In the Edo era, Ginza was town for cratmen, and people went to neighboring Nikonbashi to shop. But today, the real Tokyo experiences are soaking up the hustle and bustle and revelling in the pockets of calm. The streets of "The Ginza" as it is known to foreigners, are lined with neon signs, department stores, boutiques, bars and restaurant.

Ginza is the most famous shopping area in Tokyo: it is opulent, vital and popular, and is the place to be seen emptying your wallet. Ginza is overflowing with small private galleries, too, making it a lovely place to browse even if one is not looking to buy. Ueno-koen Park, north of the centre, has some of Japan's best museums and galleries. The Tokyo National Museum holds the world's largest selection of Japanese art; the National Science Museum is a massive free-for-all packed with scientific goodies; and the Shitamachi History Museum is a recreation of the plebeian downtown quarters of old Tokyo.

The name "Ginza" comes from the fact that in the Edo Period the town was home to the government silver foundry. "Gin" means "silver mint" in Japanese. Ginza is also known for having the most expensive land prices not only in Japan, but in the whole world !