Ginza is the most exclusive and upmarket area in Tokyo. The elegant streets are lined with Michelin-starred restaurants and the flagship stores of some of the world’s most famous fashion brands. The area’s supremely stylish architecture has a strong Western influence, as seen at the WAKO department store, Ginza’s most famous landmark.
As one of Tokyo’s cultural hotspots, Ginza is also home to numerous contemporary art galleries as well as Kabuki-za, one of Japan’s most famous kabuki theaters. Located right in the heart of Tokyo, Ginza is a perfect base from which to see the rest of the city.
Main image: PIXTA
How to choose where to stay in Ginza
Photo: PIXTA
There are a few things to consider when thinking about where to stay in Ginza. While there is plenty to see in Ginza, the area is relatively compact, and you will no doubt also be exploring the rest of Tokyo during your trip. Here are a few things to keep in mind when choosing your accommodation in Ginza.
a. Access to and from Tokyo’s airports
Ginza is conveniently located immediately south of Tokyo Station, which means access to and from both Narita and Haneda Airport is relatively straightforward. Both Ginza Station and nearby Yurakucho Station are just one stop from Tokyo Station. You can take direct trains from Tokyo Station to Narita Airport on the Narita Express train or the JR Narita Line. The journey on the Narita Express takes around 55 minutes and costs 3270 yen each way. Alternatively the Narita Line takes around 1 hour 30 minutes, costing 1340 yen each way.
Ginza is also well located if you are arriving or departing Tokyo via Haneda Airport. There are direct trains between Haneda Airport and Higashi-Ginza Station on the Keikyu Airport Line. The journey takes around 25 minutes and costs 470 yen each way. You could also take the Yamanote Line from Yurakucho Station two stops to Hamamatsucho Station and change for the Tokyo Monorail, which terminates at Haneda Airport. This will take 35 minutes in total and cost 640 yen one way.
b. Getting around Tokyo
Being so centrally located makes Ginza a great place to stay for exploring Tokyo. As well as being close to Tokyo Station, five metro lines pass through several stations within Ginza. As well as the Ginza metro station, Higashi-Ginza Station, Ginza-Itchome Station, Kyobashi Station and Takaracho station are all located within the Ginza area. Two overground train lines, the Yamanote Line and the Keihin-Tohoku Line also stop at Yurakucho Station. With so many options for getting…
