Ginza is not just a shopper’s paradise, it’s also a foodie’s haven with a multitude of cuisines from around the world. From historical eateries to bustling izakaya, here are five places you can bookmark for your next Tokyo trip.
1. GINZA kIMURAYA – bIRTHPLACE OF aNPAN
Many of us have fond memories of munching on a warm an pan for a quick breakfast or after-school snack. But did you know that this bite-sized comfort food was supposedly born in the heart of Ginza?
Ginza Kiuraya is a heritage bakery of almost two centuries, having opened its doors in 1869. The sakura an pan, its signature bun, is said to have been originally requested by Emperor Meiji in 1875.
While most visit Ginza Kimuraya for its bakery, it is actually a multi-storey building that consists of various in-house dining experiences. The second level houses a Western-style cafe that serves elegant sandos and other breakfast sets.
Full review here.
Address: Japan, 〒104-0061 Tokyo, Chuo City, Ginza, 4 Chome−5−7 銀座木村家
Google Maps
Nearest Station: Ginza
Opening Hours: 10am – 8pm daily
Contact: +81 3 3561 0091
2. 9th Keisuke – Duck Ramen Located 5 Minutes from Uniqlo Flagship Store
I stumbled upon 9th Keisuke on my first night in Ginza, when an extended shopping trip at the Uniqlo Flagship Store led me in search of food places that were open past 9pm, when most other joints would have closed shop.
If you’re not up for braving the crazy long queue time at 9th Keisuke’s prolific neighbours, this is a pretty decent spot to satiate ramen cravings. True to the Keisuke Ramen chain, 9th Keisuke has its own specialty and it is duck ramen.
The Duck Ramen with Thick Soup (¥1,110 – ¥1,550) is a must-try, with a broth that is intensely flavoured and elevates the ingredients in the bowl.
Address: 6 Chome-12-15 Ginza, Chuo City, Tokyo 104-0061, Japan
Google Maps
Nearest Station: Higashi-Ginza
Opening Hours: 11am – 10pm daily
3. Gyoza Hohei – Delicious Ginger Gyoza with Special Sauce
If the name Gyoza Hohei rings a bell to you, that’s because it is the sister location to the legendary Kyoto-based eatery of the same name.
Gyoza Hohei serves up hanetsuki gyoza– a style of gyoza with additional crisp layers in a wing-like form. There are two flavours available, standard and ginger. Each individual gyoza is practically bite-sized, so you can safely polish off both flavours even if you are dining solo.
Address:Japan, 〒104-0061 Tokyo, Chuo City, Ginza, 8 Chome−7−9 金六ビル 1F
Google Maps
Nearest Station: Shimbashi
Opening Hours:
Monday to Friday: 5pm – 1am
Saturday: 12 – 3pm, 4 – 10pm
Contact: +81 3 6274 6960
4. Ginza Wakamatsu – Birthplace of Anmitsu
Fancy eating a piece of Japan’s history?
Ginza Wakamatsu is a traditional dessert shop whose history spans over 100 years. Tucked away in an unassuming corner of Ginza Core Building, right next to the Prada store, this storied place was the very one to introduce anmitsu, a classic dessert that was created in 1930.
Walking in, you would never suspect that Ginza Wakamatsu was where one of Japan’s most iconic and popular sweets was born. The interior is unapologetically old-school, yet everything looks well-maintained and clean. With refreshing traditional desserts on its menu, this is the perfect spot to catch a break from the summer heat!
Read my review here.
Address: 5 Chome-8-20 Ginza, Ginza Core, Chuo City, Tokyo 104-0061, Japan
Google Maps
Nearest Train Station: Higashi-Ginza
Opening Hours:
Wednesday to Sunday: 11am – 5.30pm
Closed on Monday and Tuesday
Contact: +81 3 3571 0349
5. Bistro Fukimimi Corridor – Yakitori in a Modern-Style Izakaya
I first visited Bistro Fukumimi Corridor, a modern-style izakaya located along Ginza Corridor, with my colleagues during a work trip. Its main premises is actually located underground, and you can hear the impending bustle of the dinner crowd as you make your way down.
It’s impossible to resist the inviting aromas of yakitori being grilled to order. Yakitori ranges from ¥250 – ¥605 a stick, with crowd-pleasers such as chicken thigh and pork belly. Those feeling adventurous can also try other selections such as beef tongue and chicken heart.
Read my review here.
Address:コリドー街GINZAはなれB1F, 6 Chome-2-先 Ginza, Chuo City, Tokyo 104-0061, Japan
Google Maps
Nearest Station: Ginza
Opening Hours: 4pm – 11.30pm daily
Contact: +81 3 6274 5533/ Reservations
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