A base near Ginza and Tokyo Station suits a short stay in Tokyo. You walk to shops and restaurants in the evening, reach the shinkansen early in the morning, and spend less time on trains. The area is calm and polished, and it feels well kept at night. It is not the cheapest part of the city, so compare the total cost of a room before you book.
Why this base works for a short trip
A short trip leaves little time for long journeys. This area puts several things close together: the main station for the shinkansen, the shops of Ginza, and a range of restaurants. You can walk out of the hotel after a day of travel and have dinner within a few streets.
The area also gives you calm streets at night. It is quieter than the busiest districts, so you sleep well. For the city as a whole, read the Tokyo guide. For the district, read the Tokyo Station and Ginza guide.
Plan each day around one walk
A short trip works best with one main walk each day. Choose a shop street, a garden or a building tour, and leave the rest of the day free. In Ginza, a morning walk to the shops is quieter than an evening walk, and it ends in time for lunch.
Keep one plan flexible for each day. Shops close on certain days, and a rainy afternoon may suit a museum or a department store better than a walk. Decide each morning which walk fits the weather.
Shopping without a list
Ginza is known for department stores, galleries and shops with wide windows. Many of the big stores have several floors of food halls and brand shops, and some of the galleries show free exhibitions. Walk without a fixed list, and choose the shops that suit your interests.
Check opening days on the store's website before you go, because some shops close on certain weekdays. Ask the staff whether the shop offers tax-free shopping. The rules change, so check the current rules on the official website of the national tax agency before you buy.
Food near the station and in Ginza
Use Tabelog to choose restaurants. Look for recent reviews, read the menus and the photos, and check the opening days and last order times on the listing. Many restaurants in Ginza close on certain days, and some close early on holidays. Book ahead for dinner if the place accepts bookings.
For lunch, the station area has many choices, and some of them are large food halls. For a relaxed dinner, walk a few streets into Ginza, where the restaurants are smaller and the streets are quieter.
Walks near the station
The gardens of the Imperial Palace are a short walk from the station. The walk takes you past old stone walls and wide lawns, and it is calm in the morning. The brick buildings of the station are also worth a look, both inside and outside. Walk around the outside in the late afternoon, when the light is soft.
Check the opening hours and any closures of the palace gardens on the official website before you go. Some areas close for events.
Trains and the shinkansen
The station is the main stop for the shinkansen to Kyoto, Osaka and other cities. Check the timetable and the ticket rules on the operator's website or app before you travel. Allow time for the walk between the ticket gates and the platform, and for the crowds at the departure times.
Reserved seats and the exact time of departure change with the season and the day, so check them when you plan your trip. Keep your ticket and your passport ready for the gates.
Who this suits
This base suits couples who want comfort and a calm evening, and solo travellers who like to walk, shop and eat well. It is less suited to someone who wants low prices or a late night out. For a lively night, Shinjuku or Shibuya may suit you better.
Check first: Check the room rate with the taxes and the service charge included on the booking page before you pay. Check the station's exit and the walk from the hotel to the nearest line on the map. Check the rail operator's app for the route to your next city.
What to do next
Read the Tokyo Station and Ginza guide for the streets and the station, and the Tokyo guide for the rest of the city. Use the planner to fit the stay to your route, and see the guides for more help.
