Ginza Department Store Guide: Mitsukoshi, Matsuya, GINZA SIX

In the heart of Tokyo, the glamorous Ginza (銀座) district is dotted with captivating department stores that attract people from all over the world. This time, we will focus on three particularly popular stores: Ginza Mitsukoshi (銀座三越), Matsuya Ginza (松屋銀座), and GINZA SIX. We will provide detailed information on each department store's unique characteristics, services, and the irresistible charm of their basement food halls (depachika), based on the latest information as of July 2026. If you are planning a shopping trip in Ginza, please use this guide as a reference.

The Charm of Ginza Mitsukoshi, Ginza's Long-Established Department Store

Located at the Ginza 4-chome (銀座四丁目) crossing, Ginza Mitsukoshi has a history of approximately 350 years, tracing its roots back to the kimono store "Echigoya" (越後屋) founded in 1673. In 1904, it declared itself Japan's first department store. In 2010, it underwent an expansion and renovation, evolving into the largest department store in the Ginza/Yurakucho area.

Ginza Mitsukoshi pursues not only "newness of goods" but also "richness of spirit," proposing new Ginza-style experiences in all aspects of "clothing, food, housing, leisure, and knowledge" (衣食住遊知). Particularly in the women's accessories sector, it is said to boast one of the highest average customer spending amounts nationwide, offering an extensive selection of prestige brands.

Ginza Mitsukoshi's Tax-Free Counters and Services

For foreign tourists, convenient tax-free services are available at "Japan Duty Free GINZA," an airport-style downtown duty-free store located on the 8th floor of the Main Building. This was the second airport-style downtown duty-free store to open in Japan, following Okinawa (沖縄). To purchase duty-free items, you will need your passport and flight information for departing overseas from Narita Airport (成田空港) or Haneda Airport (羽田空港) within 60 days. Additionally, foreign currency exchange machines "SMART EXCHANGE" are installed on the 7th and 9th floors of the Main Building and the B1F of the New Building, allowing for conversion to Japanese Yen.

Ginza Mitsukoshi's Depachika

Ginza Mitsukoshi's depachika (B1F and B2F) is known as a trendsetter for food. It offers a wide range of products, from high-quality domestic and international ingredients to traditional flavors and the latest sweets. It is particularly strong in food and inbound tourism, attracting gourmet enthusiasts from both Japan and abroad. It's also an ideal place for souvenir shopping, offering an enjoyable space just to browse.

Ginza Mitsukoshi Opening Hours and Access (as of July 2026)

• Opening Hours:
  • Entire store: 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
  • 11th and 12th floor restaurants: 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM (may vary by store)
  • Note: The entire store will be closed on Friday, July 10, 2026, due to an event.
• Access:
  • 1-minute walk from Tokyo Metro Ginza Line, Marunouchi Line, or Hibiya Line "Ginza Station" (銀座駅) Exit A7 (closest exit) or Exit A3.

The Charm of Matsuya Ginza, Ginza's Most Historic Department Store

Matsuya Ginza opened in Ginza in 1925 (Taisho 14) and has walked hand-in-hand with the city of Ginza for over 100 years as the only department store with its main store located in Ginza. As a department store where fashion and design intersect, it offers a rich selection of international fashion and high-quality products that reflect the times.

Particularly noteworthy is the "Design Collection" on the 7th floor, which showcases excellent design goods from around the world selected by members of the Japan Design Committee (日本デザインコミッティー), earning high praise from many customers. Its modern glass exterior harmonizes with the Ginza cityscape, and at night, it is illuminated, becoming one of Ginza's symbols. Furthermore, cultural events and exhibitions, such as Japanese art and crafts (日本の美術や工芸品), are frequently held, continuously disseminating both traditional Japanese culture and new trends.

Matsuya Ginza's Tax-Free Counters and Services

Matsuya Ginza has a Foreign Customer Service Counter on the 3rd floor, where tax-free procedures and discount coupon distribution for eligible customers are handled. Additionally, there are foreign currency exchange machines and ATMs on B1F, and a World Currency Shop on the 8th floor, providing convenient services for international visitors.

Matsuya Ginza's Depachika

Matsuya Ginza's depachika (B1F and B2F) is known as "a representative presence of Ginza's depachika culture." From traditional Japanese sweets to the latest confections and famous treats from all over Japan, everything is gathered in one place, like walking through a small gourmet town. Of particular note is "GINZA FROZEN GOURMET (ギンザ フローズン グルメ)," a high-quality frozen food section located in a corner of the B2F fresh food floor. Here, approximately 55 brands and 350 types of frozen foods are available, including products that allow you to easily enjoy the flavors of Michelin Guide-listed restaurants at home. Furthermore, on June 10, 2026, the beef bowl chain "Matsuya" (松屋) opened its first permanent department store location, "Matsuya PREMIUM Ginza Store" (松屋PREMIUM 銀座店), on B1F, attracting significant attention.

Matsuya Ginza Opening Hours and Access (as of July 2026)

• Opening Hours:
  • B2F - 8F: 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
  • Every Sunday or the last day of a long holiday weekend: until 7:30 PM
  • 8th floor Restaurant City GINZA: 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM (last order 9:00 PM)
  • Note: Opening hours may change depending on the season, so please check the official website before your visit.
• Access:
  • Directly connected to Tokyo Metro Ginza Line, Marunouchi Line, or Hibiya Line "Ginza Station" (銀座駅) Exit A12.