Ginza Architecture Tour

Tokyo's Old and New

Ginza Tour

The treasure trove of Tokyo.

Discover small shrines and intricate designs that narrate the rich history of this fascinating district, nestled among the eye-catching boutiques.

Explore Ginza

Discover the captivating blend of history and modernity in Ginza, the heart of Japanese urban design, beginning with the era of the Shogun, as Ginza has been continuously reshaped by earthquakes and fires. On this tour, you’ll explore the district’s architectural marvels, including a historic Buddhist temple dating back to 1934, and the revitalized Louis Vuitton Namikidori, completed in 2021.

As you wander through Ginza, marvel at the works of world-renowned architects such as Renzo Piano, Toyo Ito, and Shigeru Ban. Our knowledgeable guides will share the intriguing stories behind the buildings and the visionaries who designed them. You’ll gain an understanding of how historical events have influenced architectural styles throughout the district.

Tour Detail

Duration

3.5hours by walking.
We love exploring on foot because there are so many things we can find. During the tour, we'll stop by a local cafe for a short break.
Starting at 10:00am, 1pm, and 3:30pm for twilight tour.

What's included

- A tour by an architecture expertise guide too passionate about Ginza Architecture.

- Cozy pause with drinks along the way

What's not included

- Hotel pick up and drop off

This tour is specially suitable for

those who want to delve deeply into the city's past and uncover the stories behind its transformation. Don't miss this captivating adventure through Tokyo's rich history!

Meeting Point

Meet in front of the main gate of Tsukiji Hongwan-ji Temple. To get there, take Exit 1 from Tsukiji Station (Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line), turn left, and walk straight for less than a minute.

Tour Itinerary

10:00am/1:00pm/3:30pm - Tour Start

Begin the tour at the Tsukiji Hongwan-ji temple, located adjacent to Tsukiji station. After exploring the temple, visit the Kabuki theater, which preserves the traditional style passed down through generations. Next, we'll continue on to a series of remarkable buildings, including the Nicolas G. Hayek Center, Louis Vuitton Namiki, Maison Hermes, UNIQLO TOKYO, Mikimoto Ginza 2, and the Okuno Building. .

13:30pm/4:30pm/7:00pm -Tour Finish

The tour concludes at the Ginza 4-chome intersection, where the iconic Wako building stands.

Important Notice: Heat Stroke Alert

For guests joining our tour in July, August, and September:

Tokyo summers can be extremely hot and humid, and we prioritize your comfort and safety. We strongly advise against pushing yourself in the heat to prevent any risk of heat-related illness. Depending on the day’s conditions, our walking tour itinerary may be adjusted to include more indoor visits or alternative neighborhoods using taxis or trains. If we determine that changes are necessary, your guide will explain and propose the alternative itinerary before the tour begins to ensure you are comfortable and agreeable.

In monitoring government heat stroke alerts closely, if an alert is issued for your tour day, we will notify you the day before. Should you decide to cancel the tour due to climate conditions at that point, we will provide a full refund.

Please also consider arranging a private vehicle, which allows you to enjoy the view from the car while also making visits inside buildings.

Your safety is our priority, and we want you to enjoy your experience with peace of mind.

Add-on Options

Enhance your experience with our various add-on options. Whether you prefer the convenience of a private vehicle, personalized routes, extended tours, we offer tailored solutions to make your tour unforgettable. You can even combine two tours in a single day if you wish. Choose the options that best suit your preferences and enjoy a seamless, customized journey through Tokyo’s architectural wonders.

Private Vehicle Arrangement

This is an option for arranging a private vehicle for those who are not confident in walking for long periods, want to see many buildings in a short time, or wish to enjoy Tokyo's architecture without being affected by the weather.
Hotel pick-up and drop-off are included.

Combined Tour

You have the option to combine another tour within a single day for a comprehensive experience. For instance, we curate a bespoke Ginza and Omotesando tour, completed in six hours with a brief lunch break in between. You may choose to explore these areas on foot with train transfers or opt for the convenience of a private vehicle.

Ready for the Adventure?

Testimonial

"We loved the flexibility and professionalism of Mari showing us the pearls of Ginza with her personal touch, the very open communication about her country, the people, fashion and food. Visiting buildings and getting historical insights was very interesting as well as getting to know community planning over the years. We went back again here and there and feel we know so much more now than before. Fantastic tour! Fond memories! We got a true essence of Ginza!"

Barbara from Switzerland

"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

"I would like to thank Yoshi for showing me around Ginza. He's a really great guy and I loved his stories. His explanations are a perfect mix of lighthearted humor and deep historical dives. I didn't expect to learn so much about the history of Japanese religion and local topography while also joking about cats."

Kendall from US