101 things to do in Ginza

76. Feel five centuries of tradition...

Ginza is full of shops with notable histories, but Toraya stands out even among such stiff competition: they've been making traditional Japanese confections since early 16th century – more than enough time to perfect the recipes. Toraya Ginza map and opening hours

77. Fly to meat paradise...

The beauty of melt-in-your-mouth wagyu is on full display at this carnivore heaven specialising in sukiyaki and shabu-shabu. High rollers might want to book a private room complete with on-site cooking service. Ginza Yoshizawa map and opening hours

78. Trace the origins of 'yoshoku'...

One of the first restaurants in Japan to serve locally adapted 'Western' cuisine, Rengatei regularly attracts queues of gourmands aching to taste some omelette over rice, crispy pork cutlet or deep-fried oysters. Rengatei map and opening hours

79. Upgrade your chopsticks...

Featuring over 2,500 kinds of top quality chopsticks made from natural wood sourced from all over Japan and lacquered with non-chemical Japanese urushi, this store both curates and creates its products, which also include chopstick rests and goods for kids. Ginza Natsuno map and opening hours

80. Choose the fanciest fusion...

In Ginza, even 'yoshoku' (Western-style cuisine) is luxurious. It gets the gourmet treatment here, with the beef stew and the Japanese tiger prawn au gratin being two of the highlights. Lunch sets start at ¥4,800. Gin-En-Tei map and opening hours

81. Stay on the righteous path of ramen...

Loved by locals for more than half a century, the ramen here treads the path of tradition with soy sauce-based soup and medium-thick noodles. Those looking for variety will enjoy the takenoko-soba ('bamboo shoot noodles'). Kyoraku map and opening hours

82. Descend into a warped world...

Found in a nondescript basement, this gallery moved to its current spot in 2013 and hosts unique exhibits including erotic (think 'love doll' displays), avant-garde and gothic style paintings, photos and cartoons – a lineup quite unlike anywhere else. Also hosts regular events. Vanilla Gallery map and opening hours

83. Savour timeless treats...

Japanese confectionery and café Ginza Wakamatsu has been in business for well over 100 years and continues to attract sweets lovers with its classic anmitsu, a combo of jelly, sweet bean paste, fruit and syrup. Ginza Wakamatsu map and opening hours

84. Smell incense fit for an emperor...

Founded in Kyoto back in 1663 and run by the same family ever since, stationery maker Kyukyodo has been providing incense to the Imperial Court since the Edo period. Having undergone only minimal changes since those days, their wares make for gorgeous gifts. Kyukyodo map and opening hours

85. Acquire a modern kimono...

Striving to create kimonos fit for 21st-century streets, these innovators are extremely selective when it comes to fabric, using only the newest, fully domestic silk. Stroll the streets of Ginza in one of their creations and you'll be sure to turn heads. Motoji map and opening hours

86. Munch on a sugary treat...

Beginning with the doorknob, this shrine to doughnuts employs round shapes extremely liberally, making for a shop that looks like something Alice could have found down the rabbithole. Don't miss out on the Magical Choco Ring, their signature treat. Heart Bread Antique map and opening hours

87. Pretend you're a kabuki star...

Looking for a touch of traditional class? Dress up in authentic kabuki garb and have your picture taken, or rent a kimono for a stroll around Ginza. Studio-Alice Kabuki Photo Studio map and opening hours

88. Visit a piece of retail history...

Established in 1673 and now a recognisable landmark in the area, Ginza Mitsukoshi is one of the oldest department stores in Japan. The bronze lions guarding the entrance are a popular meeting spot. Ginza Mitsukoshi map and opening hours

89. Hug a tiny tree...

Fans of miniature trees will have a field day marvelling at Uchikuan's bonsai selection, which ranges from palm-sized specimens to centuries-old masterpieces. The shop also carries a wide range of bonsai books and growing equipment. Ginza Uchikuan map and opening hours

90. Bet on a bitter kick...

Green tea like you've never had it before – the 'ocha-presso' at this shop/café is a superb espresso version of traditional green tea. Take time to browse the rest of the extensive leaf selection as well. Uogashi-meicha Cha Ginza map and opening hours

91. Feast on fowl...

An enduring carnivores' favourite, Bird Land cuts up branded chicken from Ibaraki in every way imaginable, serving up fine fowl in skewered, grilled, pâté-ed and boiled form. The wine and sake lists are worth exploring, too. Bird Land Ginza map and opening hours

92. Bite into a venerable cracker...

Tile-shaped Japanese cookies with pretty seasonal designs and 'Japanese-style pancakes' served at the second-floor café are some of the highlights at this venerable snack shop that's been in business for over two centuries. Ginza Matsuzaki Senbei map and opening hours

93. Appreciate art in stylish surroundings...

Now home to around 20 art galleries, these 1930s apartments were once some of the most luxurious abodes in the neighbourhood. When visiting, make sure to check out the retro tiled exterior and Ginza's oldest manually operated lift. Okuno Building map and opening hours

94. Find the finest folk crafts...

Emphasising the 'beauty of everyday use', Takumi specialises in folk crafts from Japan, the rest of Asia and Latin America. If it's a unique souvenir you're after, this should be your stop. Ginza Takumi map and opening hours

95. Appraise offbeat sushi offerings...

There aren't many sushi shops that boast their own in-house 'vegetable sommelier', but Aoki doesn't aspire to be ordinary. Conventional nigiri line up next to vegetarian varieties, made from the finest seasonal produce, while choices like bagna càuda and wagyu skewers add to the fusion symphony. Sushi & Vege Japanese Cuisine Aoki Ginza map and opening hours

96. Browse time-honoured treasures...

Need a vintage kimono or some collectable cups? You'll be sure to find whatever antiques you're after at this two-floor mall packed with quirky shops and stalls. Antique Mall Ginza map and opening hours

97. Stretch your jaw...

'American size' isn't just a marketing trick here – these huge, hearty sandwiches are available for take-out and will satisfy even the most ravenous of eaters. The egg version is their most popular offering. American map and opening hours

98. Have curry with your chicken...

‘Would you like dorai kare (curried rice) with that?’ the staff invariably ask customers when they place their first order at this upscale yakitori restaurant. Trust us: just say yes. Ginza Torishige map and opening hours

99. Gulp a green drink...

Aojiru ('green juice'), the kale-based nutritional drink famed for its bitterness, is the only thing on sale at this retro shop boasting a dedicated, predictably healthy following. Ginza Aojiru Stand map and opening hours

100. Sip whisky with the ladies...

Named after Suntory's famed single malt, this elegant bar draws patrons both with its refined atmosphere and its all-female staff, who really know their way around the selection. Ginza Yamazaki map and opening hours

101. Catch a kabuki play...

First built in 1889 and beautifully restored in 2013, the Kabuki-za is an iconic symbol of Ginza, combining the tradition of kabuki with state-of-the-art viewing aids (extra fees apply). Kabuki-za Theatre map