The Ginza is the most exclusive and expensive shopping area in Japan. It is also known for having the most expensive real estate on earth. The streets are lined with neon signs, department stores, boutiques, bars and restaurants.

Ginza 

Among the Japanese companies in the Ginza, we found several familiar names like Coca Cola and Warner Brothers!

Wako and Miatsukoshi are two of the most famous department stores in the area. They are several stories high and each floor contains an endless selection of elite merchandise.  The French designers seem to have a strong influence on Japanese fashion.

The name Ginza comes from "silver mint" which the Shogun built in the area in 1612.  Japan, by choice, was a secluded country for over two hundred years. In 1860 they opened to foreign trade and the Ginza is where western architecture and imports were first displayed.

While at the Ginza, we visited the Sony building which showcases Sony's newest products. Near the top of the building was a restaurant where we stopped for coffee and refreshments. Learn more about the Ginza.

Explore: Ginza	Tour: Akihabara