SkyscraperPage Forum - View Single Post - TOKYO 2018 – Nightsky’s trip to the world’s largest metropolis

Nightsky · #13 Posted **Aug 22, 2018, 12:01 PM**

GINZA

Ginza is a shopping district in central Tokyo, part of the Chuo ward, that is very typical Tokyo for the visitor, despite getting critisim for being too western already in the 1880s, when the street was filled with lowrise brick buildings and trams.Ginza is filled with neon lights, expensive brand stores and some of the largest departments stores, like Wako (with the iconic Hattori Clock Tower), Mitsukoshi, Hankyu, Seibu and Matsuya, boutiques, restaurants and coffeehouses. Gucci, Chanel, Dior, Apple and H&M all have department stores here, some really tall and narrow. Ginza 6 (or G Six) is a large 12-storey brand new shopping arcade that features 241 stores, restaurants and a rooftop terrace with views. It was built in 2017.Tokyu Plaza is another large complex, with a sloped glass facade.

The core of Ginza is the famous Ginza Crossing, that is one of Tokyo’s most typical symbols, especially the San-ai Building with its circular shape and neon lights. On weekends some of the roads around the crossing are closed for traffic. We visited the Sony Showroom and the Nissan Showroom with futuristic concept cars. Ricoh has their headquarters in the Ricoh building. Kabuki-za Theatre is one of the few historical looking buildings in oriental style in Ginza. It is the principal theater for the kabuki drama form. It was originally built in 1911, rebuilt in 1950, then demolished and rebuilt again in 2013 to survive earthquakes. Ginza is a very expensive area to eat and shop.
Shibuya is a ward and a district, just south of Shinjuku, mostly famous for the Shibuya Crossing, where crowds of people are crossing from all sides at the same time. Surrounding this intersection are Shibuya Station, large buildings with neon lights, department stores and skyscrapers. Tower Records, a large record department store is located in the area. Shibuya is know for its fashion stores and nightlife for young people. Shibuya 109 is a circular landmark building in one intersection, housing a tall department store for young women. In the 11th century Shibuya was the site for the castle that resided the Shibuya family. Omotesando is a tree-lined avenue with fashion stores and malls with significant architecure, and the venue for the annual St Patrick’s Day parade.
In the Sendagaya district of Shibuya, you find NTT DoCoMo Yoyogi Building, one of Tokyo’s greatest landmarks. It is a 272m tall skyscraper with a clock tower and spire, built in 2000, that is extending the Shinjuku skyline and can be seen from many parks.

Ginza 015 by Nightsky, on Flickr
San-ai Building

Ginza 020 by Nightsky, on Flickr

Ginza 009 by Nightsky, on Flickr

Ginza 004 by Nightsky, on Flickr

Ginza 005 by Nightsky, on Flickr

Ginza 006 by Nightsky, on Flickr
Wako department store

Ginza 007 by Nightsky, on Flickr

Ginza 100 by Nightsky, on Flickr

Ginza 021 by Nightsky, on Flickr
Nissan Showroom, Ginza Place

Ginza 040 by Nightsky, on Flickr

Ginza 012 by Nightsky, on Flickr

Ginza 024 by Nightsky, on Flickr