As one of Tokyo's most upscale areas, it's no surprise that Ginza is home to some impressive architecture. This guide covers five standout spots that visitors to the area can appreciate, each with their own unique design elements.
Ginza Wako
Ginza Wako is a department store known for selling a wide array of items including jewelry, porcelain pieces, and handbags, and the building itself is an iconic part of the city. The site where Ginza Wako stands was originally home to the Hattori Clock Tower, which was demolished in 1921 to make way for a new structure. This was delayed as a result of the Great Kanto Earthquake in 1923, and was originally replaced with the structure you see today in 1932— also complete with a clock. The design is inspired by both art deco and neoclassical architectural styles which were popular at the time.
4-5-11 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104-8105
V88 Building
Formerly known as the site of De Beers Ginza, the V88 Building has an interesting stainless steel façade with a warped appearance. The curved shape is said to be inspired by the female silhouette and gently curving light beams, and the use of stainless steel sought to reflect the vibrant lights of the area. The building is the work of Jun Mitsui and Associates, an architectural firm with an extensive portfolio of residential and commercial designs both in Japan and abroad.
2-chōme-5-11 Ginza, Chuo City, Tokyo 104-0061
Mikimoto Ginza
Designed by Toyo Ito and Associates, the Mikimoto Ginza building is another Tokyo structure with a unique façade. The windows of the building are made up of irregular shapes, and after dark is when the true beauty of the design is really shown. Illuminated in a variety of different colors, the windows shine like precious gems — it's quite a fitting design for a jewelry store!
2 Chome-4-12 Ginza, Chuo City, Tokyo 104-8145
Yamaha Ginza
Standing thirteen stories high, the Yamaha Ginza building was designed by the Nikken Sekkei firm, and the façade's diagonal grid was inspired by the fluidity of music. In addition, the gold panels laid out in a random configuration were intended to represent brass instruments like saxophones and trumpets. The venue itself contains a number of music-related facilities, including retail stores, music schools, and concert halls.
7 Chome-9-14 Ginza, Chuo City, Tokyo 104-0061
Ginza Place
Ginza Place is the work of architecture firm Klein Dytham, and its design was intended to capture the energy of the intersection it sits on. The unique lattice-style façade was inspired by the Japanese artform of sukashibori where a foreground design is left intact, while background areas are cut away and removed. The venue itself is home to showrooms for brands like Sony and Nissan, plus event spaces and restaurants.
5 Chome-8-1 Ginza, Chuo City, Tokyo 104-0061
