Posted by Him on Mar 16, 2009 in
Japan 
At least once, likely more times each week, Ginza serves as the backdrop to evening news stories, people being questioned in the street or just to depict ‘typical’ Tokyo life carrying on as normal behind a newscaster trying to make a point.
Ironically Ginza in many ways is not typical Tokyo, but the idealised version of all things Tokyo, all things Japan.
Several years ago, during the late 1980s in a period now referred to as The Bubble, the main streets through Ginza were the site of the most expensive real estate on the planet. The equivalent of millions of dollars would pass from one part to another – per square meter – just to be able to purchase a small slice of the action in this part of the city.
Today, prices are still sky high, and with the global economy far more shaky and less active than it once was, it may come as a shock to most that life in Ginza continues as it always has – seemingly untouched. But that – is merely on the surface.
Company layoffs and increased numbers of sales in the excusive outlets all over Ginza are perhaps the benchmark of a Japanese icon experiencing its toughest time in decades.
The shoppers still throng the sidewalks and the department stores oggling the goodies on sale, but fewer and fewer are returning home having secured a purchase meaning that the ‘surface’ is as it always has been, but a little deeper down things are not quite as smooth. In the early 21st century, the window shoppers really are that – window shoppers.
Still, that makes it better for those looking for bargains – keep your eyes (and if you understand Japanese) ears peeled and you will find that a walk around Ginza now is far more cost effective, far better for those out for a cheap deal – but still worth saving the pennies for.
Tags: Ginza, Matsuya, mitsukoshi, Nikon, Shopping
Posted by Him on Mar 14, 2009 in
Japan Ginza is many things but one perception of the Japanese capital’s most exclusive shopping area persists above all others – the over the top prices found in every Ginza nook and cranny.
Interested dining? Impossibly expensive! Want to do a bit of shopping? Not a problem – if you have direct access to a bank vault!
These and a hundred more examples exist in regards to going out and enjoying yourself in Ginza, and whilst many top of the range locations exist in terms of eating, shopping and / or being entertained, Ginza, with a little effort, is just as affordable as any other area in Tokyo or Japan.
For eats, head off the main streets that cross at Wako and Mitsukoshi. Ginza is a grid system of streets meaning that no-one should be too lost at any point in time, and, with the see and be seen mentality that so pervades pushing prices up on those main streets, it is in the back street that some very affordable options can be discovered – especially at lunchtime when set menus go for as little as 500 yen per person. Indeed, the two places pictured – behind COACH on Harumi Dori are relatively unknown but far from the exorbitant prices found just a few metres away – the perfect pit-stop.
Shopping is another hugely popular pastime in Ginza and the big names on the main streets really do dominate in terms of guide books and the likes (as do the prices they charge) but again, head behind the main strip and have a wander around the smaller stores in the 4-chome area. Many are older, family run, and more about quality of service than inflated prices and many a good deal can be had. All you have to do is look.
Time and effort WILL pay off in Ginza – so get there, get off the main drag and enjoy.
Ginza's Back Alleys
Tags: COACH, Ginza, mitsukoshi, Wako
