Take a stroll down Ginza!Japanese brand showroom tour2012.10.

Ginza lies in the heart of Tokyo. When people think of Ginza, they imagine a high-fashion district that is not meant for regular folks. In reality, though, there are many relaxing and fun spots for everyone. This time, we took a stroll down Ginza and visited different showrooms to rediscover Japan.

Starting place for tourists in Japan: Tourist Information Center (TIC), JNTO

Our goal was to “enjoy Ginza without spending money!” So, we started by going to the Tourist Information Center (TIC), JNTO in Marunouchi. It is operated by the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO). There are staff who can speak four different languages: Japanese, English, Chinese, and Korean. They provide plans for sightseeing based on people’s requests and their abundant knowledge and hospitality. On the first floor, there are many maps and pamphlets, and on the second floor, there are various foreign-language publications. There is also free Wi-Fi access on both floors, and on the second floor there are computers that you can use to access the internet and where you can sit and talk. This center can also answer questions by telephone, so don’t hesitate to call.
Based on our request for enjoying a stroll down Ginza, they recommended that we take a “Japanese brand showroom tour”. Ok, sounds good! Let’s go!
 
Tourist Information Center (TIC), JNTO
Shin-Tokyo Building, 3-3-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-Ku, Tokyo
TEL.: 03-3201-3331
Open Hours: 09:00 - 17:00
Closed: January 1st
Access: From Tokyo Station, take the JR Yamanote Line and get off at Yurakucho Station (1 to 2 minutes). The Tourist Information Center is 1 minute on foot from Yurakucho Station.


 

Fully experience “World-famous Sony”: Sony Building

Next-generation 3D experience! First of all, we visited the Sony Building where one can play with products from the world-famous brand, Sony. In the four floors of showrooms, the latest products are on display. On the fourth floor there is a tourist floor where you can get your hands on the latest products that can be used overseas including digital cameras, Handycams®, and headphones. You can also have a design or message engraved, which is helpful when selecting souvenirs. If you use the personal concierge service (reservation required), you can even experience audio systems and home theater systems in a private room!
 
Sony Building
5-3-1 Ginza, Chuo-Ku, Tokyo
TEL.: 03-3573-2371
Open Hours: 11:00 - 19:00
Closed: 1/1, Two non-calendar holidays a year
Access: From Tokyo Station, take the Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line and get off at Ginza Station (3 minutes). The Sony Building is 1 minute on foot from Ginza Station.


 

Have fun seeing and playing with cameras: Nikon Plaza Ginza / Canon Digital House Ginza

Next, let’s visit Japan’s famous camera manufacturers! There are two showrooms for Japanese camera companies in Ginza. At Nikon Plaza Ginza, there is a hands-on corner where you can try out the latest products. Photo exhibitions from popular photographers are regularly on display. There is also a reliable Service Center where you can learn about repair and maintenance methods.
 
At Canon Digital House Ginza, there is a popular hands-on corner where you can participate in workshops, and an experience corner where you can feel the real charms of the products. You can also recharge your camera battery, which is great for travelers!
 
Nikon Plaza Ginza
1F, 2F, Strata Ginza Bldg., 10-1, 7-chome, Ginza, Chuo-Ku, Tokyo
TEL.: 03-5537-1434
Open Hours: 10:30 - 18:30
Closed: Year-end and New Year holidays, Specified days
Access: From Tokyo Station, take the Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line and get off at Ginza Station (3 minutes). Nikon Plaza Ginza is 3 minutes on foot from Ginza Station.


 
Canon Digital House Ginza
1F Tolerance Ginza Building, 3-9-7 Ginza, Chuo-Ku, Tokyo
TEL.: 03-3542-1801
Open Hours: 10:30 - 18:30
Closed: Sundays, Public holidays, Year-end and New Year holidays
Access: From Tokyo Station, take the Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line and get off at Ginza Station (3 minutes). The Canon Digital House Ginza is 3 minutes on foot from Ginza Station.


 

See the latest cars: Nissan Ginza Gallery

For those who love driving, cars are a major attraction in Japan. At the Nissan Ginza Gallery, the latest cars from Nissan are on display for you to view and touch. Visitors are captivated by cars with cutting-edge technologies.
At the racecar exhibition event, attendant workers navigate actual races in addition to car performance. At the heritage event, you can feel the trends of each period by viewing each generation of Nissan vehicle, so even if you’re not a car enthusiast, you can still enjoy yourself.
 
Nissan Ginza Gallery
1F Sapporo Ginza Building, 5-8-1 Ginza, Chuo-Ku, Tokyo
TEL.: 03-3572-4778
Open Hours: 10:00 - 20:00
Closed: Specified days
Access: From Tokyo Station, take the Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line and get off at Ginza Station (3 minutes). The Nissan Ginza Gallery is 1 minute on foot from Ginza Station.


 

The secret to Japanese beauty: SHISEIDO THE GINZA

Women will be happy to visit SHISEIDO THE GINZA, which is a showroom for cosmetics that has attracted a great deal of attention since it opened last year. Throughout all three floors there are salons and studios where you can fully take in Shiseido’s world of beauty.
 
The BEAUTY MARCHE on the first floor is highly recommended. All cosmetics from Shiseido are on display and you can try on most of them. Using the “future mirror” touch panel information terminal, you can virtually try on different makeup. You really must stop by each room for each brand. After visiting, you will definitely feel more beautiful!
 
SHISEIDO THE GINZA
7-8-10 Ginza, Chuo-Ku, Tokyo
TEL.: 03-3571-7735
Open Hours: 11:00 - 20:00
Closed: Specified days
Access: From Tokyo Station, take the Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line and get off at Ginza Station (3 minutes). SHISEIDO THE GINZA is 7 minutes on foot from Ginza Station.


 

Monthly Magazine INDEX