101 things to do in Ginza

51. Slice into omurice...

Just near Kabuki-za theatre, this restaurant draws in lunchtime crowds with its fluffy omurice (omelette with fried rice). The dish takes a little time to prepare but it’s worth the wait. You map and opening hours

52. Upgrade your pencil set...

This specialist pencil and ballpoint pen shop – tucked away on a back street – is jam-packed with new and retro-styled stationery. If you’re looking for a gift, go for the lacquered pencils, made using traditional techniques. Gojuon map and opening hours

53. Have a fruity dessert...

Founded in 1894, this fruit dealer offers only the highest quality seasonal wares and is particularly famed for its delicious Ginza Parfait, served at its Fruit Parlor. Ginza Sembikiya map and opening hours

54. Finish your look with a hat...

With a selection of original and curated hats from stores like Borsalino and Christie’s, this millinery shop, which has been around since 1917, will surely bring you to the end of your hat hunt. Look for the chic Woven Roller Panama. Toraya Hat Shop map and opening hours

55. Upgrade your hanky...

Founded as a tabi (socks) shop right across from the Kabuki-za, Oonoya still deals in traditional footwear, in addition to classy accessories like tenugui handkerchiefs. These beauties, decorated with the shop's original motifs, make for perfect souvenirs. Ginza Oonoya map and opening hours

56. Fill up on katsu curry...

Founded shortly after WWII, this restaurant is credited with inventing katsu curry, a popular dish in Japan consisting of breaded, deep-fried pork or chicken cutlets placed on top of curry rice. Ginza Swiss map and opening hours

57. Buy blooms from around Japan...

Unlike conventional flower shops, this one primarily stocks wild grass. The seasonal plants and blooms they stock may be simple, but they're sourced from all over Japan and hold a certain charm. Nonohana Tsukasa map and opening hours

58. See history preserved...

A remnant of the freight trains that ran between Shiodome Station and Tsukijishijo Station from 1931 to 1987, this railway crossing signal was preserved at the behest of residents after the railway itself was closed. The ruins of Hamarikyu-mae Railway Crossing map

59. Eat like an Edoite...

Mikawaya specialises in the kind of food that any commoner from old Edo would recognise. Pickles and other vegetables dominate the selection, but don't forget the Irizake – a slightly sour form of seasoning that's supposed to combine nicely with roast beef. Edo Slowfood Mikawaya map and opening hours

60. Delve into a designers' market...

Designed to express 'beautiful chaos', Ginza's Dover Street Market concept shop is a multi-brand department store teeming with one-off collaborations. Dover Street Market Ginza map and opening hours

61. Sip on organic cocktails...

Owner and bartender Toshiyuki Kamiki once worked at an agricultural cooperative so he’s particular about the fruit and veggies he uses in his cocktails – they all meet the Japanese Agricultural Standards (JAS) for organic foods. You can taste the difference. Bar Yu-Nagi map and opening hours

62. Peruse art in serene surroundings...

In addition to Shiseido Parlour, cosmetics giant Shiseido's Ricardo Bofill-designed building also houses this historical, spacious gallery showcasing an international, accomplished cast of modern artists. Shiseido Gallery map and opening hours

63. Live like the Lennons...

Café Kinohana's main claim to fame is that it was once visited by John Lennon and Yoko Ono – the couple's autographs are prominently displayed inside. If you're looking to follow in their footsteps, know that John had some Colombian coffee and Yoko downed a cup of Darjeeling. Flor de Café Kinohana map and opening hours

64. See the show go on and on...

Ginza's one and only 'show restaurant' puts on a colourful parade of both cross-dressing and straight dancers, all delivering memorable performances. You'll get the gist even with zero Japanese ability. Show the Konparu map and opening hours

65. Study the art of rice...

As Japan’s staple carb, it’s not surprising rice has an entire shop and restaurant dedicated to it. The former is particularly impressive, stocking a seemingly endless selection of items, including a variety of grains and paraphernalia. Akomeya Tokyo map and opening hours

66. Devote yourself to Joe...

'Coffee Only' reads the sign outside Café de l'Ambre, which has been keeping the Ginza hordes well caffeinated since 1948. Remarkably, it's still run by the same man – centenarian Ichiro Sekiguchi, who makes no compromises when it comes to brew. Café de l'Ambre map and opening hours

67. Wow that special someone...

If you're looking to wine and dine your date at a romantic spot, this restaurant fits the bill. The wine cellar has 2,000-plus bottles of wine stacked up to the ceiling, the lights are Swarovski-crystal encrusted, and the food is beautifully presented and served from an open kitchen. It's a pure delight from start to finish. Dazzle map and opening hours

68. Keep your eyes in check...

Believe it or not, Hooters isn't just about the spunky waitresses. The Ginza outpost's spicy chicken wings combine nicely with a brew, and sports fans often gather here to watch big matches. Hooters Ginza map and opening hours

69. Get better beach sandals...

Making you forget all about shoddy flip-flops, Yoitaya specialises in artisanally crafted, traditional geta and zori sandals that can be adjusted to fit the shape of your foot and are guaranteed to up your Edo cred. Ginza Yoitaya map and opening hours

70. Conduct with a cocktail...

Model railways: they're just child's play, right? Not at Bar Ginza Panorama, a watering hole for train spotters who prefer their vehicles miniaturised. Sipping on a 'railroad cocktail' while you watch a model train speed by – how much geekier can it get? Some of the staff speak English. Bar Ginza Panorama map and opening hours

71. Fill up your wardrobe...

The largest Uniqlo branch in Japan, the 'fast fashion' empire's global flagship sprawls across 12 floors and carries just about any kind of clothing you could ask for. There's a tax-free counter on the premises. Uniqlo Ginza map and opening hours

72. Discover a whole new you...

Housing everything from a hair salon to a skincare counselling lounge and a 'Beauty Marche' cosmetic product zone, Shiseido's flagship complex fulfils any and all cosmetic needs. They offer make-up lessons, have a photo studio, and sell a world-famous lineup of beautifiers, too. Shiseido The Ginza map and opening hours

73. Combine history and bourbon...

Since opening in 1928, this bar has been frequented by Japan’s leading writers such as Kyoka Izumi and Kan Kikuchi. The interior retains hints of the Showa period and features photos of the literary clientele. Lupin, Ginza map and opening hours

74. Have a culinary flashback...

With a history dating back to the 1950s, New Castle's 'karai rice' (a kind of curry over rice) is not just about the spiciness. The thick pork stock is accented with ample veg and fruit, and reportedly tastes just like it did back in the heyday of the Showa era. New Castle map and opening hours

75. Take a booze tour of Japan...

Sip your way around Japan with nihonshu, shochu, beer and wine from every corner of the country, but be careful not to overdo it – this tiny standing-only bar doesn't really allow for drunken slacking. Kunizake-ya map and opening hours