Ginza
Department stores, flagship shops and the Kabukiza theatre in central Tokyo, 40 minutes from the cruise terminal.
At a glance
At weekends Chuo-dori becomes a pedestrian zone and the whole of Ginza can be walked down the middle of the street.
Ginza is the traditional shopping district of central Tokyo, between the Imperial Palace and Tokyo Bay. Its name comes from the silver mint set up here in the Edo period, and from the late nineteenth century it became the showcase of modern Tokyo, with brick buildings, the first department stores and cafes. Today its main street, Chuo-dori, is lined with department stores, international flagship shops and Japanese brands, and the side streets hold galleries, old shops and restaurants of every price.
The centre is the Ginza 4-chome crossing, with the clock tower of the Wako building. A few minutes to the east stands the Kabukiza, the main kabuki theatre in Tokyo, which sells single-act tickets for visitors who only want to see part of a programme. On Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays Chuo-dori is closed to traffic from noon.
Ginza is one of the closest districts to the Tokyo International Cruise Terminal: the Yurikamome runs to Shimbashi, at the southern end of Ginza, in about 20 minutes. It suits a relaxed half day and combines well with the Imperial Palace gardens, a short walk to the west.
Official websiteGetting there from the port
3 optionsYour day in port
Example: call from 08:00 to 18:00, all aboard at 17:30.
- 09:30Ashore and to the YurikamomeWalk to Tokyo International Cruise Terminal station and ride to Shimbashi, crossing the Rainbow Bridge.
- 10:15Into GinzaWalk up Chuo-dori from Shimbashi to the Ginza 4-chome crossing as the shops open.
- 11:00KabukizaA single act at the Kabukiza, or a look at the theatre and its shops.
- 12:30LunchLunch in Ginza, or a picnic from a department store food hall.
- 14:00Shopping and pedestrian zoneDepartment stores and Chuo-dori, car-free from noon at weekends.
- 15:30Back to the shipWalk or take the metro to Shimbashi and the Yurikamome to the terminal, to be on board by 16:30.
What to see
- 1Ginza 4-chome crossingThe centre of the district, with the Wako clock tower and the big department stores on its corners.
- 2Chuo-doriThe main avenue from 1-chome to 8-chome, with flagship shops of Japanese and international brands.
- 3Pedestrian zoneAt weekends and on public holidays Chuo-dori is closed to cars and becomes a long promenade.
- 4KabukizaThe kabuki theatre on Harumi-dori, with captioning services and single-act seats.
- 5Department store food hallsThe basement food floors of the department stores, with Japanese sweets, bento and gifts.
- 6Side streetsSmall galleries, traditional shops and restaurants in the lanes between the main avenues.
Tips for cruise passengers
- Weekend pedestrian zoneChuo-dori is car-free on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays from 12:00 to 17:00 (October to March) or 18:00 (April to September); the police can cancel it in bad weather.
- Kabuki in one actThe Kabukiza sells single-act tickets, a good way to see kabuki in about an hour; check the programme and times on kabukiweb.net.
- Tax-free shoppingMany department stores offer tax-free purchases for foreign visitors; bring your passport.
- Tourist informationThe G Info tourist information centre helps visitors with shops, maps and services in Ginza.
- Combine with the palaceThe East Gardens of the Imperial Palace are about 20 minutes on foot from Ginza 4-chome; they are closed on Mondays and Fridays.
Accessibility & families
Ginza is flat, with wide pavements and lifts in the department stores and stations; the Ginza official site lists universal access toilets. The Yurikamome is step-free, and strollers are easy to use, especially in the weekend pedestrian zone.
In pictures
