An afternoon in Ginza

Ginza is a part of Tokyo that was properly planned since its establishment. It survived fire, was rebuilt and became a district that marked modernization, now holding the record of the most expensive land in Japan.

Ginza is the entertainment and luxury shopping district of the Tokyo, known for its numerous flagship and department stores. Beside the roads, are rows of well designed stores and remarkable window displays, the kind that would make you stop and stareGinza is refined and it puts shopping districts in other major cities to shame!

The main road, Chuo-dori, is closed to motor vehicles to give way to pedestrians on the weekends. It’s the only time you can catch street performances there, too.

Established Japanese department stores present at Ginza include like Wako that’s located at the heart of Ginza (as pictured above), Matsuya, Hankyu and Seibu.

If you’re the kind that shops at individual stores, about every other major international retailer is there e.g. Apple, Dior (as pictured above), Gucci, Chanel, Cartier and Tiffany and Co.

When it comes to shopping, everything is relatively more expensive in Japan, especially imported goods. Don’t be surprised if you see your dream bag priced at a few thousands of RM higher in Ginza, as compared to KL. Although everything is more expensive, rest assured that you’ll be spoiled for choice. In Tokyo, they always have better styles!

Huge markdowns are given on international labels on the 2nd of January of each year — their equivalent to the Boxing Day. So if you’re planning to shop there, head to Ginza right after New Year.

Whether or not shopping is your thing, just give Ginza a visit. You’ll be amazed at its sight and its offerings. Promise.