Ginza is one of Tokyo’s most famous districts, known today for luxury shopping, dining, and modern architecture. But it wasn’t always this way. In 1612, the area was originally a silver coin mint during the Edo period, which is where the name Ginza (“silver place”) comes from.

After a devastating fire in 1872, Ginza was rebuilt as Japan’s first modern commercial district, with brick buildings inspired by Western architecture. It quickly became a symbol of Tokyo’s modernization, blending Japanese culture with Western innovation.

We will visit famous department store Ginza Six (Tsutaya book store and roof garden), Shiseido art gallery and some other spots of interest.

Omotesando is a tree-lined avenue in central Tokyo, often called Tokyo’s Champs-Élysées. It stretches from Harajuku Station to Aoyama, known for its fashion, architecture, and upscale atmosphere. Originally developed in the 1920s as an approach to Meiji Shrine, one of Tokyo’s most important Shinto shrines. Over time, it became a fashionable boulevard featuring both traditional shops and modern boutiques. Omotesando is famous for innovative and modern architecture, with buildings designed by world-renowned architects like Tadao Ando and Herzog & de Meuron. We'll see those buildings during our walk. The area blends modernity with greenery, making strolling here a visual delight.

Optional visit to: The Nezu Museum that showcases a great collection of traditional Japanese and East Asian art, including calligraphy, ceramics, and Buddhist sculptures. Surrounded by a beautifully landscaped garden, it offers a serene escape in the heart of the city. Entry ticket 1300 jpy).

Shibuya, today famous as one of Tokyo’s busiest and trendiest districts, has a fascinating history. In the Edo period, it was a small rural village located just outside the main city. Its name, written as 渋谷, literally means “bitter valley,” reflecting the area’s agricultural roots along the Shibuya River.

By the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Shibuya began to transform with the arrival of the railway. The opening of Shibuya Station in 1885 made the area a convenient gateway to Tokyo, and soon small shops, schools, and entertainment venues started to appear.

We'll see famous Shibuya crossing, Akita dog Hachiko bronze statue and more.