Tokyu Plaza Ginza comes to Sukiyabashi Crossing

Get ready to shop ‘til you drop because the magnificent Tokyu Plaza Ginza shopping complex just opened for business at Sukiyabashi Crossing on 31st March 2016. This whopper of a facility spans 13 storeys, making it one of the largest shopping centres in the bustling Ginza district.

This isn’t your typical shopping centre: There’s a lot of history behind that gorgeous exterior. Tokyu Plaza Ginza was built on the site of the Ginza Toshiba Building, which was home to the Mosaic Ginza Hankyu Department Store for 56 years. The exterior features an Edo Kiriko cut glass motif that enhances the “vessel of light” design, a stunning sight that stands out in bold relief against the Ginza backdrop. You have to see it to believe it.

Hitoshi Uemura, president of Tokyu Land Corporation, said that the building was designed based on the concept of ‘Creative Japan – The World Gets Interesting from Here’, and he wanted to create a new Ginza landmark that combines the best of both tradition and innovation. He certainly succeeded.

Innovation is indeed at the heart of the massive complex that boasts 125 different stores: 11 don’t exist anywhere else in Japan and nine can only be found in Tokyo. Let’s not forget its 38 stores that feature famous brands with new layouts and services. Bargain hunters will also be happy to hear that the entire eighth and ninth floors will betaken up by Lotte Duty Free, making it the largest duty-free store in Japan. All this only means that if you’re visiting Japan, coming here is mandatory.

With the Tokyo Metro Ginza Station concourse connecting directly to the second basement floor and the main entrance lying right on Sukiyabashi Crossing, pulling in the crowds will not be a problem. Plus,who can resist the allure of the spacious Kiriko Lounge on the sixth floor? Take a break from shopping and bask in the afternoon sunshine that streams in through the tall windows then head to the rooftop and visit Kiriko Terrace to enjoy the lush greenery on display. Expect Ginza to get a lot more crowded once these amazing spaces open to the public.

A survey conducted by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government revealed that over half of all tourists to Japan already include a visit to Ginza in their itineraries. With the Tokyo Olympics slated for 2020, Ginza’s easy access to the waterfront will only ensure that its importance will continue to grow, with Tokyu Ginza Plaza as its shining centrepiece.