Ginza, where is now known worldwide as a luxurious shopping town in Tokyo, used to be the centre for mint production during the Edo period. Since the majority of people living in Ginza were craftsman of mint coins, the town was named GInza (銀:silver / 座:area). This time, we took a walk in the west side of Ginza.

 

Arrived in Ginza.
To fill up our stomach first, we started with the French Café & Restaurant called "Aux Bacchanales" on the Miyuki-Dori, 6 cho-me.

It is a spacious cafe having an authentic atmosphere of Paris. You can enjoy the view of the old elementary school from the terrace seats. This Taimei elementary school has been selected as the historic building in Tokyo, and the features don't make you feel like you are in Ginza at all.

After satisfied our stomach, we went to H&M for shopping, which has opened on 13th of September on the Chuo-Dori, 7 cho-me. H&M is a Swedish low price fashion brand having more than 1,400 stores in 28 different countries, and this H&M Ginza is the first store launched in Japan. (The photo was taken a week before opening.)

There are also competitive stores such as Zara and UNIQLO on the same street, so you cannot afford to miss them.

When we walked towards the Harumi-Dori, we reached 4 cho-me intersection. On one of the corners, there is Koikorin which is the small cat statue. It is written that your wish of love will come true depending on where you touch. If you are looking for love or struggling with your love life, why don't you try to touch Koikorin?!

Koikorin is located next to a flower shop on the ground floor of San'ai Dream Center.

When we entered the Namiki-Dori, 3 cho-me, we found a small shop called "Unohana Natsuno."

The shop sells many different kinds of chopsticks. The prices vary but you will find the one for you for sure. It's open throughout the year.

There is also a second-hand shop called "rt Ginza" on the same street.

It has lots of clothes, accessories, bags and shoes in mint condition with very affordable prices. So you might be able to find the one you wanted at bargain prices!

If you are interested in architecture, this is the one for you to see.

The warped De Beers Ginza building on the  Marronnier-Dori is designed by Jun Mitsui & Associates. Because of its unique architectural style, it catches the pedestrians' eyes.

Now we came back to the Namiki-Dori. There is a hidden commercial complex called "Ginza Velvia" behind Plantan Ginza.

You could only find some high-quality shops and restaurants in a quiet and calm atmosphere.

The last spot we found was The Spain Bar & Restaurant, Vinuls. It serves great foods and drinks with inexpensive prices.

The end of the day, it is one of the best bars to visit to relax and chill.