101 things to do in Ginza

Refined womenswear brand Epoca The Shop opened this store, extending their eye for detail into the world of pottery, choosing items that convey a soulful expression from the artists. They also stock lacquerware and glassware. Nichi-Nichi (Epoca The Shop)

From past masters to promising newcomers, this gallery offers a wide range of inspiring art at its frequently rotating exhibits. Collectors will appreciate their appraisal and purchase guidance services. Gallery Seizan

Watch the flamboyant cocktail-creating performance of Mr Hard Shake, or Kazuo Ueda, the most famous bartender in Japan whose award-winning drinks have even found acclaim in the World Bartender Champs. Tender

Named after husband and wife poets Tekkan and Akiko Yosano, this art supply store, which opened its doors in 1917, sells its own original products including paints, brushes and pencils. Pop down to the basement floor for the gallery and café. Gekkoso

Putting a lottery stand next to a statue of Daikoku, the god of good harvest, is not a bad idea. As it turns out, this particular stand, at the central exit of Yurakucho Station, has produced an unusually large amount of winning tickets. Yurakucho Daikokuten

Style and sport come together at this urban lifestyle shop that sells both casualwear and running gear. Best of all it has a running station with recommended routes, lockers and a shower room. En Route Ginza

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

In 1993, Toshikatsu Aoki Jr took over from his father as sushi chef at this vibrant restaurant and, while he upholds his family’s culinary traditions, he is also always putting new spins on Edo-style sushi. Sushi Aoki

The owner of this leather bag store, founded in 1874, is credited with devising the kanji character for ‘bag’ and is known for quality craftsmanship that’ll make you go ‘ooh’. Ginza Tanizawa

In a cranny between the skyscrapers, this statue of the god Inari stands on silent watch, attracting entertainers hoping for the blessing of success as well as people hoping for luck in love and marriage. Toyoiwa Inari Shrine

It may look like a simple soba shop, but it's frequented by foodies who come to sample the local cuisine of Yamagata that's sold here. The restaurant uses buckwheat flour from Yamagata in their soba noodles, with the most popular item being the 'tori soba': soba and broth served with chicken meat. Yamagatada

Struggling to find shoe sizes that fit? This women’s footwear store stocks sizes up to 26cm, and expert staff will measure and customise until your feet finally find their perfect made-in-Japan shoe match. Ginza Kanematsu

Imagine Dracula invited you round for dinner – this is the kind of setting you can expect at Vampire Cafe, with its chandeliers, blood-red velvet curtains, and themed rooms like ‘Count Dracula’s Coffin’ and ‘St George’s Altar’. The cuisine is equally creative. Ginza Restaurant Vampire Cafe

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

A clothing store that emphasises the Japanese tradition of producing durable, comfortable fashion. The interior is modelled on an antique shop, so even just browsing is a pleasurable experience. 45R

Run by music producer Shinichi Osawa, this bar boasts a collection of over 3,000 records, from classics to contemporary hits, and employs top quality sound equipment to fill your night with aural pleasure. Ginza Music Bar

Pick up interesting Japanese antiques and curios that have survived through the ages, including things like beautifully crafted pipe cases and ornamental hairpins and accessories. Find it on the 1st floor of the Ginza 5 shopping mall. Yukari-antiques

Tonkatsu or pork cutlet may not be what Japanese cuisine is best known for, but it sure is pretty damn tasty. Nobukatsu Shibuya had a huge impact on how the dish is thought of and eaten today, so paying gourmet tributes at the shop he founded in 1927 feels appropriate. Ginza Bairin

Founded in 1894, this fruit dealer offers only the highest quality seasonal wares and is particularly famed for its delicious Ginza Parfait, served at its Fruit Parlor. Ginza Sembikiya

With a selection of original and curated hats from stores like Borsalino and Christie’s, this millinery shop, which has been around since 1917, will surely bring you to the end of your hat hunt. Look for the chic Woven Roller Panama. Toraya Hat Shop

Founded shortly after WWII, this restaurant is credited with inventing katsu curry, a popular dish in Japan consisting of breaded, deep-fried pork or chicken cutlets placed on top of curry rice. Ginza Swiss

Unlike conventional flower shops, this one primarily stocks wild grass. The seasonal plants and blooms they stock may be simple, but they're sourced from all over Japan and hold a certain charm. Nonohana Tsukasa

A remnant of the freight trains that ran between Shiodome Station and Tsukijishijo Station from 1931 to 1987, this railway crossing signal was preserved at the behest of residents after the railway itself was closed. The ruins of Hamarikyu-mae Railway Crossing

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

Owner and bartender Toshiyuki Kamiki once worked at an agricultural cooperative so he’s particular about the fruit and veggies he uses in his cocktails – they all meet the Japanese Agricultural Standards (JAS) for organic foods. You can taste the difference. Bar Yu-Nagi

Ginza's one and only 'show restaurant' puts on a colourful parade of both cross-dressing and straight dancers, all delivering memorable performances. You'll get the gist even with zero Japanese ability. Show the Konparu

Making you forget all about shoddy flip-flops, Yoitaya specialises in artisanally crafted, traditional geta and zori sandals that can be adjusted to fit the shape of your foot and are guaranteed to up your Edo cred. Ginza Yoitaya

Sip your way around Japan with nihonshu, shochu, beer and wine from every corner of the country, but be careful not to overdo it – this tiny standing-only bar doesn't really allow for drunken slacking. Kunizake-ya

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

The beauty of melt-in-your-mouth wagyu is on full display at this carnivore heaven specialising in sukiyaki and shabu-shabu. High rollers might want to book a private room complete with on-site cooking service. Ginza Yoshizawa

Looking for a touch of traditional class? Dress up in authentic kabuki garb and have your picture taken, or rent a kimono for a stroll around Ginza. Studio-Alice Kabuki Photo Studio

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

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

‘Would you like dorai kare [curried rice] with that?’ the staff invariably ask customers when they place their first order at this upscale yakitori restaurant in Ginza. Trust us: just say yes. Ginza Torishige

Aojiru ('green juice'), the kale-based nutritional drink famed for its bitterness, is the only thing on sale at this retro shop boasting a dedicated, predictably healthy following. Ginza Aojiru Stand

Named after Suntory's famed single malt, this elegant bar draws patrons both with its refined atmosphere and its all-female staff, who really know their way around the selection. Ginza Yamazaki