Tokyo Shopping The Ginza — Shiseido, 45rpm and others

The Ginza is one of Tokyo’s most popular shopping districts because of the variety of stores — expensive Western designer brands, department stores and Japanese fashion —  in such a small walkable area. Here you will find notable stores such as:

• Shiseido The Ginza: This is Shiseido’s flagship store where fans of Shiseido can sample makeup and skin care from the company’s different brands (e.g. Shiseido, Maquillage, Cle de Peau, Ayura, Benefique, Revital). On the first floor, you can try makeup products from the company’s cosmetics brands. The second floor houses the professional makeup and hair styling salon where you can schedule a makeover and get your photo taken (this is handy for those who want a good photo to post on their websites or on their company PR materials). Here you will find the company’s skin care products and the Bihada Lounge (for facial, hand and foot treatments). The third floor is devoted to Shiseido’s luxury brand, Cle de Peau. On the third floor you will find the personal beauty session lounge where you can schedule a professional makeup session or a facial treatment. Across the street is Shiseido Parlour, a red building that houses a café that serves delicious French pastries, and a restaurant (serving Western food).
• Mitsukoshi department store: This branch of Mitsukoshi has 12 floors of clothing, accessories, restaurants and in the basement, a truly amazing food hall.
• Pola: Japanese skin care company Pola has its flagship store on the main street of Ginza not far from the Shiseido store. You can also get facial and body treatments.
• Dover Street Market Ginza: This is the Tokyo outpost of Dover Street Market London and it’s truly worth a visit. It’s right behind Uniqlo. Seven storeys of modern trend-setting clothes for men and women from Comme des Garçons, Celine, Raf Simons, Maison Martin Margiela, Marni, 10 Corso Como, and more. The interior was designed by Rei Kawakubo, founder of Comme des Garçons. At the top floor, you’ll find the Rose Bakery, a well-known Paris-based cafe/restaurant.
• Ito-ya: For people who love stationery and pens (fountain pens, gel pens, mechanical pens), Itoya is a little bit of heaven on earth. There are hundreds of pens in this store in addition to paper products and beautiful notebooks. You’ll also find ink for fountain pens (Sailor, Pilot, Pelikan and more).
• 45rpm: This trendy Japanese brand has men’s and women’s clothes (the denim is especially popular). It’s a great place to shop for basics as well as accessories.

This is just a small sample of what you’ll find in The Ginza. Make sure you give yourself enough time to wander around the area. It also has a lot of art galleries and small crafts stores. How to get there: Ginza metro stop.

Shiseido The Ginza flagship store