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On Tokyo’s Fifth Avenue, Department stores like Mitsukoshi and specialty shops like Mikimoto (pearls) vie for shoppers’ yen along the main streets, while exclusive international boutiques—Chanel, Van Cleef and Arpels, etc.—line the backstreets. There are fine Japanese restaurants and inexpensive Italian cafés, sake and scotch bars, art galleries, secondhand camera stores and product showrooms. You’ll also discover historical roots in Ginza’s grid—Tokyo’s first train station in Shinbashi, Kabuki-za Theater, and the former headquarters of the Occupation Forces following WWII (now the high-end department store Wako). And as the sleek new developments in Shinbashi and Marunouchi can attest, the future is only looking up.
•arts & crafts
Kinokuniya
Helmets and suits of armor vie for attention in the cozy surroundings of Kinokuniya, one of Tokyo’s top purveyors of samurai goods. Take your pick from over a hundred antique pieces from the days of Japan’s warrior class, all expertly chosen and provided with detailed information about their history and origin. 3F Toyoda Bldg, 1-6-15 Yaesu, Chuo-ku. Tel: 03-5202-8688. Open Mon-Sat 10am-5:30pm, closed Sun & hols. Nearest stn: Tokyo (Yaesu exit). www.kinokuniya.tv/en |
•arts & crafts
Hayashi Kimono
Traditional Japanese wear, both new and antique, is on offer at Tokyo’s largest kimono boutique for foreigners. In addition to kimono, Hayashi also offers happi coats and yukata, as well as traditional-design T-shirts, and the staff speak English. International Arcade, 2-1-1 Yurakucho, Chiyoda-ku. Tel: 03-3501-4012. Open Mon-Fri 10am-7pm, Sat-Sun 10am-6pm. Nearest stn: Hibiya. |
•books
Oazo
Home to Tokyo’s largest bookstore, Maruzen, complete with a fourth-floor English section. 1-6-4 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku. Tel: 03-5218-5100. Nearest stn: Tokyo. www.oazo.jp
•department storeS
Barney’s New York
Swanky branch of the New York City department store has clothes from every well-known designer under the sun. 6-8-7 Ginza, Chuo-ku. Tel: 03-3289-1200. Open Mon-Wed & Sat-Sun 11am-8pm, Thu-Fri 11am-8:30pm (until 8pm in Feb, Aug). Nearest stn: Ginza.
Mitsukoshi
Dubbed “the Harrods of Tokyo,” Mitsukoshi is the country’s oldest department store. 4-6-16 Ginza, Chuo-ku. Tel: 03-3562-1111. Open daily 10am-8pm. Nearest stn: Ginza.
•electronics
Apple Store
Mac madness. 3-5-12 Ginza, Chuo-ku. Tel: 03-5159-8200. Open daily 10am-9pm. Nearest stn: Ginza.
Bic Camera
A trip to one of Bic’s towering tech stores is the equivalent of a one-stop tour through the world of Japan’s cutting-edge gadgetry. 1-11-1 Yurakucho, Chiyoda-ku. Tel: 03-5221-1111. Open daily 10am-10pm. Nearest stn: Yurakucho.
Sony Building
Gadget geeks and video freaks can spend hours in this six-story Sony showcase. 5-3-1 Ginza, Chuo-ku. Tel: 03-3573-2371. Open daily 11am-7pm. Nearest stn: Ginza.
•Fashion
Chanel
Of all the swanky stores in Ginza, Chanel’s is the swankiest. The exterior can put on a dazzling light show at night, and there is an Alain Ducasse restaurant, Beige, on the top floor. 3-5-3 Ginza, Chuo-ku. Tel: 03-5159-5555. Open daily 11am-8pm (Beige open 11:30am-2:30pm, 6pm-11:30pm). Nearest stn: Ginza.
•jewelry
Mikimoto
The world’s most famous pearl purveyor, Mikimoto has been a Ginza landmark since 1899. 1-1-1 Uchisaiwaichou, Chiyoda-ku. Tel: 03-3535-4611. Open daily 11am-6:30pm. Nearest stn: Ginza. Imperial Hotel branch: 1-1-1 Uchisaiwaicho, Chiyoda-ku. Tel: 03-3591-5001. Open Mon-Sat 10am-7pm, Sun & hols 10am-5pm. Nearest stn: Hibiya.
Tokyo Pearl
This Ginza shop, in operation for nearly half a century, offers exquisite pearls in a variety of settings, including rings, necklaces and earrings. Despite the upscale location and top-end designs, Tokyo Pearl’s jewelry is reasonably priced. 6-16-3 Ginza, Chuo-ku.
Tel: 0120-008-670 (toll-free). Open 11am-7pm Wed-Mon, closed Tue and hols. Nearest stn: Higashi-Ginza. www.tokyopearl.com |
•Stationery
Ito-ya
This Ginza landmark is a favorite stop for those who delight in finely crafted paper, pens, drafting equipment, and thousands of other products from Japan and abroad. 2-7-15 Ginza, Chuo-ku. Tel: 03-3561-8311. Open Sun,Mon,Tues 10:30am-7pm, Wed-Sat 10:30am-8pm. Nearest stn: Ginza.
toys
Hakuhinkan Toy Park
This tower of toys has one of the best selections of video games, jigsaw puzzles, Japanese dolls and teddy bears. 8-8-11 Ginza, Chuo-ku. Tel: 03-3571-8008. Open daily 11am-8pm. Nearest stn: Shinbashi.
japanese •Izakaya
Andy’s Shin-Hinomoto
Run by a British expat, this bar underneath the train tracks of Yurakucho always draws a mixed crowd. Fresh seafood and produce from Tsukiji Market are the specialties, and pair well with the ice-cold pints of beer and fresh-squeezed fruit sours. 2-4-4 Yurakucho, Chiyoda-ku. Tel: 03-3214-8021. Open daily 5pm-midnight. Nearest stn: Yurakucho or Hibiya, exit A2. ¥¥
•Kushiyaki
Yoshinari
This down-to-earth kushiyaki restaurant specializes in carefully grilled meat, fish and vegetables served on skewers. Another specialty of the house is nabe, a soup-like hot-pot dish that includes an array of fresh ingredients. Locally brewed sake and other Japanese-style spirits round out a tantalizing menu, and dessert selections include green tea ice cream and yuzu sherbet. B1 Tousei Bldg, 8-10-7 Ginza, Chuo-ku. Tel: 03-5537-1566. Open Mon-Fri 6-11pm (L.O. 10pm), Sat 6-10pm (L.O. 9pm), closed Sun & hols. Nearest stn: Shinbashi. ¥¥
•Modern
A-Kan
You’ll feel like a true Tokyo A-lister at this trendy minimalist Japanese restaurant. Try the house’s signature nikujaga (meat-potato) dish for a scrumptious and surprising take on this traditional favorite. 9F New Ginza Bldg No. 3, 6-4-8 Ginza, Chuo-ku. Tel: 03-5537-3417. Open Mon-Fri 6pm-5am (L.O. 3:30am), Sat 6-11pm (L.O. 10pm), closed Sun & hols. Nearest stn: Ginza. www.a-kan.com ¥¥
•Sushi
The Hump
Oddly named, upscale sushi restaurant and bar with an eclectic menu and a slick interior with a view over the Imperial Palace. The original branch is in Santa Monica, so the California sushi is also worth a taste if you’re into that. 2F Marunouchi Opaque, 2-1-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku. Tel: 03-5293-4813. Open daily 11:30am-2:30pm (L.O. 2pm), Mon-Fri 6pm-2am (L.O. drinks 1:30am, food midnight), Sat, Sun & hols 5-10pm (L.O. 9pm). Nearest stn: Nijubashimae. ¥¥¥
•Tempura
Ginza Hachi no Go
For the perfect tempura experience, head to this basement-level restaurant, and be sure to bring a friend from out of town—they will surely be impressed. The tempura here is light and flakey and presented with a creative mix of flavors and accoutrements. B1 8-5-21 Ginza, Chuo-ku. Tel: 03-6253-8570. Open Mon-Fri 5pm-4am, Sat 5-11:30pm, closed Sun & hols. Nearest stn: Shimbashi, exit 5 or JR Ginza exit. www.vegedinning.com ¥¥
•Tonkatsu
Genkatsu specializes in the breaded, deep-fried pork dish known as tonkatsu. But instead of the usual cutlet, Genkatsu’s pork is composed of 25 razor-thin slices of meat for a succulent, juicy texture. Add-on fillings include garlic, leek, cheese and black pepper. 3F Ginza Act Bldg, 4-6-18 Ginza, Chuo-ku. Tel: 03-3567-1129. Open daily 11:30am-11pm (LO 10pm). Nearest stn: Ginza, exit A8. www.genkatsu.com
ASIAN •chinese
My Humble House Tokyo
The Tokyo branch of a Singapore restaurant, MHHT is like a 1940s New York nightclub transplanted to contemporary Tokyo—and it’s gentle on the eyes and the wallet. B1 Zoe Ginza, 3-3-1 Ginza, Chuo-ku. Tel: 03-5524-6166. Open Mon-Sat 6pm-2am, Sun & hols 6-11pm. Nearest stn: Ginza or Ginza Itchome. ¥¥¥
•Indian
Dhaba India
Rated the top Indian restaurant in the inaugural Metropolis Best of Tokyo survey, Dhaba India serves up arms’ length dosa crepes in an airy, periwinkle interior. 2-7-9 Yaesu, Chuo-ku. Tel: 03-3272-7160. Open Mon-Fri 11:15am-3pm, 5-11pm, Sat-Sun & hols noon-3pm, 5-10pm. Nearest stn: Kyobashi, exit 5. www.dhabaindia.com ¥¥
Others
Burger 5
“Simple is Best” is the philosophy here: patties are made with 100 percent beef seasoned only with rock salt and black pepper, allowing diners to enjoy burgers with an authentic taste. Big eaters will want to order the Manhattan (¥1,800), featuring three beef patties (totaling over 450 grams)—also available topped with three slices of cheese (¥2,250). Other popular burgers include the Avocado Classic (¥1,200) and the Cheese Classic (choice of five kinds of cheese, ¥1,100), and all sandwiches are served with French fries and homemade pickles. B1 Ginza 5, 5-1 Ginza, Chuo-ku. Tel: 03-5568-3110. Open Mon-Sat 11am-10:45pm, Sun & hols 11am-9:45pm. Nearest stn: Ginza, direct access via exit C1. |
•Belgian
Antwerp Central
A stylish restaurant specializing in Belgian beer. The interior is modeled on an actual 1930s bar with authentic antiques and design. There is a European food menu carefully designed to complement the subtle flavors and scents of the beer. B1 Tokyo Bldg “TOKIA,“ 2-7-3 Marunouchi Chiyoda-ku. Tel: 03-5288-7370. Open Mon-Fri 11:30am-1:30pm Lunch, 5pm-2am Dinner(L.O. 10pm), Sat 12pm-2am; Sun & hols 12pm-midnight. Nearest stn: Tokyo or Yurakucho. www.belgianbeercafe.jp ¥
•French
Aux Amis
This increasingly popular French brasserie is even more authentic in its decor than many Parisian eateries along the Champs Elysees. The food, however, is just as decadent and rich as what one would find in the streets of Paris. 3-3-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku. Tel: 03-6212-1566. Open Mon-Fri 11:30am-midnight (L.O.), Sat-Sun & hols 11am-11pm (L.O.). Nearest stn: Hibiya, Yurakucho or Tokyo. www.auxamis.com/brasserie ¥¥
•German
Franz Club
Head to Franz Club for a taste of Germany in the middle of Tokyo. This friendly pub, located in the recently opened Shin-Marunouchi Building, features a wide variety of German beer, a deep wine list, and authentic cooking. All of Franz Club’s sausages, beer and wine are sent directly from Germany, and many are exclusively available in Tokyo here. Marunouchi branch: 5F Shin-Marunouchi Bldg, 1-5-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku. Tel: 03-5224-8678. Open Mon-Fri 11am-3pm and 5pm-3am, Sat 11am-3am, Sun & hols 11am-10pm (Brunch Sat-Sun & hols 11am-4pm). Nearest stn: Tokyo or Otemachi. Shiodome branch: 1F Shiodome Bldg, 1-2-20 Kaigan, Minato-ku. Tel: 03-6430-0128. Open Mon-Fri 11am-3pm, 5pm-midnight, Sat, Sun & hols 12pm-9pm. Nearest stn: Hamamatsucho. ¥¥ |
Franziskaner Bar & Grill
The Nihombashi branch of this German restaurant chain, with its experienced European chef, serves delicious food using imported ingredients. As you’d expect, it also has a large selection of German beers—including Franziskaner—as well as a list of award-winning wines. B1 Buyou Bldg, 3-8-16 Nihombashi, Chuo-ku. Tel: 03-6225-5485. Open Mon-Fri 11am-2pm, 5:30-11:30pm, Sat & hols 5-11pm, closed Sun. Nearest stn: Nihombashi or Tokyo. ¥¥ |
•Bars
Jicoo
This "floating bar" is a boat that goes back and forth across Tokyo Bay, leaving Hinode Pier on the hour. The boarding fee of ¥2,500 includes one drink. Boat operates Thu-Sat 8-11pm. Tel: 0120-049-490. Hinode Pier is a short walk from Hinode station on the Yurikamome line (from Shimbashi station).
300 Bar
The name says it all: over 100 kinds of food and drinks, all priced at ¥300 (¥315 after tax) each. They
call this standing bar the cheapest place to party in the most expensive part of the world’s most expensive city! There is no entrance fee and no time limit. DJs at 8-chome branch every Friday. Ginza 5-chome branch: B1 Fazenda Building, 5-9-11 Ginza, Chuo-ku. Tel: 03-3572-6300. Nearest stn: Ginza (exit A3 or A5). Ginza 8-chome branch: B1 No. 2 Column Bldg 8-3-12 Ginza Chuo-ku. Tel 03-3571-8300. Nearest stn: Shinbashi (Ginza exit). Open
Mon-Sat 5pm-2am, Sun & hols 5-11pm. www.300bar.com, www.300bar-8chome.com
Stein Haus
This is the second, more upscale branch of Shinjuku German pub Stein Haus. At the new location in Ginza’s stylish Velvia Kan complex, relax on furniture imported from Europe while sipping rare-in-Japan German beer and wines, paired with hearty fare like sausages and authentic pretzels. 8F Velvia Kan, 2-4-6 Ginza, Chuo-ku. Tel: 03-5159-4200. Open Mon-Fri lunch 11:30-14:00, dinner 17:00-23:30, Sat, Sun&hols: lunch 11:30-15:00, brunch 15:00-17:00, dinner 17:00-23:30. (L.O. 11pm). Nearest stn: Ginza (exit 9) or Ginza-Itchome (exit 5). www.zato.co.jp |
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★Sony Building Test its latest digital cameras
or frolic on a PlayStation|★Kabuki-za Catch
a 20-minute or three-hour Kabuki program|★Tsukiji wholesale market The world’s biggest fish market is just a 20-minute walk or 5-minute train ride. Go early, before 8am, to catch all the action and a sushi breakfast|★Yakitori alley Old-style street cafés under the train tracks serve barbecued chicken on a stick and beer|★Ito-ya The city’s most famous selection of specialty papers, stationery, greeting cards and more| ★Hama Rikyu A former imperial garden with a teahouse in the middle of a lake. One stop on the water bus from Asakusa|★Tokyo International forum A symbol of the ’80s spending spree, this massive building features a lofty, nautical glass-and-steel design|★HakuhinkAn One of Tokyo’s biggest toy stores
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Shin Marunouchi Building
Dozens of shops from international brands such as Banana Republic share space with local powerhouses like Délier Idee in this glittering complex, which also features restaurants, bars and offices. Don’t miss the seventh floor “House” mini-complex, where diners can order from a dozen restaurants and enjoy grand views of Tokyo station on the terrace. 1-5-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku. Tel: 03-5218-5100. Open Mon-Sat 11am-9pm, Sun & hols 11am-8pm. Nearest stn: Tokyo. www.shinmaru.jp
Marunouchi Building
Maru Biru, as it’s affectionately known, is a 37-story skyscraper housing offices, restaurants and stores. Highlights include The Conran Shop, the Aquagirl boutique and youthful fashion from Beams. 2-4-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku. Tel: 03-5218-5100. Info center open daily 11am-7:30pm. Nearest stn: Tokyo.
Naka Dori
Marunouchi’s central shopping street is one of the more pleasant in the city. The area’s developers want to turn this into Tokyo’s very own Fifth Avenue. Nearest stn: Tokyo or Yurakucho. www.naka-dori.jp.
Shiodome
Shiodome's main attractions are entertainment complex Caretta Shiodome, which includes an advertising museum, and Shiodome City Center, full of restaurants and shops. The Conrad Hotel has a beautiful bar, Twenty Eight, and a stunning view. 1-8-2 Higashi-Shinbashi. Minato-ku. Tel: 03-6218-2100. Info center open daily 9:30am-9pm. Nearest stn: Shiodome. |
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Shopping 
Dining
Nightlife