Why it stays with you
Ginza introduces itself as a place where tradition and innovation coexist, and it really is that. The name comes from the district having been built on the site of the Edo-period silver mint. On a first trip to Tokyo, the point of going to Ginza is less the shopping than watching how the district carries itself. Ginza Mitsukoshi, Matsuya Ginza, Wako, GINZA SIX, Ginza Sony Park, the Shiseido Gallery and the Kabukiza — the main spots are things of quite different character standing side by side. Go on a weekend or a public holiday if you can: the main street is closed to cars and you can walk down the middle of the road. It runs noon–18:00 from April to September, and until 17:00 from October to March.