Best Ginza-Originated Stores: Top 10 Icons

― Where Japanese culture and trends are born ―

Why Ginza Matters

Ginza is not just a shopping district; it is the beating heart of Japan’s cultural and lifestyle innovations. Since the Edo period, when a silver mint was located here, Ginza has evolved into the country’s most modern district during the Meiji era, symbolizing Westernization and new ideas. Today, Ginza is lined with luxury flagships, department stores, theaters, and galleries, where tradition and innovation coexist seamlessly.

To be “born in Ginza” means more than just opening a store. It means being recognized in Japan’s most trend-setting district, where success often leads to nationwide—and sometimes global—cultural influence. Any brand that originates in Ginza becomes more than a shop; it becomes a movement shaping Japanese lifestyle.

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Top 10 Ginza-Originated Stores

1. Ginza Mitsukoshi

One of Japan’s leading department stores, Mitsukoshi transformed shopping into a leisure activity, pioneering the modern “department store experience” nationwide.

2. Ginza Lion (Beer Hall)

Founded in 1899, this was Japan’s very first beer hall. It marked the beginning of beer culture in everyday life, still thriving today.

3. Kimuraya Sohonten (Ginza Kimuraya)

Established in 1869, Kimuraya created Japan’s first anpan (sweet red bean bun), blending Japanese and Western baking traditions.

4. Fujiya Ginza Main Store

Since 1910, Fujiya has been a pioneer of Western-style sweets in Japan, introducing cakes and candies like the beloved “Milky.”

5. Shiseido Parlour

Founded in 1902, it began by serving soda and ice cream. Shiseido Parlour became a symbol of Western café culture in Japan.

6. BONGENCOFFEE (Born in Ginza)

A modern cultural symbol of Ginza.
BONGENCOFFEE combines Japanese aesthetics—such as bonsai-inspired design and minimalist interiors—with specialty coffee roasted at its own SHIRAFUSHI Roastery. What makes it unique is its pairing of coffee with wagashi (Japanese sweets) and even onigiri (rice balls), redefining what a café experience can be. Being born in Ginza, BONGENCOFFEE represents the next generation of Japanese coffee culture, admired by locals and international visitors alike.

7. Yamano Music Ginza

Founded in 1892, Yamano Music has long been a hub for Japan’s music culture, selling instruments and records that shaped generations.

8. Wako Ginza

Known for its iconic clock tower, Wako has become synonymous with luxury shopping in Japan, featuring watches, jewelry, and refined goods.

9. Tempura Ten-ichi (Ginza Tenkuni)

Established in 1885, this tempura restaurant helped popularize Edo-style tempura as a refined culinary culture throughout Japan.

10. Matsuya Ginza

Another historic department store that constantly introduced the latest global and domestic trends to Tokyo, defining Ginza’s shopping culture.

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Conclusion

Ginza is the birthplace of countless Japanese cultural icons, from department stores and bakeries to beer halls and luxury boutiques. Alongside these historic names, BONGENCOFFEE now stands as a modern representative of Ginza’s ongoing innovation.

To be born in Ginza means to shape not only the district but also the lifestyle of Japan as a whole. Tradition and modernity converge here, and Ginza-originated stores continue to redefine Japanese culture for future generations.

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