Ginza is the most upmarket area of Tokyo. During the 1980's "bubble years", its land price rose so much that it was said that the value of all the real estate in Ginza could buy the whole of California.
Ginza was the first area to modernise after the Meiji Restoration, featuring several Western-style building, which have since been destroyed (during the 1923 earthquake and WWII bombardments).
Shopping
Ginza is reputedly the most expensive place to shop in Japan. Famous departments stores include Mitsukoshi, Matsuya, Matsuzakaya, Wako, as well as Yurakucho's Seibu and Hankyu. The building of Wako served as the headquarters for the American troops during the postwar occupation.
Most of the world's famous fashion designers are represented along Ginza's 5th Avenue. Ginza is also known for its very expensive clubs and hostess bars. Some of them sell wine for 100.000yen the bottle.
On Sundays and national holidays, the Chuo-dori is closed to traffic all the length of Ginza to prevent the numerous pedestrians from overflowing the sidewalk/pavement.
Yurakucho 有楽町
Yurakucho is the area comprised between Ginza, Hibiya and Marunouchi.
Apart from being the name of a station and a subway line, Yurakucho is famous for the Tokyo International Forum (東京国際フォーラム), a gigantic building built in the shape of a ship and hosting exhibitions, concerts and fashion shows, among others.
Another main reason to come to Yurakucho is for shopping. Fans of electronic will find their happiness at Bic Camera or Sofmap. If you are after interior decoration or home utensils, a major branch of Muji (無印良品) has opened lately.
Hibiya 日比谷
Hibiya is located at the South-eastern corner of the Imperial Palace. It is famous for its park, where political speeches and demonstration against the government, which sometimes degenerated in violence, were held in the early 20th century.
Nowadays Hibiya is much quieter and host the heaquarters of several big companies. The area has a few cinemas, shops and restaurants, which is nothing more than an extension of Ginza and Yurakucho.
Hibiya Park
Opening date
Land area
Number of trees
Variety of plants
Address
Nearest station
1 June 1904
161,636 m2
Tall trees : 4,278 / Shrubs : 4,074 / Lawn : 14,112
Plum trees, pines, gingkos, azaleas, flowering dogwood.
Hibiya Koen, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
2min walk from Kasumigaseki (Marunouchi & Chiyoda lines), 8min walk from Yurakucho (Yurakoucho & JR lines)
Hibiya is located at the South-eastern corner of the Imperial Palace. It is famous for its park, where political speeches and demonstration against the government, which sometimes degenerated in violence, were held in the early 20th century.
