Ginza Architecture Tour

Overview

Discover the history of Japanese urban design in a modern shopping district. Beginning in the era of the Shogun, and reborn through the tragedies of earthquakes and fires, Ginza has evolved to take on a unique character- a place where tradition meets the latest high fashion. On this tour you'll witness the district's unique character through a visit to a Buddhist temple from 1934 to the revitalized Louis Vuitton Namikidori in 2021. They are now neighbors to works by architectural icons such as Renzo Piano, Toyo Ito and Shigeru Ban. However, the charm of Ginza is not only the eye-catching boutiques facing the main street but also the small shrines that appear in the back alleys and the designs that weave the history of Ginza. It is a fascinating area that cannot be described simply as "an area of innovation and tradition", but rather as a treasure box full of surprises!

Treasure box of Tokyo: Ginza Architecture Tour by yuka yoshida

What's Included

Professional Guide too passionate about Ginza Architecture.

What's not included

Hotel Pick up

This tour is suitable for...

A history buff who wants to know deeply about how the city of Tokyo was created after the samurai era to a bright modern city now. We will be walking through backstreets to take you back in time!

Meeting point

In front of the main gate of Tsukiji Hongwan-ji temple. Get out of Exit 1 of Tsukiji station (Tokyo Metro Hibiya line), turn left and walk straight for less than a minute. Google map: https://goo.gl/maps/7c36LZz9y6ho2HxV8

10:00 / 13:00 (JST) - Tour start

Starting from Tsukiji Hongwan-ji temple adjacent to Tsukiji station. After visiting the Kabuki theater inheriting the traditional style from the past generation. We then continue on to Nicolas G. Hayek Center, Louis Vuitton Namiki, Maison Hermes, UNIQLO TOKYO, Mikimoto Ginza 2, and the Okuno Building.

13:00 / 16:00 (JST) - Tour finish

The tour finishes at the intersection of Ginza 4-chome where the Wako building stands.

Tour Pricing

Tour for 1

(1 passenger)

¥23,000/each

Tour for 2

(2 passengers)

¥15,000/each

Tour for 3

(3 passengers)

¥11,700/each

Testimonial

I have no background in architecture and no training in any fine art. This was an incredible experience. Yuki was phenomenal: patient, knowledgeable, and so enthusiastic that I hardly noticed that I was wearing a full suit in near-90 degree Tokyo heat. "I speak Japanese and live in Tokyo, but getting to tour with the Showcase team really felt like visiting a whole new city. Strongly recommend to anyone who wants to feel like they're being let in on an amazing secret that's hiding in plain sight (and who wants to learn a lot about and experience some incredible spaces)."

BYW from Japan

"We had a great time in joining the Ginza Architecture tour. Our tour guide Mari is a knowledgeable and friendly person. She showed us around those unique buildings, some are with hundred years history and some are trendy style.During the tour we know more about the architecture and the history of Ginza. We believe that if we didn’t join the tour, in our memory Ginza is just a commercial and shopping area as other areas. But now we know that Ginza is a unique place. I would highly recommend this tour."

Ellen from Hong Kong