Ginza, commercial zone, Chuo ward, Tokyo, the main shopping area of the city. The name comes from the words gin meaning “silver” and za meaning “guild”; in 1612 the Japanese government transferred its silver mint to this area. It is the most glamorous shopping district in Tokyo and one of the best-known in the world. The Ginza extends from the Kyō Bridge near the Imperial Palace grounds southwest to the New Bridge, a distance of less than 1.5 miles (2.4 km); in this space are packed together shops and department stores that attract tourists and shoppers from Japan and around the world. At night the Ginza’s bars and restaurants and their myriad lighted signs attract the patrons of numerous nearby hotels and neighboring theaters.

The Editors of Encyclopaedia BritannicaThis article was most recently revised and updated by Ethan Teekah.
Britannica Chatbot logo

Britannica Chatbot

Chatbot answers are created from Britannica articles using AI. This is a beta feature. AI answers may contain errors. Please verify important information using Britannica articles. About Britannica AI.