Tokyo Day Guides
by Trip To Japan
How to Spend a Day in Ginza (imperial palace, nihombashi district)
Ginza is Tokyo’s upscale district, famous for luxury shopping, fine dining, and historic charm. In just one day, you can explore high-end boutiques, stroll through the elegant Nihombashi district, and visit the Imperial Palace, surrounded by scenic gardens and rich history. 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 food basements in Mitsukoshi and Matsuya.
✔ Stop by Itoya for Japanese stationery and paper.
✔ Shop at Uniqlo Ginza’s 12-floor flagship store.
✔ Check out traditional tea shops and wagashi (Japanese sweets) stores.
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 classic kissaten (Japanese-style coffee shop) known for aged coffee beans.
Higashiya Ginza – A stylish tea house serving Japanese wagashi (traditional sweets).
TERON COFFEE & BAR – A modern café known for its strong, smooth espresso.
Visit the Imperial Palace and East Gardens
Entrance: Free
Walking Distance: 15 minutes from Ginza
What to Do at the Imperial Palace:
✔ Walk across Nijubashi Bridge for a stunning palace view.
✔ Explore the East Gardens with seasonal flowers.
✔ Visit Otemon 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 are closed on Mondays and Fridays, 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:
Gyukatsu Motomura – Famous for deep-fried beef cutlets with a crispy coating.
Marunouchi Ramen Street – A collection of top ramen shops, including Rokurinsha (Tsukemen) and Ippudo (Tonkotsu Ramen).
T’s Tantan (Vegan) – A popular spot for plant-based ramen with rich sesame broth.
Muromachi Sunaba Soba – A historical soba restaurant with handmade buckwheat noodles.
Explore Nihombashi
Walking Distance: 15 minutes from Marunouchi
Nihombashi is Tokyo’s historical financial and commercial center, home to traditional shops, historical bridges, and cultural landmarks.
What to Do in Nihombashi:
✔ Visit Nihombashi Bridge, the historic highway center.
✔ Explore Mitsukoshi, Japan’s oldest department store.
✔ Walk through COREDO Muromachi for crafts and sweets.
✔ See the European-style Bank of Japan Building.
✔ Stop by Fukutoku Shrine for a peaceful visit.
✔ Visit Nihombashi Sembikiya for luxury fruits.
Traveler’s Tip: If you love wagashi (Japanese sweets), visit Toraya for traditional sweets or Nihombashi Sembikiya for luxurious fruit-based desserts.
Afternoon Coffee Break in Nihombashi
Take a break before dinner at one of these cozy spots:
Hoshino Coffee – Known for its fluffy soufflé pancakes and hand-drip coffee.
Kyo Hayashiya – A great place for matcha desserts and traditional tea.
Komeda’s Coffee – A comfortable café with famous thick toast and coffee.
Dinner in Nihombashi 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 (reservations required).
Tempura Kondo – A high-end tempura restaurant famous for its light, crispy tempura.
Shabusen – A shabu-shabu hot pot restaurant with premium meats and vegetables.
Casual & Affordable:
Tsukiji Sushi Say – Affordable, high-quality sushi in Ginza.
Ippudo Ramen – Famous tonkotsu ramen with deep umami flavors.
Vegan / Vegetarian:
Ain Soph Ginza – A plant-based restaurant with delicious vegan bowls and burgers.
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.
Return to Your Hotel
Take the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line or JR Yamanote Line back to your station.
Tokyo Day Guides
