101 things to do in Ginza

This esteemed speciality store holds pride of place on a corner in Ginza 4-chome, its grand facade, complete with clock tower, being something of a landmark. Inside, the quiet halls open up onto shops filled with exclusive watches, jewellery, men's and women's fashion, and food products. Wako

As an Okinawan ‘antenna shop’, Washita spreads the region’s local specialties to the rest of Japan, focusing on foods and crafts that are hard to come by in Tokyo. (Sidenote: Ginza is home to antenna shops representing almost all of Japan’s 47 prefectures.) Washita Shop

If you just can’t get enough of stationery, this store is your happy place. The main building, which is scheduled to relocate in summer 2015, sells everyday stationery and Japanese calligraphy goods, while the annex building (K.Itoya) sells fountain pens, art tools, globes and so on, and also offers a picture-framing service. Itoya

People come from around the world for the exclusive, detailed model trains found here. They have all types, including miniature cars, and also stock a range of luxury watches and jewellery on the side. Tenshodo

Choushiya claims to have created the original Japanese croquette. Founded in 1927, it still attracts queues of hungry office workers at lunchtime and, besides its famous croquettes, it also offers sandwiches and ham cutlets on request. Choushiya

Immerse yourself in four storeys full of Japan’s favourite toys, including stuffed animals, games and character merchandise. The shop stocks a grand total of around 200,000 items. Hakuhinkan

Besides being one of Ginza’s leading high-end and historic department stores, Matsuya also offers lifestyle goods by local and international designers on the 7th floor as well as a fine collection of Japanese sake and foreign beers on the basement floor. Matsuya Ginza

Try the speciality sweet Kuya Monaka, made of a crunchy outer shell that’s filled with home-made azuki bean paste. If they’re sold out (usually you need to reserve your order), the seasonal Japanese sweets on offer are also a treat. Kuya

Known as the inventor of anpan (a sweet roll filled with azuki bean paste), this shop offers this confection in a variety of flavours, along with different styles of bread. Head upstairs for the café and up another flight for Restaurant Kimuraya. Ginza Kimuraya

The flagship store of Sanrio, the company that brought Hello Kitty to life, sells all kinds of character-related items; you can even get ‘animated’ nail art done at the salon (reservations recommended, extra fees apply). Sanrio World Ginza

Founded as a tabi (socks) shop right across from the Kabuki-za, Oonoya still deals in traditional footwear, in addition to classy accessories like tenugui handkerchiefs. These beauties, decorated with the shop's original motifs, make for perfect souvenirs. Ginza Oonoya

Mikawaya specialises in the kind of food that any commoner from old Edo would recognise. Pickles and other vegetables dominate the selection, but don't forget the Irizake – a slightly sour form of seasoning that's supposed to combine nicely with roast beef. Edo Slowfood Mikawaya

Designed to express 'beautiful chaos', Ginza's Dover Street Market concept shop is a multi-brand department store teeming with one-off collaborations. Dover Street Market Ginza

As Japan’s staple carb, it’s not surprising rice has an entire shop and restaurant dedicated to it. The former is particularly impressive, stocking a seemingly endless selection of items, including a variety of grains and paraphernalia. Akomeya Tokyo

The largest Uniqlo branch in Japan, the 'fast fashion' empire's global flagship sprawls across 12 floors and carries just about any kind of clothing you could ask for. There's a tax-free counter on the premises. Uniqlo Ginza

Housing everything from a hair salon to a skincare counselling lounge and a 'Beauty Marche' cosmetic product zone, Shiseido's flagship complex fulfils any and all cosmetic needs. They offer make-up lessons, have a photo studio, and sell a world-famous lineup of beautifiers, too. Shiseido The Ginza

Ginza is full of shops with notable histories, but Toraya stands out even among such stiff competition: they've been making traditional Japanese confections since early 16th century – more than enough time to perfect the recipes. Toraya Ginza

Featuring over 2,500 kinds of top quality chopsticks made from natural wood sourced from all over Japan and lacquered with non-chemical Japanese urushi, this store both curates and creates its products, which also include chopstick rests and goods for kids. Ginza Natsuno

Founded in Kyoto back in 1663 and run by the same family ever since, stationery maker Kyukyodo has been providing incense to the Imperial Court since the Edo period. Having undergone only minimal changes since those days, their wares make for gorgeous gifts. Kyukyodo

Established in 1673 and now a recognisable landmark in the area, Ginza Mitsukoshi is one of the oldest department stores in Japan. The bronze lions guarding the entrance are a popular meeting spot. Ginza Mitsukoshi

Fans of miniature trees will have a field day marvelling at Uchikuan's bonsai selection, which ranges from palm-sized specimens to centuries-old masterpieces. The shop also carries a wide range of bonsai books and growing equipment. Ginza Uchikuan

Tile-shaped Japanese cookies with pretty seasonal designs and 'Japanese-style pancakes' served at the second-floor café are some of the highlights at this venerable snack shop that's been in business for over two centuries. Ginza Matsuzaki Senbei

Emphasising the 'beauty of everyday use', Takumi specialises in folk crafts from Japan, the rest of Asia and Latin America. If it's a unique souvenir you're after, this should be your stop. Ginza Takumi

Need a vintage kimono or some collectable cups? You'll be sure to find whatever antiques you're after at this two-floor mall packed with quirky shops and stalls. Antique Mall Ginza