Ginza is where you “Treat Yourself”
How to enjoy a day in Ginza to the fullest. Here’s your suggested one-day itinerary.
Table of contents
Nothing is open until 11 am
The best street photo op
The best overpriced tea and cake
Recommended lunch spots
Recommended shopping items
Massage
Kabuki Theatre
Google Map: Ginza Guide List by Cyber Bunny
Ginza (銀座) in Tokyo is where you splurge and receive exceptional treatment. In this area, you will see women in kimono and business men in suits running errands. Anything you eat, anywhere you go is top level service. Ginza to me, is like Manhattan’s Upper East Side. It even has a park nearby!
Nothing is open until 11 am
Sleep in
Have breakfast in bed at the hotel
Kill time at Yurakucho’s and Imperial Castle
Morning stroll at Hibiya Park
Watch Youtube Short: Found the most ✨magical✨park in central Tokyo (📍Hibiya Park)
2. The Best Street Photo Op
Get a photo standing in the middle of the street
Chuo Dori Street is closed to traffic on weekends, from noon to around 6pm.
Tip 1: Use the luxury brand stores as the backdrop and pretend you’re a high fashion model. LOL.
Tip 2: Use 0.5 wide angle lens and shoot from a low angle.
Tip 3: During the winters, the sunsets early around 4pm so you can get a night time shot.
3. The Best Overpriced Tea and Cake
… but worth it
Morning tea vs. Tea in afternoon?
Do you like waiting? If not, go in the morning at 11 am right when it opens.
Ideally, I would like to have an afternoon sweets pick-me-up at 3 pm after walking all day. However, tourism has increased post-COVID, so you’re competing in line against foreign visitors AND locals. Weekends are worse. Be prepared to wait about 20-30 minutes for a table. As it gets close to last call around 6pm, there may be no tables left by 5pm!
When I mean “overpriced,” it is still on the cheaper end even after the yen exchange rate. Considering it’s all top-level service, I’d like to think that tip is added… At least that’s how I justify it!
Mariage Frères Ginza Store
マリアージュ フレール 銀座本店
I stopped by on a Friday morning at 11:15 am (opening 11am) and enjoyed a quiet half of the room to myself. I felt so VIP!
Seasonal cake options in January: Maron chest nut Mont Blanc, Fresh Fruit Tart, Matcha Tart, Chocolate Block
The server recommended the off-the-menu item, “Love Story Black Tea” which pairs well with the Blueberry Tart.
Their teapot has a generous amount. About 4 cups.
1400 tea + 1600 cake
Total bill: 3300 yen = $24 usd
My friend Anna recommends this place so it must be good! I actually came here before on a Sunday evening at around 4:45 pm hoping everyone will be shopping or off to an early dinner. Nope! It was so packed that you can’t even put your name down on the list. Therefore, I wanted a re-do and came right when it opened on a weekday.
Menu is in both English and Japanese
Great view for people watching and across Starbucks
It’s on the second floor!
There are two locations just FYI!
Google Map: Mariage Frères Ginza Store |マリアージュ フレール (near Matsuya Department Store and across from Starbucks, the one I went to)
Shiseido Parlour Salon de Café Ginza| 資生堂パーラー サロン・ド・カフェ 銀座本店
This is a ticket system, so grab a ticket near the elevator, walk around, download the QR code so you know when it’s your turn and your table will be waiting.
This is severely overpriced, but hey, it’s Shiseido, Japan’s leading classic brand in cosmetics and skin care. I had the seasonal “Princess Parfait” which came with a drink. This was a collaboration with a Shiseido make-up artist.
My best friend from the second grade who flew from Hawaii wanted to eat a Japanese-style parfait, so I took her here. She chose the classic strawberry parfait.
The vibe was everything. I felt like I was in London.
Princess Parfait also comes with a drink and coaster
Downstairs has a gift shop (only foods and cakes for take out). There is a Shiseido Main Store that sells skincare nearby.
Google Map: Shiseido Parlour Salon de Café Ginza| 資生堂パーラー サロン・ド・カフェ 銀座本店
Tokyo Fugetsudo|
東京風月堂 銀座本店
I did not get a chance to dine-in here due to the long lines and they already had last call at 6 pm, but this is another classic cafe that’s on my bucket list. I’m in Ginza at least once a month, so will keep you updated on this place!
This place has savory meals, parfaits, cake and tea sets, afternoon teas and more.
Tokyo Fugetsudo was established in the Edo era of 1872. They are well-known for their "Gaufres", which has a crisp texture and sweet cream inside. It is a traditional taste that has lasted for nearly 90 years.
4. Recommended Lunch Spots
I am confident that anywhere you go, it will be exceptional.
Shabusen しゃぶせん
For individual Shabu Shabu Hot Pot b/c who wants to share the same pot with someone you just met?
Each customer gets their own pot. No one care if you dip your chopsticks in the pot. Isn’t that great?? Each person gets their own course so there’s no need to delegate fairly.
Located in EXITMELSA on the 8th floor.
How to get seated: (This was a little tricky to understand)
Take a ticket and enter how many people in your party. Do not lose this ticket.
Download the QR code and this screen should pop up (below)
I was confused on how to read this. “41” means there are 41 people in front of you. “77” is your ticket number.
When this number gets to 10, it’s a good time to be on standby near the restaurant. They will call you upon your ticket number.
While you wait, select your menu. I recommend the Kuroge Wagyu Beef Course 100g for 4,300 yen. Be careful not to eat too much wagyu since it’s very fatty and can leave you with a sick stomach.
The lunch course comes with one appetizer and dessert of your choice. If you want more beef or try pork, you can order Ala Carte.
The staff will ask you to select rice, ramen noodles, or red bean rice porridge. Free refills!
Lunch 4730 yen (w/tax) = $33 usd
We waited over an hour on a Saturday for seats for 6 people. So my guests shopped at GU next door while I waited near the restaurant. Better to come on a weekday if you can!
Tamago-Sando = “Egg Salad Sandwich”
kissa american
SUPER-SIZE! A sandwich with10 eggs! You’ve been warned!
I wanted to throw-up at the size of this sandwich.
This has 10 eggs with sponge-like 2 inch-thick sliced bread texture. Since I’m used to Japanese tamago sandos, the taste was not great. It was similar to how the Americans make it, a little watered down with cheap American brand mayonnaise in a jar that everyone doesn’t like.
I think that’s what they were going for. Do Japanese people really think Americans are fat and eat this much? LOL.
This is a portion for 3 people, but they make each customer order one sandwich and a drink. It was torture!!
Drink: I ordered a hot latte that had whipped cream on it. The first few sips were really good, but then it got too much dairy for me, when I was 5 bites in with the tamago sando. I recommend just straight tea or black coffee!
Take-out box and bag (staff will give you a stapler) provided.
Judging by the walls, it’s been featured on Japanese media, and many celebrities have come here.
All were local Japanese customers and most of them came alone.
Total bill: Egg salad sandwich 900 yen + Latte 700 yen=
1760 yen = $12 usd
Definitely a great value meal, which is hard to find in a place like Ginza!
Take-out also available. Might be a good idea to share with coworkers to bring back to the office.
Anpan & Bakery
Kimura 木村家
Need a quick lunch? You can get take-out and try their famous anpan with different flavors besides the classic azuki beans.
Kimuraya has been around since “1869 (Meiji 2). Our founder was a samurai warrior who had lost his job in the Meiji Restoration. He met an artisan baker who had worked for a Dutch residence in Dejima, Nagasaki, and started baking bread using his recipe.” (More history here)
You can literally taste Japanese bread culture at this place. The Japanese like their bread soft as opposed to their western counterparts who like their bread texture somewhat harder.
You just have to be aggressive and get the staff’s attention to get your buns.
Melon-pan and croissant looked tasty but I’m on a low-carb diet!
4. Shopping
Where to drop some serious cash? Like I have any! So I will suggest some affordable places.
Stylish Kawaii Comfy Shoes
Diana Ginza ダイアナ 銀座本店
(Not sponsored by the way!)Japan makes you walk a lot.
So you might need to get a new pair of shoes. Better yet, bring an old pair and throw it out, and get new shoes in Japan! (if they have your size)
My friend Anna recommended this brand to me. It has a wide collection of stylish and cute, yet comfortable shoes for work, parties, casual outings etc. The heels are much lower and made for support in the right places, in case you have to run to catch the train.
I got this pink strapped sandals with platform soles. It’s super comfy to wear and it makes my legs look super long!
When I save up, I want to get these sparkly white heeled walking shoes.
Cigars & Tobacco
Kikusui 銀座菊水
Are you a lover of cigars and all things tobacco?
The next shop I want to introduce is directly next to Diana. I have a few tour guests that were interested in buying Japanese cigars. However, Japan cigar stores only sell foreign tobacco, so unless you’re taking advantage of the yen exchange rate, you could be better off somewhere else.
BUT! If there is one thing that’s exclusive to Japan, it would be this cigar called “Toki” トキ (Japanese crested ibis). Toki is a national icon that once became extinct in Japan but now once again inhabits Sado Island in Niigata prefecture.
The factory is held in Dominican Republic, but it is produced by a Japanese brand. This cigar is only exclusive to this store in Ginza, and it seems like they only have a limited amount in stock.
Small size: 940 yen = $6.50 usd (w/out tax)
Big size: 2000 yen = $14 usd (w/out tax)
Something Shiny
SWAROVSKI Ginza Store
スワロフスキー 銀座店
My mom used to work at Swavorski in the U.S., so we popped by and we were impressed by the displays. Go to the second floor and you’ll know what I mean. Everything was so extra! You can create a customizable crystal pen at their “Crystal Studio.” The fee is 7,040 yen = $50 usd.
(Not sponsored)
Are your feet tired yet?
5. Affordable Massage
It can’t get any more affordable than this in Ginza. Also you’ll be supporting a local female owned business.
Does your feet get tired while traveling? Japan makes you walk and eat… a lot. So don’t forget to give your body some love and attention! Plus I got you a discount!
Start with a 5-minute footbath massage. Yoga pants (size S-L) provided for you to change into.
Michiko (left) from Luana Waikiki in Hawaii invited me to experience her specialty menu: Bust Care Massage for women since she was in town.
This is a 60 min course where she transfers the fat from the arms, neck, back, underarms into the bust area, making it more fuller. This helps with circulation and weight off your shoulders, which I desperately need.
Self-care is priority in my goals for 2024!
I have totally ignored my body’s cry for help because I am so focused on hustling. It’s been about over a year since our last session!
2-for-1 deal!
Another expert I’d like to introduce you to is yoga massage instructor of Ginza Yoga/Spa Yoga, Tomomi.
The “Princess Course” is a 60-min course for those who don’t have a lot of time, but will receive the effect of a 2-hour massage by having two experts working on you at the same time.
Tomomi will work on releasing fatigue and improving flexibility using Yoga techniques on the lower half of your body, while another expert will work on your draining lymphnodes on your neck, head, face, collarbones.
Second floor for bust care massage. Wear these nipple covers.
They have yoga pants for you to use for free. I have the pink ones and it’s super cute and comfy!
Don’t have time to go back to your hotel in time for your dinner reservation? For an additional cost, you can use the shower to freshen up because your hair will most likely be very oily.
Where is it?
Location is a block from Kabuki-za Theatre tucked away in an apartment building. The layout of the apartment is pretty interesting, so you can see what the living accommodation is like for someone who’s living right in the center of Ginza. This is my dream apartment! It’s meant for a young lady who’s hustling in the busiest city!
**Address to be given upon booking
4-chome, Ginza
I love supporting small businesses…
especially if it’s female-owned. I feel connected to them in a special way.
Plus, I’m too broke for high-end massage salons. LOL I’m a bunny on a budget!
My usual favorite chain massage store I go to is not even near Ginza, so here’s somewhere that won’t break the bank… I will be coming here every month! Self-care has become my goal for 2024.
Watch a single-act of Kabuki Theatre
Kabuki-za歌舞伎座
I love Japanese culture and all, but I can’t sit through 4 hours of kabuki. Instead, try a 30 minute single-act to get the experience. Other sites have said you have to book on the day of, but let me find out if there’s a better way!
(Will report back on my single-act kabuki theatre experience. Coming soon! )
Conclusion: My advice is to do the opposite of what everyone else is doing.
This strategy applies to theme parks and overrated restaurants. Shop when everyone else is eating. Eat when everyone else is shopping.
The price will be the same whether you have tea and cake in the morning or late afternoon. Why not take full advantage of it when no one is there? Every time I pop by in the afternoon, there has been a line at every single shop. It’s even worse on the weekends.
I do not offer tours in Ginza.
It’s one of those places where you “treat yourself” and you shouldn’t be on such a tight schedule! But I hope this article gives you an idea of what to expect and how to plan it, so you can make the most of your day.
Side note: If anyone would like to buy me a Gucci Bag in exchange for a mini tour, please email me. JK! But seriously…
