Spend a full day exploring Ginza, the Imperial Palace, and Tokyo Station, three of Tokyo’s most fascinating areas. This guide will take you through elegant shopping streets, peaceful palace grounds, and the historic charm of Tokyo Station. It’s the perfect mix of culture, history, and fun.
Where: Grand Prince Takanawa Hotel
Opening Hours: 06:30 – 10:00
Start your day with a buffet breakfast at Grand Café Patio. The menu includes Japanese dishes like miso soup and grilled fish, as well as Western favorites such as eggs, pastries, and fruit.
After breakfast, take a pleasant 8-minute walk (600 meters) to Shinagawa Station. From here, you'll begin your journey to Yurakucho, the gateway to Ginza
Train Line: Yamanote Line (green line)
Direction: Toward Shinbashi, Yurakucho, and Tokyo Station
Enter Shinagawa Station through the Takanawa exit. Show your JR Pass at the Central Exit to access the platforms. Find the Yamanote Line, marked in green, and board a train heading toward Shinbashi, Yurakucho, and Tokyo Station.
Note: The Yamanote Line operates in two directions, so double-check the train’s destination display before boarding.
Right next to Yurakucho Station is Bic Camera, a massive electronics and household goods store. It is a paradise for tech enthusiasts and those looking for unique gadgets or practical Japanese products to take home.
Take a short walk from Yurakucho Station to Ginza. The path is easy to follow and offers a mix of historic charm and modern luxury, making it a pleasant introduction to this upscale district.
Explore some of the best spots in Ginza, where tradition meets modern luxury:
Matsuya: A historic department store with high-end brands, gourmet food halls, and beautifully displayed items perfect for window shopping or gift hunting.
Mitsukoshi: One of Ginza’s oldest department stores, offering elegant shopping and dining experiences with exceptional service.
Ginza Six: A modern shopping complex featuring luxury boutiques like Loewe, Fendi, and Delvaux. Don’t miss Tsutaya Books, an upscale bookstore with a cozy ambiance, or the rooftop garden, a quiet escape with scenic city views.
UNIQLO Ginza: One of the flagship stores of this iconic Japanese brand, spanning multiple floors and showcasing exclusive collections.
Itoya: A stationery paradise offering unique Japanese paper goods, pens, and travel items, perfect for souvenirs.
Ginza Six is home to some fantastic dining options that highlight authentic Japanese flavors:
Option 1: Yamanoue Ginza: Enjoy expertly crafted tempura at this elegant restaurant.
Option 2: Ippoh Tempura Restaurant: Located at Kojun Building 5F, this spot is known for its delicate tempura made by seasoned chefs.
Walk from Ginza: Approximately 30 minutes.
Spend the afternoon exploring the serene surroundings of the Imperial Palace. While you can’t enter the palace itself, walking around the palace grounds and visiting the iconic Nijūbashi Bridge is a must.
After exploring the palace grounds, walk 15 minutes to the Parliament Building and Prime Minister’s Residence. Though entry is not allowed, their impressive architecture and historical significance make them worth a visit.
After exploring Tokyo’s landmarks, unwind with a coffee break at one of these luxurious hotels:
Address: 1 Chome-1-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 100-0005, Japan
Phone: +81 3-3211-5211
Address: 1 Chome-9-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 100-0005, Japan (Located inside the Tokyo Station Building)
Phone: +81 3-5220-1111
If you’re ready to relax, head back to your hotel and enjoy dinner at:
Dynamic Kitchen & Bar Hibiki Shinagawa: Known for multi-course meals and high-end whiskey, this restaurant is an 11-minute walk from the hotel.
If you’d like to continue exploring, take a 15-minute walk from Tokyo Station to Nihonbashi, a district known for its historical charm and cultural landmarks. Here are some highlights to explore:
Kiya Knife Store: Famous for its expertly crafted Japanese knives, this store offers a wide selection of high-quality blades, making it an ideal spot for a unique souvenir or gift.
Nihonbashi Mitsukoshi: Visit this iconic department store, which dates back to 1673, for a mix of luxury shopping and traditional Japanese goods.
Coredo Muromachi: Explore this shopping and dining complex featuring boutique stores, cultural exhibits, and authentic Japanese restaurants.
Nihonbashi Bridge: A historic bridge that has been a symbol of the area for centuries and is perfect for a quick photo stop.
CAFÉ PAULISTA: Established in 1910, this historic cafe is known for hosting John Lennon and Yoko Ono.
CAFÉ DIOR by LADURÉE: A luxurious cafe offering French pastries.
Central Museum Ginza: Japanese art exhibits.
Ad Museum Tokyo: Focuses on advertising history.
Artizon Museum: Features modern and contemporary art.
Hachizaemon: A sushi restaurant offering authentic Japanese cuisine.
Restaurant Prunier: One of Tokyo’s oldest French restaurants.