Ginza and Nihombashi

Tokyo Things to See

Tokyo, Japan Dec. 08 Sun 12:41AM

6.5 / 43.8

Tokyo's Most Famous Shopping

"Ginza" means "silver mint," from the silver coin mint factory that was established in Ginza in the 1600s and stayed there until about 1800. After the Great Kanto Earthquake in 1923, it started evolving, and It is now Japan's most upscale shopping, dining, and entertainment district, with some of the world's most well-known brand names on display. 

On Ginza's main street, Chuo-dori, automobile traffic is probihibited on weekend afternoons. This makes for an especially pleasant visit to the area. 

Also of note in Ginza is the Kabuki-za theater, which is the best place to see kabuki theater in Tokyo. Tickets go from 2,000 yen (less than $20 USD) for single act. 

Nihombashi serves, literally, as the center of Japan. At least when it comes to roads- the area has been the zero marker for the national highway system since the 1960s. Before then, it was the point of origin for Japan's five main streets during the Edo period. This title has allowed the area to maintain prosperity over the centuries, and today, being adjacent to Ginza, Nihombashi is home to many department stores, restaurants, and cafes. 

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