

    • The Underworld of Tokyo Station 

    • Marunouchi Business District 

Neighborhood Gem

Ginza 6

The Ginza 6 Shopping Center is easily my favorite spot in the neighborhood. While many head there for luxury shopping, I am there to take in the thought and design that went into creating this incredible mixed-use destination.

Skip the elevators and take the escalators, making sure to check out the roaming art galleries scattered throughout. Do make time to visit the bookstore—while you won’t find many English titles, there are some hidden gems worth discovering. And definitely make your way to the rooftop garden—it’s a peaceful green getaway with stunning views of the city.

For food and drink, the highlights are Mixology Salon for a sophisticated cocktail experience and nearly always, well-stocked Family Mart on the ground floor. There’s also a Eataly, which will never do you wrong, wherever you are in the world.

Big congrats to my friends at Sumitomo Corporation and their partners for creating such a standout destination in Ginza.

Modern Indian Fine Dining

Tasting Menu Highlight

Spice Lab Tokyo

I had the pleasure of working with Chef Tejas and team for two years, experiencing seven iterations of their tasting menus. From the development of each dish to their elevated execution, the food here is consistently impressive.

Indian cuisine is popular in Japan, but it’s typically limited to casual curry and naan spots. While there are a few that offer more regional variations, what Chef Tejas and his team are doing is on another level. They incorporate seasonal Japanese ingredients to reimagine dishes from all across the subcontinent, often with a signature biryani as the final savory course. The dal makhani here is my absolute favorite—honestly, anywhere in the world.

With both lunch and dinner tasting menus, you won’t leave disappointed, as long as you’re not overly focused on authentic preparations. Come with an open mind (and an empty stomach!) to fully enjoy the experience.

Ideal for a business meeting, a solo pensive tasting menu, date night, or a fun and fancy group meal out.