Researched guide · Checked on Nov 1, 2026
Ginza and Tokyo Station are next to each other in the center of Tokyo. Ginza is the city’s classic upscale shopping district, and Tokyo Station is the red-brick hub for Shinkansen bullet trains. Between them lie the Marunouchi office district and the gardens of the Imperial Palace.
Quick answer
Getting there: JR lines and Shinkansen, Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line (Tokyo Station); Tokyo Metro Ginza, Marunouchi and Hibiya lines (Ginza)
Time needed: Half a day to a full day
Best time: A weekend afternoon, when Ginza’s main street is closed to cars
Good for: Shopping, architecture, gardens and food
Plan Your Visit to Ginza and Tokyo Station & Marunouchi
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Overview
| Getting there | JR lines and Shinkansen, Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line (Tokyo Station); Tokyo Metro Ginza, Marunouchi and Hibiya lines (Ginza) |
| Time needed | Half a day to a full day |
| Best time | A weekend afternoon, when Ginza’s main street is closed to cars |
| Good for | Shopping, architecture, gardens and food |
Best Things to Do
Tokyo Station
The red-brick Marunouchi side of Tokyo Station is one of the city’s best-known buildings, and the open square in front of it is a popular photo spot. Inside and under the station there are many shops and restaurants, so it is easy to eat before or after a train trip.
- Tokyo Ramen Street gathers several ramen shops in the basement on the Yaesu side, outside the ticket gates.
- Tokyo Character Street, next to it, has shops for popular Japanese characters and anime.
Imperial Palace East Gardens
A short walk from the Marunouchi side, the East Gardens are part of the Imperial Palace grounds and open to the public. Entry is free. They are closed on Mondays and Fridays (except national holidays), over New Year, and on days of Imperial Court events. Opening hours change with the season, so check before you go. See our East Gardens guide for hours, gates and what to see.
Food & Drink
- Department store food halls in Ginza are great for sweets, bento and food gifts. See our depachika guide.
- Tokyo Ramen Street, in the basement on the Yaesu side of Tokyo Station, is an easy lunch before a train trip. See Ramen in Tokyo.
- Under the elevated railway around Yurakucho, next to Ginza, there are casual izakaya and bars popular with office workers after work.
See also How to eat out in Tokyo, our izakaya guide and Japanese food to try in Tokyo.
Best Restaurants in Ginza
Shiseido Parlour Restaurant (Ginza)
A classic Ginza restaurant for Western-style Japanese dishes such as rice omelet and meat croquettes, with an English menu page.
- English menu
- Reservations: see details
A branch of the Shinjuku tempura restaurant Tsunahachi on the 8th floor of Matsuya Ginza, a minute from Ginza Station.
- Reservations: see details
Founded in 1927 and known as Ginza's first tonkatsu specialty restaurant, now in the basement of the rebuilt Ginza Bairin building.
- Reservations: see details
Best Restaurants in Tokyo Station & Marunouchi
Nemuro Hanamaru KITTE Marunouchi
Popular conveyor-belt sushi on the 5th floor of KITTE Marunouchi, by Tokyo Station. No reservations: take a ticket at the door.
- Reservations: see details
Tempura Tsunahachi Daimaru Tokyo
Tsunahachi's tempura branch on the 12th floor of Daimaru Tokyo, about 3 minutes from Tokyo Station.
- Reservations: see details
Shopping
Ginza’s main street and department stores
Ginza is lined with department stores, flagship stores of global brands, and long-established Japanese shops. On weekends and public holidays, the main street, Chuo-dori, becomes a pedestrian zone and you can walk down the middle of the road.
| Pedestrian zone | Hours |
|---|---|
| April to September | Noon to 6:00 pm |
| October to March | Noon to 5:00 pm |
It can be canceled because of the weather or events, and over New Year.
- Department stores: the food halls in the basement are great for sweets and bento.
- Kabukiza Theatre, on the east side of Ginza, is the main theater for kabuki. See our Kabukiza Theatre page for tickets, single-act seats and access, and kabuki in Tokyo for what to expect.
- Tax-free shopping: many stores offer it to visitors. Bring your passport; the tax is refunded after the customs check when you leave Japan. See our money guide.
Where to Stay
This area is ideal if you plan day trips by Shinkansen, and it is quiet at night compared with Shinjuku or Shibuya. See four hotels we researched in Best hotels near Tokyo Station and Ginza, or compare it with other areas in our Where to Stay guide.
Search hotels in Ginza and Tokyo Station & Marunouchi
Getting There
Tokyo Station is served by many JR lines, including the Yamanote Line and the Shinkansen, the Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line and the Narita Express. Ginza Station is on the Tokyo Metro Ginza, Marunouchi and Hibiya lines, and JR Yurakucho Station is nearby. Tokyo Station and Ginza are within walking distance of each other.
New to Tokyo trains? See Trains in Tokyo and How to use Suica.
Suggested Itinerary
A full day from the palace gardens and the red-brick station to Ginza. It works best on a weekend, when Ginza’s main street is closed to cars.
- 9:30Imperial Palace East Gardens (free, closed Mon & Fri)
- The gardens open at 9:00 am and are closed on Mondays and Fridays (except national holidays).
- 11:00Tokyo Station red-brick square for photos
- The open square in front of the Marunouchi side is the classic photo spot.
- 12:00Lunch at the underground shops
- Walk to Ginza, or ride one stop by subway.
- 14:00Ginza main street (car-free on weekends)
- Chuo-dori is closed to cars from noon on weekends and public holidays.
- 16:00Depachika for sweets and gifts
- Kabukiza is on the east side of Ginza, a short walk away.
- 17:30Kabukiza gallery and shop
Kobikicho Square, the souvenir floor in Kabukiza’s basement, is open until 6:00 pm (6:30 pm on performance days). Gallery hours change with each exhibition.
Travel Tips
- Tokyo Station is huge. Check whether you need the Marunouchi side (west) or the Yaesu side (east) before you meet someone.
- If you are taking the Shinkansen, leave extra time to find your platform and buy a bento.
- Ginza is calmer in the morning. Many shops open around 10:00 or 11:00 am.
Comparing areas? See 23 Tokyo neighborhoods side by side in Tokyo neighborhoods compared.
FAQ
When is Ginza’s main street closed to cars?
On weekend and holiday afternoons, when it becomes a pedestrian zone.
Where is Tokyo Ramen Street?
In the basement on the Yaesu side of Tokyo Station, outside the ticket gates.
Are the Imperial Palace East Gardens free?
Yes. They are closed on Mondays and Fridays (except national holidays), over New Year and on days of Imperial Court events.
How long do I need for Ginza and Tokyo Station?
Half a day to a full day.
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Sources
This guide is based on the official information below, not on our own visit. Opening hours and prices can change, so please check before you go.
