Ginza is one of the most famous districts in Tokyo with a dazzling array of upmarket stores, delicious restaurants, and interesting cafes. At times, it might be overwhelming trying to decide what to do - our top 10 things to do in Ginza will help you.

Outer Tsukiji Market

The wholesale fish market, formerly known as ‘inner Tsukiji’, was moved to Tosuyu Market but Outer Tsukiji remained with many shops and restaurants.

One of best things to do here is get delicious sushi starting at 5 am all the way to the early afternoon. Since most of the fish here is delivered directly from Tosuyu market, it’s one of the best places for super fresh fish. In addition, there’s plenty of stalls serving all sorts of Japanese food.

Some solid choices for excellent food:

Tsukiji Masa - classic cod burger and shimesaba burger are highlights.

Torito Bunten - specializing in chicken, get the oyakodon (rice with tender chicken, runny egg, and umami sauce) or the juicy, crispy karaage fried chicken.

Kagura Sushi - this charming sushi shop has some of the best sushi in Tsukiji along with a charming old school interior and great service.

Tsukiji Sushi Sei Honten - For good reason, this is one of the more popular sushi joints in Tsukiji. Luckily, there are lots of seats in this two level restaurant, but I always love sitting at the counter so I can watch the sushi chef’s admirable knife skills.

Odayasu Jyogai - for a wide variety of Japanese style deep fried food, this is the place. You can pick from a wide variety of things like juicy pork loin, prawn, scallop, and other seafood items.

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Yurakucho Alleyways

Japan is famous for its old school alleyways (yokocho) filled with cozy eateries, pubs, and shops that hearken to a time long past. If you don’t mind rubbing elbows with locals, these are perfect for a taste of local life.

Yurakucho is one of these alleyways in Ginza and is located under the brick arches of the elevated train tracks of the JR Yamanote Line.

Most of the eateries and pubs come alive at night - use your nose, eyes, and senses to pick which ones to visit. THere’s a wide variety of sushi, izakaya, yakitori, pubs, Italian, French, and gastropubs to pick from.

Lupin

One of the most famous bars in Ginza where literary greats used to hang out - not much has changed since its 1928 opening. The bartenders are all dressed in old fashioned attire and focus on classic drinks like the Moscow Mule, Charlie Chaplin, and Golden Fizz.

Another interesting detail is that the bar closes at 11:30 pm, choosing to focus on quality cocktails rather than the party crowd.

Eat More Delicious Food

Ginza has some of the best bang for your buck restaurants such as:

Ginza Kagari Honten - one of best bowls of ramen I’ve ever had, this Michelin starred restaurant specializes in chicken based ramen.

Rokurinsha - another favorite of mine, they have one of the best Tsukemen Ramen bowls in Japan and is Dave Chang recommended.

Ginza Iwa - yet another can’t miss sushi spot - this Michelin starred sushi joint will ruin how sushi tastes back home for the rest of your life :)

Zunda Saryo - a little gem inside Daimuru Tokyo - the edamame milkshake is to die for and something we go out of our way to get every time we visit Tokyo.

For more information about where to eat the best Ramen in Tokyo:

Ginza Crossing

Only second to the Shibuya crossing in terms of sheer number, the intersection at Harumi & Chuo is right in the center of all the action surrounded by the bright lights of several famous department stores, cafes, and iconic buildings.

Ginza Station is the closest metro stop to get here.

Catch a Traditional Show at Kabukiza

One of the most unique shows you’ll ever experience, a Kabuki show combines flamboyant costumes with a unique vocal style. One show lasts several hours, which might be too long for a non Japanese speaker, so they also offer short acts called ‘hitomakumi’. You can buy these at the venue instead of buying them in advance.

You can check out the schedule and ticket info here: Kabukiza Theatre|Theatres|KABUKI WEB

Shop at Japans Largest Uniqlo

Only second in size to the Shanghai Uniqio, this massive 12 floor shop has everything you need to deck yourself out for any occasion. They have a large number of non Japanese workers here to help with any questions about tax-free shopping. Bring your passport to get your tax refund on site.

Itoya

Established around 100 years ago, Itoya is one of Japan’s oldest stationary stores. If you love stationary, you’ll be heaven here with its vast array of products from all over the world. There are also around 1,200 different types of pens and pencils to choose from. You can make your own custom notebook too.

When you’re done browsing the seemingly unlimited amounts of stationary items, there’s a beautiful cafe on the 12 floor inspired by San Francisco.

Hamarikyu Garden

For a peaceful retreat, Hamarikyu Garden was once part of a feudal lord’s residence. There is a pond in the center with a teahouse where you can enjoy a cup of tea. Interestingly, the pond is connected to the ocean so the water flow in and out with high and low tide.