Tokyo Day Guides
by Trip To Japan
How to Spend a Day in Ginza (Imperial palace, Nihonbashi district)
Ginza is famous for luxury shopping, fine dining, and historic charm. In just one day, you can explore high-end boutiques, stroll through the elegant streets of Nihonbashi, and take in the scenic gardens and rich history of Japan's Imperial Palace. Whether you're looking for culture, shopping, or architecture, this area has it all.
Let’s dive into the perfect itinerary for your day!
Take a Train to Ginza Station
Train Line: Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line, Ginza Line, or Hibiya Line
Recommended Stop: Ginza Station (Exit A2)
After breakfast at your hotel, go to the nearest train station. Take the Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line, Ginza Line, or Hibiya Line to Ginza Station. If you have a JR Pass, take the JR Yamanote Line to Shimbashi Station, then walk to Ginza.
What to Do in Ginza:
✔ Stroll along Chuo-dori Street and enjoy luxury shopping.
✔ Visit Ginza Six for fashion stores and a rooftop garden.
✔ Explore a variety of food and snacks in the basements of Mitsukoshi and Matsuya.
✔ Stop by the iconic Itoya (open since 1904) for Japanese stationery and paper.
✔ Shop at Uniqlo Ginza’s 12-floor flagship store.
✔ Check out traditional tea shops and wagashi (Japanese sweets) stores.
Traveller's Tip: If you head to Chuo-dori on the weekend or a national holiday, the main streets are pedestrian only from noon to 5 PM.
Mid-Morning Coffee Break in Ginza
Take a short break before continuing your adventure. Here are some great cafes in Ginza:
Cafe de L’Ambre – A cosy kissaten (Japanese-style coffee shop) known for aged coffee beans.
HIGAYASHIYA GINZA – A stylish tea house serving Japanese wagashi (traditional sweets).
TERON COFFEE & BAR – A modern café known for its strong, smooth espresso. It's quite popular so be prepared for a queue.
Visit the Imperial Palace and East Gardens
Entrance: Free
Walking Distance: 15 - 20 minutes from Ginza
What to Do at the Imperial Palace:
✔ Admire Nijubashi Bridge for a stunning palace view (the bridge is only open for special occasions)
✔ Explore the East Gardens with seasonal flowers .
✔ Visit Ote-mon Gate, a key palace entrance.
✔ See Edo Castle’s historic foundation remains.
✔ Stroll along the moat and enjoy the serenity.
Traveler’s Tip: The East Gardens, Ote-mon Gate, and Edo Castle ruins are closed on Mondays and Fridays (also on Tuesdays if Monday is a national holiday). Opening times change throughout the year, so plan accordingly.
Lunch in Marunouchi or Otemachi
After exploring the Imperial Palace, enjoy lunch in the nearby business district of Marunouchi or Otemachi, where you’ll find a variety of dining options.
Restaurant Options:
Ginhachidon ginza – Enjoy a bowl of some of the best sashima (raw fish) you can find at this price point in Tokyo.
Marunouchi Ramen Street – A collection of top ramen shops, including Rokurinsha (Tsukemen) and Ippudo (Tonkotsu Ramen) all in one place.
T's Tanten (Vegan Friendly) – A popular spot for plant-based ramen, the perfect option for vegans and vegetarians looking to taste Japanese cuisine (restaurant is inside the station gates, so you'll need to enter through the gates to get there).
Muromachi Sunaba Soba – A historical soba restaurant with handmade buckwheat noodles. Cold soba is a great option on a hot day.
Explore Nihonbashi
Walking Distance: 15 minutes from Marunouchi
Nihonbashi is Tokyo’s historical financial and commercial center, home to traditional shops, historical bridges, and cultural landmarks. Thanks to its role as a commercial center during the Edo Period (1603 - 1867) it became the starting point for many major roads in Japan and distances are measured from here.
What to Do in Nihonbashi:
✔ Visit Nihonbashi Bridge, the historic highway center.
✔ Explore Mitsukoshi, Japan’s oldest department store.
✔ Walk through COREDO Muromachi for a belnd of traditional and modern crafts and sweets.
✔ See the European-style Bank of Japan Building.
✔ Stop by Fukutoku Shrine for a true visual representation of Tokyo's old meets new energy.
✔ Visit Nihonbashi Sembikiya to indulge in Japan's most luxurious fruits.
Traveler’s Tip: If you love wagashi (Japanese sweets), visit Toraya for traditional sweets or Nihonbashi Sembikiya for extravagant fruit-based desserts.
Afternoon Coffee Break in Nihonbashi
Take a break before dinner at one of these cozy spots:
Hoshino Coffee – A classic coffee chain known for its fluffy soufflé pancakes and hand-drip coffee.
Cafe 1894 – A former bank turned cafe allows you to enjoy sweet treats and a drink as you admire the architecture.
Pokemon Cafe Nihonbashi – Family friendly cafe filled with classic Pokemon characters.
Dinner in Nihonbashi or Ginza
Finish your day with a relaxing dinner before heading back to your hotel. Here are some great options:
Japanese Cuisine:
Sukiyabashi Jiro – A legendary sushi restaurant run by acclaimed sushi master Jiro Ono (reservations required).
Tempura Kondo – A high-end tempura restaurant famous for its light, crispy tempura. You can watch as the chefs work their magic.
Shabusen – A shabu-shabu hot pot restaurant with premium meats and vegetables. Enjoy cooking your own meat in a hot, flavorful broth.
Casual & Affordable:
Kaitenzushi Nemuro Hanamaru – experience quality conveyor belt sushi right by Tokyo Station.
Ippudo Ramen – Famous tonkotsu ramen with deep umami flavors.
Vegan / Vegetarian:
Ain Soph Ginza– A quality plant-based restaurant with delicious vegan bowls and burgers. They even make vegan fluffy pancakes.
Soranoiro– A ramen shop offering vegan and vegetarian ramen options.
Traveler’s Tip: If you want a quiet dining experience, avoid the main streets in Ginza and opt for smaller alleyways. There are tonnes of small, yet delicious restaurants throughout Ginza.
Return to Your Hotel
Take the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line or JR Yamanote Line back to your station.
Tokyo Day Guides
